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CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro flooded the streets of Caracas Wednesday for what they've dubbed the "mother of all marches" against the embattled socialist leader.

Clashes between protesters, police and government supporters started early. Shortly after the march kicked off, state security forces fired tear gas at some pockets of protesters. Opposition leaders also said a young man was shot in the head and rushed to the hospital. His condition was unclear.

Tens of thousands of protesters converged from 26 different points spread across the capital to attempt to march downtown to the Ombudsman's office. It's a route tens of thousands of angry protesters have attempted a half-dozen times in the past few weeks only to find their progress blocked by light-armored vehicles and a curtain of tear gas and rubber bullets fired by riot police officers.

At least five deaths have been blamed on the strong-armed response to protests that were triggered by the government-stacked Supreme Court's decision three weeks ago to strip the opposition-controlled congress of its last remaining powers after a year-long power battle.

That move was later reversed amid overwhelming international rebuke and even a rare instance of public dissent in the normally disciplined ruling elite. But it had the added effect of energizing Venezuela's fractious opposition, which had been struggling to channel growing disgust with Maduro over widespread food shortages, triple-digit inflation and rampant crime.

With its momentum renewed, the opposition is now pushing for Maduro's removal and the release of scores of political prisoners. The government last year abruptly postponed regional elections the opposition was heavily favored to win and cut off a petition drive to force a referendum seeking Maduro's removal before elections late next year.

The government has tried to recover with its own show of force: jailing hundreds of demonstrators, barring former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles from running for office and standing by as pro-government groups violently attack opposition members of congress.

Maduro is expected to address a counter march of government supporters on Wednesday, which is a holiday celebrating Venezuela's declaration of independence from Spain two centuries ago.

The president also signed orders on TV late Tuesday activating the "green phase" of enigmatic military plans to defend Venezuela against what he describes as U.S.-backed attempts to sow chaos and overthrow him. He also said authorities in recent hours had rounded up unnamed members of an underground cell of conspirators at Caracas hotels, including some armed people who were allegedly planning to stir up violence at the march.

Maduro didn't provide any evidence to back up his claim that a coup attempt was under way, and the opposition rejected his comments as a desperate attempt to intimidate Venezuelans from exercising their constitutional right to protest.

"We're convinced the country knows who the true coup mongers are and it's against them we will march tomorrow," the opposition said in a Tuesday late-night statement.

Foreign governments are also warning about the increasingly bellicose rhetoric and repressive stance of the government.

Maduro this week said he was dramatically expanding civilian militias created by the late Hugo Chavez and giving each member a gun. There's also concern that Wednesday's dueling marches could lead to clashes after the No. 2 socialist leader Diosdado Cabello said 60,000 die hard government supporters would circulate on motorcycles to prevent the opposition from reaching its planned destination. In the past, the groups known as collectives have operated like shock troops firing on protesters as security forces stand by.

"Those responsible for the criminal repression of peaceful democratic activity, for the undermining of democratic institutions and practices, and for gross violations of human rights, will be held individually accountable for their actions by the Venezuelan people and their institutions, as well as by the international community," the U.S. State Department said in a statement Tuesday.

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'Mother of all Marches' Blasts Failure of Socialism in Venezuela - CBN News

My father-in-law was a rugged man, a man of duty and honor. He wore Levi jeans and scuffed boots, dirtied from years of chores on the family farm in Iowa. He had no romantic notions about farm life, or about his years as a decorated Army Ranger captain.

There were hard years, really hard years. There were foxholes. And death.

He didnt talk much about it, and though we wished he would have, we respected his silence.

He simply kept his hand on the barn door, the tractor wheel, and the hymnal on Sunday mornings.

But the image none of us will ever forget is this one: those same calloused hands held dainty teacups. The distinguished Army captain was the most gracious host of tea parties, which he held in honor of his granddaughters.

This is one of the fondest memories that my girls have of their Grandpa Paul. Hed sit cross-legged with them on the porch of his house, under the shade of a giant tree. Hed stir muddy water, and engage in polite conversation, and pretend to eat cookies, which were actually landscaping rocks set upon fragile saucers.

I was always struck by the tenderness and humility of my father-in-law. Looking back on it now, I know that the same core values motivated both his service in the military, and his impromptu tea parties: A deep love of people and of country.

I thought about all of that again yesterday when a friend sent me a link to a story about a Marine dad who took part in a magical tea party with his 4-year-old daughter. The tea party came with an accompanying photo shoot. It was all a surprise for the dad, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor.

His wife told reporters that he was hesitant at first. But he did it anyway, and we can all thank him for that. The images are truly heartwarming.

In uniform, the Marine folded himself into a tiny chair, across the table from his dimple-cheeked girl. He poured tea from a kettle. He kissed her hand.

