Whitley County Patriots unite in concern over what they view as corruption, excessive taxation and ineffective representation in government
From staff reports
Next Tuesday, a concerned group of citizens will meet in the lower level of Columbia City United Methodist Church to become what they describe as a unified voice against corruption, excessive taxation and lack of effective representation in government.
Calling themselves the Whitley County Patriots organization, the group is part of the growing national movement that includes hundreds of citizens meeting in each of several surrounding counties. They say they are motivated by what they’re seeing as an alarming, blatant disregard for citizens' rights in Washington, DC, and erosion of the United States government.
"Washington is ignoring the will of the people, and our elected officials are just not listening," says one of the group's spokesmen, Roger Metzger.
"That's been an increasing concern of ours for years,but these things now are overwhelming the country like an avalanche," Metzger said. "We’ve met people from across Indiana and the nation who are angry about the mushrooming debt, angry about an arrogance that the government knows what’s best for us and angry about a push for federal government control of more than 50 percent of our national economy."
Locally, Metzger said the Whitley County Patriots formed out of a frustration with the reluctance of both United States Senators from Indiana to meet with the public during congressional breaks this past year.
Member Myron Green echoes sentiments common to the local organizing unit.
"It's my hope thatas a group we can be heard at the local level, instead of just tryingto have an impact as individuals," he says. "And I hope we can link with groups in surrounding counties and across the state to make our thoughts known . . . then, as a powerful united voice for Indiana to have a national impact."
Metzger said some of the specific concerns expressed by members include how the country is being led in the direction of socialism and fascism; the need to spread the word about how those in power willfully disregard the Constitution; and massive debt being placed on the shoulders of generations to come.
Also of concern to members, they say, are such issues as the rapid acceleration of the progressive movement, government takeover of an increasingly large share of the economy, lack of accountability for lies and corruption and the hidden taxes and agendas in the health reform bill.
Metzger said plans are in place locally to host speakers, pursue discussions of current issues, monitor and to report local, state and national issues. Additionally, members are planning to attend regional and/or national Patriot events.
Citizens interested in uniting to have their collective voices heard and ready to boldly stand up for America may contact Terry Smith at terry@terrylsmithlaw.com or Roger Metzger at turtleday55@yahoo.com or call 244-3165.
Next Tuesday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, 605 Forest Parkway, in Columbia City.
Next Tuesday, a concerned group of citizens will meet in the lower level of Columbia City United Methodist Church to become what they describe as a unified voice against corruption, excessive taxation and lack of effective representation in government.
Calling themselves the Whitley County Patriots organization, the group is part of the growing national movement that includes hundreds of citizens meeting in each of several surrounding counties. They say they are motivated by what they’re seeing as an alarming, blatant disregard for citizens' rights in Washington, DC, and erosion of the United States government.
"Washington is ignoring the will of the people, and our elected officials are just not listening," says one of the group's spokesmen, Roger Metzger.
"That's been an increasing concern of ours for years,but these things now are overwhelming the country like an avalanche," Metzger said. "We’ve met people from across Indiana and the nation who are angry about the mushrooming debt, angry about an arrogance that the government knows what’s best for us and angry about a push for federal government control of more than 50 percent of our national economy."
Locally, Metzger said the Whitley County Patriots formed out of a frustration with the reluctance of both United States Senators from Indiana to meet with the public during congressional breaks this past year.
Member Myron Green echoes sentiments common to the local organizing unit.
"It's my hope thatas a group we can be heard at the local level, instead of just tryingto have an impact as individuals," he says. "And I hope we can link with groups in surrounding counties and across the state to make our thoughts known . . . then, as a powerful united voice for Indiana to have a national impact."
Metzger said some of the specific concerns expressed by members include how the country is being led in the direction of socialism and fascism; the need to spread the word about how those in power willfully disregard the Constitution; and massive debt being placed on the shoulders of generations to come.
Also of concern to members, they say, are such issues as the rapid acceleration of the progressive movement, government takeover of an increasingly large share of the economy, lack of accountability for lies and corruption and the hidden taxes and agendas in the health reform bill.
Metzger said plans are in place locally to host speakers, pursue discussions of current issues, monitor and to report local, state and national issues. Additionally, members are planning to attend regional and/or national Patriot events.
Citizens interested in uniting to have their collective voices heard and ready to boldly stand up for America may contact Terry Smith at terry@terrylsmithlaw.com or Roger Metzger at turtleday55@yahoo.com or call 244-3165.
Next Tuesday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, 605 Forest Parkway, in Columbia City.