Americana Rally organizers urge citizens to get involved


Published on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 11:27 AM PST

Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

More than 100 valley residents turned out for the second Annual Americana Rally held Saturday at Tank Park in Lake Isabella. This year’s event featured several local speakers from the valley as well as many presenters from Bakersfield.

Chad Whiteley, president of the Republicans of the Kern River Valley (RKRV), welcomed the attendees, saying, “This year’s Americana Rally was especially important. It’s time to get voters involved in politics and to let them know more about what is going on,” he added. “It [it] time to get them excited.”

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The guitarist with the local Christian rock band “Set in Stone” got the event off to a high energy start with a classic Jimi Hendrix-style rendition of the national anthem. The band performed several original songs throughout the rally. Much of their music, according to lead singer and bass player, Michael Hess, has to do with the frustration people are feeling because of the current political climate, out-of-control government spending, rising national debt, and the nation’s economic downturn. After one of their numbers, Hess told the crowd, “We can’t just sit around and let things happen and not do anything about it. It’s time, it’s past time, that we all have to get together and make a difference in this world. Or before we know it, the America that we love will not be here.”

Woodrow McGarity, first vice president of the RKRV, emceed the event. He introduced himself by saying, “I’m a newbie to the community. I moved here five years ago because this was a conservative community; a place where families could be raised and you could worship in freedom. But now we are finding ourselves coming under attack everyday for those very things.”

McGarity introduced the first speaker, Bill Lind, one of the original organizers of the Bakersfield Tea Party held earlier this year. Lind’s speech touched on a variety of topics Addressing the attendees as, “Fellow countrymen and patriots” he opened by stating, “I get up every morning and go to work to support my family. I’ve always paid my taxes and debts. I love my country, but I detest my government at all levels right now.” Judging by the crowd’s reaction, Lind was definitely preaching to choir when he expressed his extreme political dissatisfaction with both parties.

Lind went on to add, “I’m here today out of necessity. I’m out here to speak to you about liberty, freedom and the huge problems we unfortunately face in our country right now.” Lind said he was referring to what he sees as the “very corrupt and tyrannical government who is in bed with Wall Street and the global banking institutions.”

When Whiteley took to the center stage again to give his speech, he began by telling the crowd, “In this country, we used to have freedom.” During his address, he touched on subjects such as the nebulous redefinition of the family, overtaxation in California and the ensuing migration of businesses to other states. He also spoke of the importance the Founding Fathers put on faith, the right to freedom of expression and the right to bear arms.

Whiteley told the crowd, “Here, today we can initiate something that will revolutionize the process.” He went on to ask attendees, “When are we going to stand up and say that we have had enough and that we want things to change?” Whiteley said he is a strong supporter of the tea party movement because, “It engages regular grass roots Americans about what is going on in politics.”

Julie Demos, another one of the founders and original organizers of the Bakersfield Tea Party, spoke to the crowd and reminded them of the role they played in the huge success of the political event held outside City Hall last April. She encouraged attendees to get active and to play a role in the political process.

Demos, a Bakersfield teacher, believes that a great deal is at stake right now. “It’s not easy being informed. It takes sacrifice. But people are still asleep and they need to wake up.” Demos said she thought it was crucial to attend the Kern River Valley event, adding, “The KRV is part of my county and I feel passionately that people need to get ready. We all need to grasp the sobriety, the severity and magnitude of what is happening in our government right now. I’m scared to death for my children and my grandchildren.“

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa Green was in the valley to attend the event primarily to introduce herself to the crowd and to make them aware of her plans to run for Kern County District Attorney next year in the primary on June 8.

Maria Hunt, a resident of Kernville and first time attendee of the Americana Rally felt that it was important to attend the weekend event and show support for the organizers. “A great number of people in this valley have conservative values and viewpoints,” Hunt stated. “But not enough of them are standing up and expressing them.” She went on to add, “Everybody who spoke at the American Rally had important things to share.”

With the ongoing support of valley conservatives, rally organizers said they are confident they’ll be back again next year. In the meantime, interested individuals are invited to attend one of the Republicans of the Kern River Valley monthly meetings. See their website at www.rkrv.org for more information.

