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Read comments (6)"It's a grassroots movement to get our politicians back to using the Constitution as the basis for their voting," said Fred Joyner of Jackson, who with wife of 51 years Shirley, and Jackson radio talk show host Steve Hilton, started the effort. "It's a way to air our displeasure."
Titled "Patriots for America," the group is not aligned with either Democratic or Republican parties, "but we have people from both who are dissatisfied about how things are going," said Joyner. "We are a group of Christians who don't like the way things are going. We're not militant, but we don't believe the elected leaders are representing us; they're representing themselves and their parties. And we're talking about what we can do about it, election-wise."
Several political candidates are scheduled to attend the meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Commercial Building. Two candidates running for the 77th House District seat, Democrat Jerry Grady and Republican Shelly Arnett, are planned to speak, as is Democrat Brian Black from Alamo. Black is running against State Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley).
Local organizers are Steve Fowlkes and Mary Gentry, said Joyner.
The Dyersburg event is the third gathering since a meeting in the Good Luck community between Bradford and Rutherford in February and the Sitka community near Jackson in March. The first meeting drew 65 people, said Joyner. Eighty-five were counted at the second. Joyner hopes to see a larger crowd in Dyersburg.
Joyner said a telephone call by his wife to 97.7 FM talk-show host Hilton was the beginning of "Patriots of America."
The group is hoped to become established enough to host regular monthly meetings at the same place, said Joyner.
The grassroots nature of the movement is evidenced by the donations that have supported the new effort. Joyner said volunteers have spent time and money to continue the growing interest, but dues could be part of a more formal membership in the future, said Joyner.
"We invited anyone to come who isn't satisfied about the way our elected legislators are going about the business of the country," said Joyner.
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A Citizen needs to get the facts straight.
They're singing the right lyrics; is anyone listening to the song? I sure hope so. Another four years of republicrat rule and we're in the North American Union for sure, like it or not.
Wake up, all you sheeple! We are on the verge of becoming a socialist, fascist nation! There are movements like this one happening all across our nation and I'm glad to see something going on in our little corner of the world! One more thing, don't rely on the media to keep you informed on things that are taking place in our country! You can get all the information you need from the internet, radio, papers, etc. I challenge everyone to get informed!
The answer to your question could be that this Christian group feels religion (morals, ethics, etc.) is too often put aside. From what I've heard, these meetings are more about constitutional government than religion.
Why does everything have to start with "We are group of christians that..." Why can't religion be put aside for politics?
I am sorry that I already have plans on that day or I for one would be there!