Locals Plan 'Save Our Nation' Candlelight Vigil as Debt Deadline Looms

With the looming deadline of a U.S. debt default — the first in the nation's history — the East Hillsborough Democratic Club is inviting fellow Democrats, Independents and Republicans to a “Save Our Nation” candlelight vigil Sunday, July 31.

The vigil is planned for 8-10 p.m. at Sen. Marco Rubio’s Tampa office, 3802 Spectrum Blvd., on the USF campus in Tampa.

Candles will be provided at the event.

“This is open to virtually anyone,” said Angie Angel, president of the East Hillsborough Democratic Club. “I know there are lots of independent and disgruntled Republicans out there who would want to join in. It’s not just an event for Democrats.”

Angel has sent letters to Democratic club all over the state and is hoping others pick up on the idea.

“We'd really like this idea of a candlelight vigil to go all around country prior to the debt ceiling deadline,” she said.

Democrats and Republicans in Congress are trying to square a deal that would link deficit-reduction and an increase in the debt limit. Economists have issued dire warnings for the U.S. economy if the U.S. defaults on its debt obligations, something President Barack Obama said will not happen with or without a deal in Congress.

“It’s so important that everybody share the burden of the deficit,” Angel said. "It’s significant that Republicans and Democrats are sharing the responsibility of getting this resolved."

She said she remained confident the U.S. would not default.

“I am confident the president will not let that happen," she said, "but the objective is to make sure we are not doing this again in six to eight months and definitely not during an election year.”

The Florida Consumer Action Network is coordinating the event.

For more information on the event, email tim@fcan.org or ehcdclub@yahoo.com.