Comments

56 comment(s)

    Mac wrote on Nov 20, 2009 11:18 PM:

    " Perhaps another time then, Ann. Cheryl's Diner isn't going anywhere, so there will be plenty of opportunity for that cup of coffee. :)

    Back OT, it sounds like a good idea to have welfare recipients work for their check, especially the longer term ones. There are people who really know how to work the system and it's a shame how much effort they put into trying to get something for nothing. Can you see some of these people doing backbreaking, menial labor? I think it would be like trying to herd cats. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 20, 2009 5:23 PM:

    " Mac, about the bet and the Cheryl's Diner thing tomorrow that I announced. Realize there was no confirmation, but wanted to do the polite thing and say that I will be a no show. Perhaps AR and all of her personalities will show up and have quite a time dissing us "libruls" amongst herselves.

    BTW on topic, I like Gary Arneson's proposal of welfare folks taking the jobs of illegals. We get rid of the illegs and welfare recipients earn their monthly checks. Win-Win situation. "

    Tony wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:24 AM:

    " Peg wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:54 AM:
    " takes one to know one! Hummmmm?" Are you serious? How elementary school! You are entertaining, that's for sure.... "

    Yeah I agree when you revert to insults like that you lost the argument and know it. "

    Peg wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:54 AM:

    " takes one to know one! Hummmmm?" Are you serious? How elementary school! You are entertaining, that's for sure.... "

    Mac wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:20 PM:

    " Sayeth Barbara, "" Ha Ha, I gotcha Peg! I was wondering which of you liberals would reply to the "drag queen" comment.....takes one to know one! "

    So, if it "takes one to know one" then you must be one yourself, since you started out by calling me one. Yes?

    Logic is your friend. You should try using it sometime. "

    local wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:19 PM:

    " AR "thanks for all the compliments to all the gals who love me" and those "obsessive, compulsive drag queen"Funny, I didn't read any compliments from your so called "gals". Are they "imaginary friends" Or oh I got it you are giving us hints as to your true nature. "gals who love me" indicates you may be a closet lesbian. Or the OC drag queen may indicate that you are not really a woman but dress like one. Hey this is getting fun!Are you a member of the D.C based "family"? Juicy stuff here in KRV. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:36 PM:

    " Area Republican, I do enjoy you... without you this blogging experience would prove to be too meaningful and educational. It is very difficult for me to believe that you really do believe and think the way you post. That is pretty scary. Anyhow, from my part, it is all in fun and you never disappoint my expectations. Now, go change into respectable women's clothing. "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:22 PM:

    " Ha Ha, I gotcha Peg! I was wondering which of you liberals would reply to the "drag queen" comment.....takes one to know one! Hummmmm? Thanks for all the compliments to all you gals who love me...that includes you too, Ann, whoever and whatever you are! "

    Trey wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:46 AM:

    " Thoughtful -- that was a copy paste from the other thread, not a duplicate post. "

    Peg wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:18 AM:

    " Funny, I thought a drag queen was a man in women's clothing..... "

    Mac wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:15 AM:

    " Obsessive compulsive...drag queen? ROFL! I have to say that's probably the weirdest insult ever. Thank you for starting my day off with a belly laugh. "

    Tony wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:09 AM:

    " I see then it is a Glenn Beck kind of thing. Now I understand. I'm sorry. Instead of red ink, at least use a blackboard. "

    Area Republican et al wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:30 PM:

    " I am proud to be Mac's "Magnificent Obsession!" She shows all the tendencies of an "obsessive/compulsive" drag queen! "

    Ann wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:47 PM:

    " Cheryl's Diner this coming Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Babs, if you show up you pay. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:45 PM:

    " To Barbara (and yes, you will be known by your true name). Thank you so very much for your enlightenment and entertainment. You are a valuable contributor here and I, for one, appreciate you! Thanks for being you and thanks for the fun. Merry Christmas, Babs. But first have a very Happy Thanksgiving. Which ex-husband will you be spending it with? Back to topic... the economy took a nose-dive under the "W" whiner administration. That's when I lost most of my money. I continue to recoup it. "

    Thoughtful wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:47 PM:

    " Barbara Casas, are you suffering from dementia? You posted a reply to me twice and on different "threads" -- go take that pill. You need it. Call me in the morning. Go have another drink.

    Your Doc "

    Trey wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:36 PM:

    " Or... You're the bug and I'm the windshield. "

    Mac wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:36 PM:

    " As posted in another thread: Sounds like our "friend" Truth/AR, etc. to me!

