Burlington, Vermont -- July 4, 2009

Independence Day brought parades, picnics and parties -- as well as another American tradition, readings of the Declaration of Independence. But some Vermonters are worried that economic and political events of the past year pose a threat to the nation's survival.

That's where the Tea Party movement comes in. Reading from the Declaration of Independence, Rutland lawyer Steven Howard warned that Americans are losing control of their own government.

"...Because we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." he read aloud.

Nobody here knew in advance how many people would turn out for a tea party. It was one of hundreds that were planned around the country on Independence day, folowing an initial flurry of protests on tax day, April 15. They heard speakers who warned that high taxes, and the rapidly escalating national debt, are undermining the Constitution.

"The truth of the matter is, is that our government has gone out of control," Howard told a crowd of more than a hundred. "We have let loose the leash and now it's running rampant."

They said they came to show their concern over the course of events in the nation's capital -- and in Montpelier. For some it comes down to a fear that the country is going socialist at the expense of traditional values -- like charity. Margaret Chalmers of Essex Junction told Channel 3, "We as Americans can take care of each other, and we have in the past and we will do it in the future. The government doesn't need to tell us how to help each other."

Tea party organizers say this is totally non-partisan, but it took on a political dimension over food donations at this event. A volunteer for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf refused to take part after learning what it was. The Food Shelf later apologized, but said the volunteer did not speak for it. Meanwhile, the food will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Others ceremonially signed a copy of the document that gave the country its start, the Declaration spelling out why the United State chose a course of individual freedom, which many here fear is under attack -- on Independence day.

Andy Potter -- WCAX News