Mississippi: Democrats Rally And Respond To President Bush

U.S. President George W. Bush is joined by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, second from left, and Gulfport, Mississippi, Mayor Brent Warr, right, on 20 August 2008 during a dinner with community leaders.

21 August 2008

By Steve Phillips

GULFPORT - Outspoken Democrats have plenty to say about what they call a "lack of leadership" from President Bush.

A group of protestors shared that message at a noon hour rally Wednesday outside the storm-damaged library in downtown Gulfport.

It was a "Democratic response" to the presidential visit.

The demonstrators never got close to the leader of the free world, but they had plenty to say about his job performance. The political rally not only took aim at President Bush, it also promoted Democrats Barack Obama and Ronnie Musgrove.

"We have been delayed in our rebuilding. We have been delayed in moving on with our lives. We need to rebuild for our residents," said Gulfport council member Ella Holmes-Hines, the only elected leader at the rally.

Outspoken voices and signs revealed strong feelings. Demonstrators offered criticism and advice for President Bush's handling of Katrina.

"Go to Bay St. Louis. See how much we need some of the billions that have been allocated for hurricane recovery. We need insurance reform, so the businesses in Bay St. Louis can get back on their feet," said Hancock County resident Louis Fuchs.

Much of the protest message involved housing.

Kay Sims lives in Jackson County.

"Low income housing that survived was torn down to put up nice expensive apartments that the low income won't be able to afford. So they've been mismanaging the money that we've received. And a lot of people have not received grants who really needed them," she said.

"People have been robbed of their dignities by living in FEMA trailers with formaldehyde, our elderly people. They do, some of them do have their rooftops back on their homes, but the majority of their homes still needs to be repaired," said Rose Johnson.

"We are now 'Katrina fatigue' as the nation wants to call it," said Holmes-Hines.

The rally was organized by the Mississippi Democratic Party in response to President Bush's visit.

"It would take us days and months to say what he's done wrong. Just tell me what has he done right? That's all I want to know. I've not seen anything he's done right. He's put our country in a turmoil," said Gloria McCreary.

"We must move into a choice that is extremely clear. And that choice is we care about the needs of Mississippi. That we are going to support all people," said Holmes-Hines, "And that Ronnie Musgrove and Barack Obama can make this happen."

The Democratic protestors also brought up the long running controversy over funding for port improvements. They claim $600,000,000 allocated to the State Port at Gulfport was intended to meet post-Katrina housing needs instead.