More than 100 people rallied in front of the Oktibbeha County Courthouse in Starkville to protest the federal government”s economic policies.
Much of the group held signs condemning big government and high taxes. Others spoke out against the federal government using public money to “bail out” private corporations.
“Let me speak as a God-fearing American,” said Russell Mord, of Sturgis. “I love my country, but I feel our leadership has betrayed my trust. I understand why taxes are necessary, and I don”t mind paying for the public good. But it galls me when half of my income goes to pay for things (with) which I, in good conscience, cannot agree.”
Mord, who serves as pastor at Sturgis Baptist Church, said he doesn”t usually delve into political issues. But the federal government”s recent policy shift has forced him into action, he said.
“When tax dollars are wasted by the government, I have to speak,” Mord said. “When public money is used to fund abortions here and overseas, I have to speak. When the money I hand over goes to pay for profanity that some people call art, I have to speak. And when public money goes to bail out irresponsible private corporations, I have to speak.”
Mord received cheers from the overwhelmingly conservative crowd.
Robert Allen, who helped organize the Oktibbeha County rally, also blasted government officials in Washington and urged those in attendance to attend future rallies.
“If our country is to be saved, it will not be by the people I”ve been talking about today,” Allen said of the government officials. “It will be saved grassroots groups like this one here.”
Allen also blasted what he called the “liberal media” and accused the press of distorting truths and misleading the American public. He urged those in attendance to listen to conservative news outlets instead.
Allen also called President Barack Obama”s policies “socialist” and said he has yet to produce a valid birth certificate.
David Jackson held an American flag throughout the rally and said afterward he agreed with his fellow conservatives.
“I think it”s about time,” Jackson said of the decision to rally. “It”s been a long time coming.”
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