July 4 rally plans include confederate flag burning
By Kelly Dame
Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2011A former Midland man’s plans for a July 4 rally on the courthouse steps include a flag burning and protesting the government.
Randy Gray of Clare, who appeared at the intersection of Eastman Avenue and Saginaw Road three years ago wearing Klu Klux Klan robes, filed a request on May 17 for a permit to use the Midland County Courthouse steps from noon to 2 p.m. His request was granted contingent upon his acceptance of the conditions in the county’s administrative policy for use of public property.
Gray said he is planning this summer’s rally for the same reason as one he conducted last year, to protest out-of-control government. He said he chose the Fourth of July holiday as the date for the rally because people get too caught up in the barbecues, not taking the time to read the Declaration of Independence.
"A lot of the grievances have to do with a lot of the things government is doing today," Gray said. "I just plan on coming to talk about the Declaration of Independence."
Among his list of grievances are his treatment by the Midland and Clare County Republican parties, both of which he was elected to as a precinct delegate. He was stripped of his status by the Midland group after his protest wearing KKK regalia, and later was not allowed to attend the Clare County meeting. He was charged with a misdemeanor of disturbance in public places after he appeared at the Jan. 29, 2009 Midland Republican party’s meeting, and was found guilty by a district court jury that he believes did not get to hear his side of the story.
"The main reason for the multiple rallies is I feel I’m being denied my position," he said.
He said he’s not invited any speakers to this year’s rally, and has sent required paperwork back to the county with more information about his plans.
"I would like to have a flag burning," Gray said, adding he wants to burn a Confederate flag because television news reports showed one hanging in one of President Barack Obama’s campaign offices.
© Copyright 2011, Midland Daily News, Midland, MI.
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