Thread: 'Take Back America' Rally Alabama

Wednesday, May 03, 2006
News

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200 rally to 'Take Back America'

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 6:01 PM EDT

John Hicks FCT Staff Writer

An estimated crowd of 200 area residents gathered at the Franklin County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon to protest illegal immigration, many wearing bright red t-shirts meant to symbolize patriotism.

The organizer of the "Take Back America" rally, local businessman and radio personality Tommy "Hutty" Hutcheson, prefaced his opening remarks by admitting that the t-shirts many wore to the rally were made in Mexico, but protesters didn't seem to mind.

A thunderous recorded version of "The Star Spangled Banner" signaled the start of the rally. The new Spanish-language version of the national anthem was a frequent topic of rally speakers.

"We are here for one reason only," said Hutcheson. "To take back each city and each county. It's time we fight for our country."

Marie Gray of the The Minuteman Project related her family's experiences as legal immigrants, and said that Hispanic protesters have no right to fly foreign flags during their protests.

"This is the only flag that should be flying on American soil," she said, referring to the American flag.

Gray said the Minutemen were not vigilantes, noting they carried binoculars, not guns. The project monitors immigration, business, and government, according to the group's website.

"Don't let the enemy make this a race issue," said Gray. "The ultimate goal of the enemy is to do away with both borders. This is a fight for the very soul of America. No amnesty. No guest worker program. No surrender."

Gray urged listeners to educate themselves on the issues and vote for politicians who would take action.

"Know which politicians are for you and which are against you," said Gray.

Rally speaker Ronald Prince of Russellville also brought up the subject of politicians.

"Where are the local politicians?" Prince asked the crowd. "Where are they hiding?"

Prince said local politicians had been ignoring the illegal immigration problem, hoping it would go away.

"If they agreed with our position, they would be here," said Prince. "We have too many politicians who think they have a lifetime job. They need to realize they answer to the people."

Other speakers took the microphone to share their views on a wide variety of subjects, including school prayer, patriotism and President Bush's job performance.

Some who attended the rally were keeping an open mind on the illegal immigration issue.

"I like some of what I'm hearing," said Russellville resident Robert Hillman. "I'm summing it all up."

too bad our governor doesn't care what they have to say or the fact the illegals are protesting in the streets of every state across the country

Originally Posted by Mamie

too bad our governor doesn't care what they have to say or the fact the illegals are protesting in the streets of every state across the country

Well, don't feel bad our Governor Mike Easily has done nothing to stop the illegal invasion of North Carolina.

you'd think they were elected to go to ribbon cutting ceremonies