People rally at the Coos Bay Boardwalk on the Fourth of July in celebration of Independence Day. Speakers spoke about socialism, liberty and taxes to a crowd of about 100. World Photo by Madeline Steege

COOS BAY — Hours before fireworks exploded above the Coos Bay Boardwalk, sign-toting protesters launched a verbal volley against the country’s leaders.

Speakers criticized President Barack Obama for continuing the practice of deficit spending while proposing new initiatives such as health care reform.

Men and women stood along the U.S. Highway 101, bursting into cheers when passing cars honked. Others sat and listened to a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Organizers said they collected more than 100 signatures from participants at the Coos Bay “Tea Party.” They said gatherings in Bandon and Port Orford attracted crowds of 75 and 50.

Robert Taylor of Bandon said he planned to send the signatures to state and federal lawmakers to let them know what their constituents think.

Judging from the signs, the protesters had a variety of reasons for attending.

One woman carried a sign declaring her support for Israel. Several others decried the federal bailouts, and Obama attracted the wrath of many.

Mike Esses, a Reedsport retiree, said he put aside his normal July 4 fishing and barbecuing to take up a post along 101. His sign read “Obama: Marxist/Racist/Liar/Traitor,” though he explained that his concerns went beyond the leadership of the 44th president.

“My problem is with anyone who wants to expand government,” he said.

Carda Morrison was more specific. A former Canadian living in Hillsboro, Morrison recently obtained her American citizenship and is dismayed by talk of universal health care. She recalled how some of her relatives died waiting for cancer surgery.

“It stinks. It’s the worst thing ever,” she said. “You get really terrible health care and really high taxes.”

Joining Morrison at the protest were her four children. She said it was important for them to see free speech in action.

“I want my kids to have that passion and patriotism that I feel as well,” she said.

Bill Tomlinson, a disabled postal worker from Coos Bay, brought his daughter, too. He kicked off the event by reading the Declaration of Independence, interspersing it with comments about current events.

“They continue to take your goods, your labor and your money and give it to those who refuse to work,” he said.

Several of the people who attended Saturday’s protest had also attended similar demonstrations April 15. Monty Stewart, an organizer from Reedsport, said he thought the events were making an impact by getting people to think. He noted that the American Revolution started from humble beginnings.

“You can do a lot with a small band of people,” he said.