Yesterday’s tax day deadline was a perfect time to protest a federal government hell-bent on runaway tax and spending, and equally bad, borrowing and spending.

The group of frustrated citizens were graced with weather that was as good as could be expected and people were undoubtedly frustrated with having to ship their hard-earned money to the federal government – which will spend it on anything from research of fruit flies, polar bear exhibits, or bailouts for irresponsible businessmen and women.

By the time the Providence Tea Party was underway, the Beacon had already reached deadline, but if the rumors and mumblings we were hearing counted for anything, the rally was likely well attended.

But unless the rally is followed up with subsequent meetings, strategic mailings, real fundraising – in other words, a semblance of organization – the rally will be nothing but an empty gesture akin to a child stamping his feet in a toy store.

The fact that the rally was a non-partisan event was a wise and nice touch. When Republicans are in power, they lack fiscal restraint every bit as much, if not more than the Democrats. To see Democrats and Republicans coming together to protest government waste is a good thing.

With that being said the group will need to come up with more specific platforms and messages if they’re going to make any semblance of a difference. Saying you’re unhappy with the way the government, at all levels, spends money during a big staged rally might be therapeutic, but it’s hardly a prescription for change.

And being a citizen is about more than merely attending a rally once a year and saying that the government wastes money.

Citizenship requires education.

That might mean missing a few episodes of American Idol in order to attend an important city council meeting.

That might mean using a vacation day from work in order to head up to the State House to protest or speak in favor of an important bill.

That might mean missing two or three innings of the Red Sox game in order to read a newspaper in order to catch up on state or local news.

Our representative republic based on democratic principles was created with the understanding that the masses would keep their eye on their representation. Until citizens increase their participation in government, it’s not going to get any better.

We see yesterday’s tea party as a good first step in the right direction.