    Barbara Casas wrote on Nov 15, 2009 5:54 PM:
    " To Thoughtful: I am not sure just how you have interpretated my post as maleigning the law enforcement in this area, so I will just "write off your comment" this time, as I am sure you are one of the "progressives" who have decided to drive me off this blogsite, you too should be careful here, I have long tenure here and many friends! P.S. Check out both versions in your Webster." "

    Mac wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:33 PM:

    " AR said, "You think you know who I am but you are not even close!"

    That might hold water if you hadn't posted as Barbara Casas in the "KCSO/Assault" thread talking about the progressives who are trying to run you off the forum. "

    Mac wrote on Nov 16, 2009 4:32 PM:

    " No, Tony, the issue isn't a misspelled word, but rather that two supposedly different people misspell it in the same way. If one is going to post as a sockpuppet then they should be careful about those kinds of things. "

    Tony wrote on Nov 16, 2009 3:46 PM:

    " The discussion has gone back to grade school if the best argument is a misspelled word. "I'm rubber and your glue...." At least use red ink. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 16, 2009 10:49 AM:

    " Looks like the bet was won. AR, Maleign is correctly spelled malign -- no "e" -- that is what gives away your identity, Babs. "

    Peg wrote on Nov 14, 2009 10:08 AM:

    " radical socialist liberals.....thanks for giving me my laugh of the day. "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 13, 2009 10:26 PM:

    " Ho Ho Ho, you women are getting funnier and funnier! If one of you wins the bet, am I invited? You think by posting and maleigning my name, you will drive me away, oh wow, you under estimate my real purpose here. You all have no purpose except coming here to be nasty and I think it is very amusing and "small minded" you do so. Don't get so "huffy" about my questions regarding your reasons for rudeness, I am only measuring you. You think you know who I am but you are not even close! "

    Ann wrote on Nov 13, 2009 5:07 PM:

    " About the bet, after re-reading the message, I saw that it was "how long" the current flounce would last. OK. Here is my bet for this thread only... 36 hours from this posting time. Rules are, it can be shorter than 36 hours and I win... if longer than 36 hours, I lose. Matters not to me. AR will be back either by one of the previous handles or a new one. I sure hope so! "

    Mac wrote on Nov 13, 2009 2:37 PM:

    " Sounds like a plan! :) "

    Ann wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:23 PM:

    " Mac, I would bet but we would both bet on the winning horse so no contest. AR has been reincarnated several times after avowing not to post anymore. Same with the variations of Truth. But, I like the thought of a bet... how about coffee in Kernville some Saturday afternoon? Just a thought! If we both win, it will be Dutch Treat. "

    Mac wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:04 PM:

    " Ann, you want to take any bets on how long this current "flounce" will last? What is this, the 4th time? I'm losing track! "

    Mac wrote on Nov 12, 2009 7:31 AM:

    " LOL, at the thought that I am a "radical socialist liberal". I was a registered Republican not that long ago, and don't belong to any party currently. I even voted for Dubya the first time. You obviously have the internet at your disposal, AR. I suggest you use it to educate yourself, meet people outside your own belief system. It's an eye opening experience. One is never to old to stop learning.

    Oh, and I'll see you on the next go 'round! :) "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 11, 2009 11:39 PM:

    " Ann, I have many conversations with others here that are not centered on what you say, the problem with you and Peg and Con, and Mac is that you are all radical socialist liberals and have "chip on the shoulder disease." I cannot help you, so I will not respond to any of you anymore. End of story. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 11, 2009 8:47 PM:

    " Area Republican, you make reference to "working for a living" -- I work for a living at a bona-fide non-government job and have worked for the past 38 years. I have worked hard to make a living and you have nothing to put forth to better what I have contributed. Neener, Neener. Show me what you have. Call your hand. Oh, yes, FORMER Board Member -- sworn in four times? Yes, indeed. Don't maleign me. I have had quite enough of your rhetoric, Barbara. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:11 PM:

    " Area Republican, with all due respect, you in fact seem to be the one with whom one cannot have a "normal" discussion. I would appreciate having a normal discussion with you in which you did not rant about Liberals and what-not. I have friends from all walks of life, and my ultra conservative friends appreciate my viewpoints even if they disagree. So, my allegiance is also with my "Liberal" friends. Obama is just a "figure-head" so what is there to be nervous or scared about? He is just window covering, according your own words. "

