Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan posted a graphic that decries Mount Rushmore as a symbol of racism over Independence Day weekend.
The graphic appeared on the lt. governor’s Instagram story and reads “Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism that’s still alive and well in society today. It’s an injustice to actively steal indigenous people’s land then carve the white faces of the colonizers who committed genocide.”
Although Flanagan posted the graphic, she is not its creator– that’s Josue Foto, a prolific left wing organizer. She didn’t come up with the quote either– it belongs to Nick Tilsen.
Tilsen led the effort to block the roadways into Mount Rushmore on Friday, ahead of President Donald Trump’s 4th of July address at the monument. Tilsen was hit with five charges, Monday, two of which are violent felonies: second degree robbery and assault. Both of these crimes were committed as the man Flanagan promoted attacked a police officer and stole his shield.
The fact that the second most powerful Minnesota executive promoted the rhetoric of a man who stands accused of committing violent acts in the name of a left wing cause has not gone unnoticed.
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka called Flanagan out, Monday, reminding his constituents that Flanagan doesn’t speak for him.
Our Lt Gov does not speak for me. Our country has flaws and our leaders aren’t perfect, but I’m proud to be an American, and I’m grateful for the 4 leaders presented at Mount Rushmore. pic.twitter.com/JL2M6XMMRs
— Paul Gazelka (@paulgazelka) July 6, 2020
Other Minnesotans apparently feel misrepresented by the lt. governor as well. “Our lt governor doesn’t speak for any of us. She’s an embarrassment to our state,” one commentator remarked.
The Minnesota House Republicans also characterized Flanagan’s position as “outrageous.”
The idea that Mount Rushmore should be destroyed isn’t a new one. Back in 2017, Vice published an article titled: “Let’s Get Rid of Mount Rushmore.” Countless other outlets have published similar opinions over the last few years.
However, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has made it clear that the monument will not be struck down under her watch.
Kyle Hooten
Kyle Hooten is Managing Editor of Alpha News. His coverage of Minneapolis has been featured on television shows like Tucker Carlson Tonight and in print media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
