HOUSTON -- Protesters in the Houston area joined others around the country to rally against tax day with "tea parties."

The demonstrators say they're Taxed Enough Already -- TEA.

Organizers say they're steamed at government spending since President Barack Obama's administration took over and are planning their own mini-revolts.

The rallies were designed to echo the original Boston Tea Party more than 235 years ago.

In downtown Houston, an estimated 4,000 people took part in the rally at Jones Plaza. Many chanted "no more taxes" while waving flags, holding signs and listening to speakers.

Saundra Little wore teabags as her earrings.

"I'm saving my teabags. We're going to dump out politicians if they can't do as the American people want and stop the overspending," Little said. "The stimulus package -- there's so much pork packed in there, it's silly."

Overspending was a major complaint.

"To let them go and let them go and spend that $19 billion on earmarks -- I get so mad, I could go up there and take them all and skin them," Pasadena resident Peggy Duvall said.

"Our government is spending our money unwisely on things I don't believe in," protester Charlie Winkler said.

A coalition of groups spoke out about tax fairness. They said the president's proposed budget would benefit working people and the poor.

"Their solutions offer, basically, more tax breaks for the rich," said Richard Shaw with the AFL-CIO.

Southeast Texas events were held at the following locations.

Alvin, across from post office, 455 E. House Street, Noon - 1 p.m.
Baytown, Post Office on Baker Road, begins at 6 p.m.
Clear Lake and Seabrook, Clear Lake Park, 5001 Nasa Parkway, begins at 6 p.m.
Columbus, Beasons Park on the Colorado, 4 p.m.
Conroe, Montgomery County Courthouse, 4-8 p.m.
Friendswood, Centennial Park, 2200 Friendswood Drive, 5-7 p.m.
Houston, Downtown, Jones Plaza, 601 Louisiana, begins at 4 p.m.
Houston-North (formerly The Woodlands), Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Village, 12200 Gosling Drive, 5-8 p.m.
Huntsville, Post Office On 11th Street, 4-7 p.m.
Lake Jackson, Civic Center Plaza, 4:30-7 p.m.
Livingston, Polk County Courthouse, begins at 5:30 p.m.
Pasadena, City Hall, Noon
Pearland, Independence Park, 3919 Liberty Drive, Noon
Sugar Land, City Hall in Town Square, 6-8 p.m.
Tomball, Tomball Post Office, Village Square Drive, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Victoria, De Leon Plaza in downtown Victoria, 5-7 p.m.

Governor Attends "Tea Party"

Texas Gov. Rick Perry fired up an Austin anti-tax "tea party" with his stance against the federal government and for states' rights.

Perry told the crowd Wednesday that officials in Washington have abandoned the country's founding principals. He says the federal government is strangling Americans with taxation and spending.

During his speech to hundreds in a U.S. flag-waving crowd, there were several shouts of "Secede!"

Later, answering news reporters' questions, Perry suggested Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to secede from the union. However, Perry said he sees no reason why Texas should make such a move.

Perry's running for re-election against Republican rival U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.