    Peg wrote on Nov 11, 2009 9:05 AM:

    " This is my first time on this thread and it's so nice to see that AR is still out there kicking crap all over the internet! Sill have no clue, huh? I can't wait until " and it will become harder and harder for the liberals to "control their liberal speak!" "considering it'll never happen...sorry to burst your bubble. "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:43 PM:

    " Ann: I am not the paranoid one here, I don't attack everyone who thinks differently then I do, you are the classic example of one who will throw stones because you can not hold a normal discussion! Now, most of America has changed their minds regarding Obama if they supported him before, he has pushed too many radical programs in too short period a time for the comfort of us who work for a living. Read the liberal newspapers, even your liberal friends are nervous! "

    Ann wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:14 PM:

    " Obama is just a figure-head, so the hat of "community organizer" is a pretty tall one, at that. We need more of those, actually. "

    Tony wrote on Nov 10, 2009 5:50 PM:

    " I laugh at how many people don't understand two of the greatest literary works know to man. On is the Holy Bible. The other is The U.S. Constitution. Please stop disrespecting them both if you haven't read them for yourself. What I mean by read them for yourself is read them as though you have never read them or heard of them and form your own understanding of them. Not what someone else tells you it means. "

    Mac wrote on Nov 10, 2009 1:34 PM:

    " Actually, it doesn't bother me because I don't have any need try to make people think I'm important. But there are a lot of "housewives" out there whom you have just "maleigned", which is less than cool.

    "Obama wants to destroy our freedoms, that is evident by all polls taken by any agency". I'm guessing you weren't ever captain of the debate team. You do realize that doesn't even make sense, much less form a rational argument, don't you? "

    Mac wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:00 PM:

    " Good point, Ann! "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:59 AM:

    " Mac, again, I wish you could discuss issues without attacking me personally; but then, I guess that is why I am in charge of "the big things in life" and you are just a person who loves the liberals, and being "just a housewife." There, how do you like that in return? Obama wants to destroy our freedoms, that is evident in all polls taken by any agency! He has set himself up to appeal to all the countrys of the world, not those in the United States! And he has no experience beyond being a "community organizer!" "

    Mac wrote on Nov 10, 2009 8:22 AM:

    " Well, AR, it is really just hard to take someone's opinion seriously when they throw in over the top hyperbole like the president wanting to rule the world and be worshipped. I did not like Bush, and I thought he did a terrible job. However, I do believe he thought he was doing what was best. Really, who would go into that office and WANT to completely mess it up? I just wish your type would stop assigning malign intent to everything the President does and give him the respect of believing that he has only the best intentions. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 10, 2009 8:08 AM:

    " Area Republican, if the POTUS is simply a figure-head, then why are you so critical of President Obama? He's just a "figure-head". But then I guess it depends on which POTUS we are talking about -- in your case, Bush, a Republican. And, you are the small thinker. You reiterate the same paranoid thinking whenever the opportunity presents itself. "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 9, 2009 6:43 PM:

    " Ann, I don't know if you remember or know these facts, Congress became Democrat dominated 2 YEARS BEFORE BUSH WENT OUT OF OFFICE, put the blame where it belongs, the POTUS is a figure-head!
    Mac: I wish you could discuss issues without attacking me personally, I guess you are that "small" in your thinking, and I pity you will never be a "statesperson" as a result of your inability to change that! Get a life talking about "small issues" please, because it appears that is all you can say! "

    Trey wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:50 PM:

    " I am just satisfied that we have the opportunity to congregate and voice opinions. This is a great start to maintaining the status quo where necessary and developing change when needed. A good start! "

    Mac wrote on Nov 7, 2009 5:16 PM:

    " AR, sounds like you don't remember the economy started to crash hard back before Obama was in office. Stocks plummeted way back before he even had a chance to do anything, so do not lay their financial woes at his feet. He came along afterward and is trying to clean up the mess caused by those who came before. Also, that bit about him wanting to rule the world and be worshipped sounds very weird and paranoid. How about you take your tinfoil hat off and take a deep breath. "

    Ann wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:55 PM:

    " My Retirement 401(k) and IRA dwindled down 60 or 70 percent during the "W" Bush presidency -- the worst of any presidency since my investment planning began. My funds have actually recouped a substantial percentage amount since Obama took office. What is being said by me, here, is Obama may have reason to be criticized, but let's be fair about our criticism. He is not the one who brought down the economy. Whether or not he brings it back to pre-Bush era, will be the challenge. "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:02 PM:

    " Mac, there isn't anyone more frightened right now than the conservatives; this President who had no experience beyond being a "community organizer" and a "political operative" so far has done nothing to help the economy! I have friends whose whole retirement income has been reduced by 90% due to his actions, and conservative people in office right now, their hands are shaking with fright! He wants to be dictator of the world, he is organizing so all the world worships him, that is scary for us who have worked long and hard for our money. "

    Constitutionalist wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:38 PM:

    " AR
    The Republicans in Upstate New York didn't know who to trust so they voted for a Democrat? You are still in La La land.
    They did not have a problem with a Republican who is middle of the road. Someone who speaks for everyone on some topic. Someone with compassion for human beings.
    They had voted Republican for 125 years. And then the wing nuts took away their idea of a Republican, and the people of that district showed their displeasure.
    Good for them. Expect more of that around the country. "

    Area Republican wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:24 PM:

    " Interesting regarding the excuse for the gal who was a "liberal masking as a conservative" who dropped out of the NY race once she was exposed, and it was not Sarah, it was McCarthy (and a few others) who first supported then exposed her, once that happened she dropped out, then the backlash happened, the Democrat won because the Republicans didn't trust anyone after that. We probably will see more of those tactics, and it will become harder and harder for the liberals to "control their liberal speak!" "

    Mac wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:50 PM:

    " I can't tell you how much it frightens me that there are people who would want to give Sarah Palin any kind of power at all. These are probably the same people who populate peopleofwalmart.com I can't believe they exist either, but they seem exactly like her crowd. "

    Constitutionalist wrote on Nov 5, 2009 6:30 PM:

    " AR,
    The people are measuring, but it seems to be Wing Nut Palin and Rush that are getting shorter.
    That upstate NY election; the one where they had elected a Republican for 125 straight years? Guess what? They would have elected another normal Republican, but Sarah entered the scene, brought in her own candidate that did not even live in the district,and so hounded the Republican candidate's staff that she quit the race.
    "They the people" saw that for what it was and elected the Democrat in.
    Your "change" comment is very Delphic. "

    Area Republican wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:17 PM:

    " I am sticking with "The Elephant" party until we see what the "third party" is that Sarah is developing. I think a great revolution is coming to America, the people of America, "Grassroots" I mean, are just letting Obomb have his head for awhile to see how far he will go, there are powerful people in America right now who are "measuring" him, in more ways then one. "

    Bob Walker wrote on Oct 31, 2009 7:09 PM:

    " I could not agree more with Chad when he spoke of "the importance the Founding Fathers put on faith, the right to freedom of expression and the right to bear arms."
    I presume he is therefore very happy that President Obama got rid of President Bush's executive order taking away our fourth Amendment rights.(Un authorized search in our homes) Otherwise, our rights to bear and own guns would have been totally compromised by secret non-court authorized invasion of our homes. "

    observer wrote on Oct 31, 2009 3:17 PM:

    " Area Republican, welcome back! Guess the variation of Truth handles got you down? You thought perhaps that we had forgotten one of your original post names? Take care, AR, you have been spotted. "

    Republican Not wrote on Oct 30, 2009 8:57 PM:

    " The Republican Party is a joke and a bad one, at that. I have no allegience to that GOP and hopefully with the Sara Palin / Rush Limbaugh stand-up comedy the country will recognize just how pathetic this all is. If not, what? This whole fiasco with the Repubs and Dems makes me want to puke, it is so disheartening. Hey, "T" what is your opinion? "

    Area Republican wrote on Oct 30, 2009 8:52 PM:

    " Gary: You are my choice for President of the United States! Will you and your intelligence please step up to the plate, get elected, and straighten out this country! There are more in this country who would support a wise thinker like you then the mess we have today in Washington DC, Please, think about it! "

    Gary Arneson wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:15 AM:

    " With today's politicians dictating to us what they want and not what we want, maybe it is time for the 'regular" person to become involved. The writers of the Constitution are probably rolling in their graves seeing what government has become and how bad the Constitution is being deciphered and utilized. Are we still really free? I personally don't like paying the amount of taxes I am now paying for programs I don't use or don't support or voted against. How is this for an idea? People on welfare, take the jobs of the illegals to earn their checks. "

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