She beamed. Shell never forget it, Im certain of that. Shell never forget her brave daddy sitting across the table from her.

Looking at the photos, I remember a truth about the bravest people I know. They arent too afraid to make themselves small. They understand that humility and kindness arent signs of weakness, but virtues of the brave. The bravest people I know arent too big to sit in child-sized chairs and sip tea, with the sole aim of making someone elses heart soar.

Our daughter Anna doesnt remember much about her Grandpa Paul. She was only four when he died the same age as the girl in the photo shoot. Of the handful of memories that Anna does have, the tea parties are the most prominent.

Grandpa Paul died in 2009 of leukemia. He was 67. His doctors said his illness was brought on by all of the Agent Orange that he was exposed to during the Vietnam War.

Like most soldiers, he didnt go down without a fight.

On a January morning in Iowa one mile south of his farm, in the church where his sturdy hands held the hymnal an American flag was draped over his casket. We walked out the back of the church behind the pallbearers. His old military buddies were standing there waiting for us.

I dont think Im imagining the tears in their eyes. And if I am imagining the tears, well let me believe they were real.

Paul Lees tour of duty had ended. His American Legion pals with their navy-blue hats, trimmed in gold -- folded that flag into a triangle and handed it to his wife.

Those men were grandpas and retired farmers and members of the church choir. They probably hosted a few tea parties themselves, over the years.

Heres what I believe about men and women like that: I believe that you dont lose your Bravery Card when you show up at a tea party. When you hand a grieving widow a flag, with tears in your own eyes. When you take the time to be tender.

When you simply love.

Yeah, Im just a person who watched those tea parties from a distance, while standing beneath a shade tree. But I do know this: the tenderest moments of our lives are likely the moments our loved ones will carry the longest.

And that tenderness doesn't weaken our warrior spirit. It strengthens it.

Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of "The Happiness Dare." She blogs about happiness and faith at http://www.JenniferDukesLee.com. She would love to connect with you onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Lessons for life from a tea party with a Marine - Fox News

AUSTIN - Tea party activists pressured Republican House members Monday to side with them on key issues including sanctuary cities, the so-called bathroom bill and local property taxes or face their wrath at the ballot box.

We do appreciate the way that the Senate has moved forward with a number of conservative reforms We have 95 Republicans in the House, and they cant seem to get some measures passed, said JoAnn Fleming, executive director of Grassroots America.

Elected Republicans just the way its happening in Washington have determined that they dont care what the (Republican) platform says. They dont care what their primary voters have said They just frankly do not care, said Fleming. And I submit to you, the people of Texas need to make them care. Because after all, we hired them to do a job at the ballot box.

If they come up here and they get a C rating, you need to fire them at the ballot box, she said, suggesting that anything short of full support of tea party issues isnt enough.

Fleming was joined by advocates for a host of issues at a Capitol news conference on Tea Party Day, when some of the most fervent GOP primary voters came to rally, present their issues and buttonhole lawmakers.

Their force helps explain why a number of House Republicans are pressing for their own version of the so-called bathroom bill approved by the Senate. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-Straus, opposes the Senate measure championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Straus and others have expressed concern over the potential economic implications for the state if it passes a law seen as discriminatory, and a number consider the bill a side issue.

The Senate measure would require people using restrooms in public schools, universities and government buildings to choose the facilities that align with the gender on their birth certificate. Although backers have said its aimed at sexual predators, it would affect transgender people. The House State Affairs Committee this week will consider a measure that would target local non-discrimination ordinances in addressing the matter of public bathrooms.

The House is now beginning to get a little traction, said Dana Hodges, state director of Concerned Women for America. Were asking all of our members, and Im asking all the people here today, the tea party people here today, to contact your state representative and let them know where you stand on this issue. Let your voice be heard.

The bathroom bill was among a slew of measures cited by advocates, which included anti-abortion, budget, tax, religious liberty, gun rights, toll road and sanctuary city legislation.

Fleming lambasted the House committee version of legislation against sanctuary cities, which are seen as providing a haven for undocumented immigrants by not complying enthusiastically with federal authorities. Its awaiting a vote by the full House. A number of local law enforcement officials have expressed concern over a bill earlier passed by the Senate, saying it would interfere with effective community policing.

Tea party grassroots activists are going to call it out if a bill is approved that doesnt pass muster in their view, Fleming said.

We will absolutely not tell this nation that we have passed a ban on sanctuary cities if we dont actually do it, Fleming said, pointing out that Gov. Greg Abbott has nationally trumpeted the prospect of a Texas ban. The time for fairy tales coming out of this Capitol and spreading all over the country needs to stop.

State Affairs Chairman Byron Cook, whose committee came under particular criticism from Fleming for passing its version of sanctuary cities legislation and whose seat has been targeted in the past by tea party activists, described his work in a way that suggests it has a broader focus.

