Friday, November 20, 2009
Gallery
9.6.2009 Jim Traficant speaks, signs autographs and takes photographs with supporters at Mr. Anthony's on Sunday evening.
Video
Former Congressman James A. Traficant Jr.'s entire speech from the Columbiana County TEA Party Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 in Firestone Park.
Ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant will be the keynote speaker at a Sunday rally in Cleveland protesting the existence of the Federal Reserve Bank.
The Cleveland event, called “End the Fed,” is among a number of protests nationwide outside and near Federal Reserve Banks. The Cleveland event starts at noon at Willard Park, at East Ninth Street and Lakeside Avenue, with Traficant speaking at 1 p.m.
After the park rally, those in attendance will march to the nearby Federal Reserve, calling for Congress to repeal the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. The Federal Reserve is the country’s central banking system.
Traficant “wants to get rid of The Fed and have Congress take back our currency,” said Dennis Malloy, the former congressman’s director of communications.
Since his Sept. 2 release from federal prison, Traficant has appeared on several national television programs, has hosted radio shows in Youngstown and Cleveland, and has spoken at numerous events, including TEA [Taxed Enough Already] Party group rallies.
Traficant is the guest speaker Friday at an event to raise money for playground equipment at Lordstown Elementary School.
The event, at the high school, starts at 6 p.m., with Traficant expected to speak at 6:30.
Traficant is “getting a lot of request to speak outside the Valley,” Malloy said.
Traficant will continue to speak for free at events in which the issues discussed are things he supports, Malloy said.
He is charging to speak at other events, such as conventions, Malloy said.
Meanwhile, Traficant has a group researching the Congressional Record finding his best one-minute speeches on the House floor for a book, Malloy said.
He’s also looking at a potential national-radio deal and a speaking tour, Malloy said.
Traficant also hasn’t ruled out another run for the U.S. House either in the 6th or the 17th Congressional Districts, Malloy said.
Traficant, expelled from the U.S. House after serving more than 17 years, was found guilty in April 2002 on 10 felony convictions including racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion. He served seven years and one month in prison.
skolnick@vindy.com