Poli (Sigh): Patriot Rally Planned For Friday Night At Courthouse
A “Patriot Rally” is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw.
An announcement on Facebook this week described the upcoming event as a peaceful, family-friendly gathering that will include a few speakers.
Area resident Kevin Kyle said he came up with the idea after seeing some of the protests and riots across the country.
He said the recent destruction of statues upset him.
“I have a heart for this country and I hate what’s happening. It makes me sad,” Kyle said.
Kyle, 57, is a musician who plays in area rock bands, teaches guitar and is an avid motorcyclist.
The announcement encourages fans of hot rods, muscle cars and motorcycles to attend and bring with them flags and shirts supporting President Donald Trump.
Those invited to speak include Pastors John B. Lowe II and Bryan Lowe II.
The Patriot Rally comes after four local demonstrations organized by supporters of Black Lives Matter and a group called People For Change.
The recent rallies remained peaceful, included testimonials about racial injustice and calls for policing reform. Organizers repeatedly said they are not upset with local police.
Kyle said the upcoming rally should not be viewed as a counter-protest to BLM.
He said the event is in support of police, patriotism and freedom.
* * *
ROKITA VICTORY – Friday’s decision by Republican delegates to choose Todd Rokita over incumbent Curtis Hill as the Indiana Attorney General on the fall ballot appears to be the story of two men whose political aspirations are now moving in opposite directions.
Three years ago, Hill, the former Elkhart County prosecutor, was viewed by many as having a strong future in politics but will leave the state capital at the end of the year with a tarnished reputation after women alleged he groped them at a party in 2018.
Rokita, who served previously as Indiana Secretary of State and as a US Congressman, will now face Former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Rokita, on the other hand, stands a good chance of winning in November and there is some speculation that surfaced on Twitter Friday that this puts him in position to run for governor in 2024.
Below is a breakdown of voting from delegates in each round. The lowest vote-getter is set aside from the next round of voting. As you can see, Hill fared well in the first two rounds. But many of those who supported Nate Harter and John Westercamp shifted their support in the final round to Rokita.
Round 1
Hill, 655
Rokita, 479
Harter, 327
Westercamp, 289
Round 2
Hill, 701
Rokita, 601
Harter, 432
Round 3
Rokita, 873
Hill, 801
Dr. Woody Myers
DEM PARTY ON THE LAKE – Kosciusko County Democrats will host the fourth annual boat ride on Lake Wawasee on Sunday, July 26. The SS LillyPad will depart from the Frog Tavern (1116 S. Harkless St, Syracuse) at 1:30 p.m. for a three-hour cruise.
Featured guests include gubernatorial candidate Woody Myers and 2nd District Congressional Candidate Pat Hackett.
Due to the pandemic, masks will be required and everyone who boards the boat will have their temperature checked, according to a news release from the party.
Individual tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children. Group rates are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/lakewawasee2020.
* * *
MASK UP -– If you are venturing north – to either Elkhart County or Michigan – don’t forget your masks.
Elkhart County began requiring masks last week.
On Friday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order adding a $500 fine for individuals who don’t wear a mask in indoor public spaces or crowded outdoor areas. She’s also requiring businesses to refuse entry or service to people who won’t wear a mask.
* * *
Dan Spalding is the editor at InkFreeNews.com.
He covers city government and politics and always welcomes your input.
He can be reached at [email protected] or at (574) 855-7612.