We have to do whats right. We have to be thoughtful. We have to ensure that things we do are constitutional, Cook, R-Corsicana, told the Express-News. Weve got to focus on core issues, such as education; services for the states most vulnerable, such as those in the child protective services system; and infrastructure needs in a growing state.

Aaron Harris, executive director of Direct Action Texas, touted a Senate-approved bill to restrict how much local property tax revenue can be raised by cities or counties without an automatic election. Local entities say the measure would endanger the funding needed for basic services including public safety. Its awaiting House action.

People are hot. Theyre mad about their property taxes, Harris said. This is the single biggest issue at the local level we encounter as we go around and talk to taxpayers and residents. And Ill tell you this, they will remember this bill, come election season.

Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said the tea party plays a powerful role but its support isnt determinative. Much will be determined by tradeoffs yet to be made among Abbott, Patrick and Straus as the legislative session barrels toward its Memorial Day ending, he pointed out.

The tea party is still a powerful force in Texas politics, and particularly within the Republican primary electorate, he said. Republican incumbents do listen to the tea party, but theyre not driven by then. They havent been in the past and they wont be this session.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac

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Tea party activists threaten consequences if priority bills fail in the Texas Legislature - mySanAntonio.com

An adorable photo shoot between a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and his 4-year-old daughter in Oceanside, California, has gone viral, with pictures of the pair shared thousands of times on social media.

In the photos taken by Oceanside-based photographer Kyndal Courtney of Kyndal Rose Photography U.S. Marine drill instructor Kevin Porter poses with his daughter, Ashley, in a field, surrounded by trees and foliage. There, the two partake in a pretend tea party, with the towering drill instructor dressed in uniform, from head-to-toe even sitting in a tiny chair across the table from his daughter, pouring tea into her cup. Ashley is wearing a long, white, lace dress, her head topped with a crown of pink flowers.

In another touching photo, Porter kneels down on one knee while holding one of Ashleys hands and kissing her other hand. In another shot, he twirls the little girl as if theyre dancing in the forest. In the photos, the little girl looks at her father lovingly as they share those special moments.

The sweet photo shoot was arranged by Porters wife, Lizz Porter, as a special gift for him and Ashley.

For Courtney, it was a particularly special shoot that she will never forget. The photographer told NBC 7 she has never done a set-up quite like this.

Courtney said Lizz showed her Ashleys dress before the shoot, and the photographer created the whimsical scene to fit the dress. Lizz, Courtney and Ashley knew the plan was to take pictures of the dad-daughter duo drinking tea, but Porter had no idea what was coming.

He was a good sport and got into it, Courtney said, adding that Lizz was there, behind the scenes, smiling as she watched her Marine husband and Ashley play.

Courtney posted the photos on the Kyndal Rose Photography Facebook page on April 10. As of Tuesday, the post had been shared more than 7,200 times and had been liked by thousands of people.

April just so happens to be the Month of the Military Child, a month that underscores the important role military children like Ashley play in the armed forces community.

Published at 10:37 PM PDT on Apr 18, 2017 | Updated 27 minutes ago

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Photos: US Marine Drill Instructor Shares Adorable 'Tea Party' With ... - NBC Southern California

ELIZA MURPHY , WVEC 5:31 AM. EDT April 19, 2017

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

(ABC NEWS) -- One military father recently had a very magical tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, and the special moment was captured on camera.

My husband had no idea what was going to happen until we showed up to the shoot, Lizette Porter said of her husband Keven Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor. He was hesitant at first but after a little talking I was able to convince him. He would do anything for Ashley.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

She added, He was kind of embarrassed, but then my daughter had seen the whole set up and was so excited. He couldnt say no.

The timing also worked out perfectly for the daddy-daughter photo shoot as April is the Month of the Military Child.

I figured that would make it a little more special to the both of them, said the proud mom.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

Although the two are really close, Lizette said her daughter often misses out on one-on-one time with her dad due to his rigorous work schedule.

She doesn't get to see him much due to work, deployment, and most recently his job as a drill instructor, said Lizette, of Oceanside, California. Any time they can get together she is sure to take advantage of.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

Lizette wanted the photo shoot to help show that military men have a softer side to them.

Drill instructors still have a life after working long and hard hours, she explained. Many of them have families that after hours they still have to attend to ... and yes, a lot of them have a completely different side to them.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

She added that she wants people to realize how resilient military children [are] to have their parents away, or not near them as much as possible.

Its safe to say the precious pair had a blast together at their photo shoot. The family plans to hang the pictures in Ashleys room when they move into their new house.

I got emotional watching them just be themselves and see how much she loves her daddy, said Lizette.

2017 ABC News

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Marine dad surprised with magical tea party photo shoot with 4-year-old daughter - First Coast News