Loud 9/12 protest reaches the Capitol

Thousands of conservatives are converging on the U.S. Capitol today to protest the Obama administration's handling of healthcare, tax policy and a host of other domestic and international issues.

Their efforts, led by a coalition of conservative groups that includes FreedomWorks and Tea Party Patriots, culminate weeks of similar demonstrations that took place throughout the country. The march mostly traces its roots to the "tea party" protests that dominated headlines this past April.

"We’ve had enough of the out of control spending, the bailouts, the growth of big government and the soaring deficits," the protest's Web site proclaims. "And we reject the future tax increases to pay for all of this spending and debt down the road. We are gathering on 9-12-2009 to deliver our message in person that we’ve had enough!"

About 30,000 registered for the "9/12 march" online, but it is unclear whether that many turned out on Saturday. The D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency could only estimate that the protesters filed a number of blocks along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Those who did attend the rally were very vocal in their dissatisfaction with the Obama administration. Many shouted, "Obamacare makes me sick!" and "Czars belong in Russia!" A group of protesters even chanted "Tell the truth!" -- in support for Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who shouted "You lie!" to the president on Wednesday -- while CNN reported from the scene.

But the high point of Saturday's rally is likely to be the speech delivered by former House Republican Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), who heads one of the groups organizing the protest. He will be joined by Rep Mike Pence (R-Ind.), Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who will also address the rowdy crowd, The Washington Post reported.