April 15 is the date that typically marks "tax day" in the U.S., and hundreds gathered on the statehouse steps Saturday to rally for the release of President Donald Trump's income tax returns. They said, more importantly, they were there to demand transparency in all government affairs.
One of the speaker's said: "There are a lot of people around this country who are scared, concerned and angry."
But the tax rally was a chance to bring all Americans together as one. It wasn't a day to point fingers or create divides with liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans. It was said that it was a matter of Americans versus "the problem".
One Boise resident said it's not too late for President Trump to come forward with his tax returns.
"I'm not asking him [President Trump] to agree with everything that I feel," said David Klinger. "I'm asking him to be honest."
President Trump said during the campaign that he felt voters didn't care about his taxes.
The founder of the nonpartisan, Invisible Boise Chapter One group that's main goal is to let elected officials know how they feel about President Trump's policies and agenda said he made a promise to the American people.
"Here we are a year later," said Rod Couch, the Indivisible Boise Chapter One founder who as dressed up as Uncle Sam. "There's no tax return."
Couch fears that without a true democracy, only the rich and powerful will rule. That's why he encourages people to get involved and exercise their right to vote and protest.
The Boise advocate also pointed out there are currently bills in both the House and Senate at the Congressional level that, if passed, would require President Trump to release his tax returns.
"We had great speakers, people are energized and enthusiastic. They know that we're stronger as a group," Couch said. "The message as we go forward is that don't just don't be passive... become active."
Klinger made bumper stickers quoting the president that said "No more fake presidents." He is selling them to recoup the costs involved with printing them. He plans on donating any leftover funds to public land and refugee causes here in the Gem state.
"If you don't have transparency and honesty, you don't have a government," Klinger said. "We've been through a lot of problems in the past when presidents have not been honest. We don't need any more of that."
Boise was one of many locations, nationwide, hosting a Tax March.
