Dozens Turn Out for MoveOn Rally Near Parkland High School

Carrying signs that read "Save the American Dream" and "Politicians, you work for us," about 80 people lined North Cedar Crest Boulevard near Parkland High School on Tuesday evening to protest a Congressional plan to cut federal spending that they said would hurt the middle class.

The rally was one of 200 planned across the country by the political action group MoveOn.org. Protesters also expressed support for state workers in Wisconsin locked in a budget battle with the state's governor and facing benefit cuts. 

"We're here to defend the disappearing American Dream," said Alice Fortunato, who helped organize the local rally for MoveOn.org.  

In addressing those who had gathered along the roadway, Fortunato took aim at House Resolution 1, a spending bill approved by the House but rejected by that Senate that would cut federal spending by $61 billion. She said the cuts would cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose their jobs, including 30,000 in Pennsylvania.

She singled out Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent in calling for a stop to the spending bill.  

Dent, in a phone call later, said MoveOn.org is on the wrong side of the American taxpayer. He said federal spending is at an historic high and that the deficit is crowding out the private sector from creating meaningful jobs. 

"Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem," he said.

Earlier in the day, Dent voted for a short-term resolution that will continue to fund federal operations through April 8. The short-term measure cut federal spending by $6 million, according to a release. Dent said the measure had bi-partisan support.

Those who gathered for the rally held signs that could be read by passing motorists. Occasionally drivers would honk their horns in apparent support.

Helen Magnavita, 68, of Slatington, was among those who carried signs. Hers read, "This Grandmother wants to save the American dream."

"I'm just concerned about things today," she said. "I don't like how they're cutting education, health care. I'm just angry, and this is a good way to express it."