"Kill the bill" was the phrase of the day, repeated over and over again by lawmakers from all over the country, as they argued that the Democratic plan was too big, too intrusive and too expensive for the nation's future.

"It needs to be destroyed," said Bruce Frates, who flew in from Tennessee. "There's nothing good about it. It's pure bureaucracy."

The crowd was sprinkled with people carrying American flags, others that read "Don't Tread On Me" and signs that knocked the Democratic health care plan and President Obama.

Among the many who showed up were John Ratzenberger, better known to many as Cliff from the TV Show "Cheers."

He got a big cheer from the crowd when he referred to backers of the health care plan as "Woodstock Democrats."

After the rally ended, many of the demonstrators flooded the three House office buildings to take their message directly to lawmakers.

"The last time I was here was 1966," said one woman who was pleased with the turnout.

Only one scene got out of hand, as a dozen people were arrested at the Congressional office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

But it turned out that those arrested were anti-abortion demonstrators led by Randall Terry, who took advantage of the Tea Party protestors to make a scene at Pelosi's office.

Earlier in the day, arrests had been made at the office of Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT).

As the citizen lobbying effort ended Thursday afternoon, the skies blackened and it started to rain, sending hundreds scurrying for cover.

But a few minutes later, a rainbow emerged in the sky.

"Hard to believe they can have rainbows here in D.C.," said one Tea Partier to guffaws from his friends.

We'll see if any Democrats heed their message this weekend.