In Bemidji, Minnesota, a headline speaker for their “Freedom Over Socialism” rally was state Rep. Mary Seifert, one of the leading Republican candidates for Governor, who warned of government taking away everyone’s personal freedom: “Now suddenly we tell you that you have to wear your seat belts or someone is gong to come racing down the road and fine you.” Another speaker, former state legislative candidate John Carlson, spoke favorably of the Articles of Confederation.

— TPM talks about the fun times at the new Tea Party gatherings around the U.S.