Klan protests immigration

Ku Klux Klan members rallied at the Franklin County courthouse Saturday, disgusted by U.S. policies on the economy, immigration and racial equality.

Forgoing traditional white robes, 16 Klansmen and one Klanswoman wore black military-styled garb with sewn patches of Confederate flags and white crosses.

From a Klan flag-covered podium, about a half-dozen Klan members spoke about illegal immigration, quoted Biblical scripture and criticized presidential politics, international banks, the federal stimulus, residents who are Jewish, black, gay or Hispanic and even the swine flu. A crumpled Mexican flag lay on the ground.

Klansman Larry Grant paced across the podium as he spoke. "Wake up! Look in the mirror - look at the child beside you. What do you want to leave them?" Grant asked the audience of about 20 to 30, excluding police.

Some observers heckled the Klans members who came from Alabama, Tennessee, Indiana and Wisconsin. Chad Beck, pastor of Jonesboro Baptist Church in Russellville, stood with his two young sons and read from Romans 3.

"Repent, believe, brother it's not too late. Repent. Repent," Beck said as a member of the Klan yelled back "White power."

Pastor Eli James, a Klan member, yelled at the audience, "Wake up you stupid white people!"

James quoted Biblical passages, said that the U.S. was in "deep, deep, deep trouble" and that most economic problems came from international banks. "It's not like we're against other races. We're oppressed just like you," he told an audience with about a half-dozen blacks and no Hispanics.

Pam Winstead, of Phil Campbell, spent most of the rally recording it on her phone "so I can show my children this is not how to live." After the speeches and a final round of "white power," Terrence Farris, who is black, yelled, "Y'all a bunch of clowns."

Two Klansmen then set the Mexican flag on fire. One of the Klansmen stomped out the fire with his military boots and kicked the flag.

By Trevor Stokes

Trevor Stokes can be reached at 740-5728 or trevor.stokes@TimesDaily.com