"The office of President of the United States is deserving of the respect of all Americans, regardless of how deeply we may disagree on issues or policies." - Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
President Obama made his third presidential visit to Oklahoma this week, where he made history by becoming the first sitting president to visit a federal prison. The president met with inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution El Reno, in order to hear what prisoners think his priorities should be as he tackles criminal justice reform.
While he was in Oklahoma President Obama also traveled to Durant to visit with members of the Choctaw Nation, which has been the beneficiary of $50 million dollars of federal grant money as one of President Obama’s Promise Zones.
You would think that Oklahomans might be excited to host the president, but upon his arrival in both Oklahoma City and Durant, protesters greeted his entourage by waving Confederate flags while shouting insults at the commander-in-chief.
Since Oklahoma was not even a state during the Civil War, the president might have been astounded by the reception he received. Then again, Oklahoma being one of the reddest of the red Obama-hating states, he probably wasn't surprised at all.
The Confederate flag wavers however, did shock the sensibilities of at least two unlikely Oklahomans. Congressman Tom Cole, and Congressman Frank Lucas were so disgusted by the display they publicly chastised the protesters, electoral consequences be damned.
In an interview with reporters Thursday, Rep. Lucas, (photo right) who is in line for a spot in leadership, took the extraordinary step of chastising the flag wavers:“Free speech is an amazing thing." Rep. Lucas said. "Unfortunately this was an inappropriate use of it."
Rep. Cole (photo below right) went even farther, releasing this statement that would qualify as a heartfelt apology if he had just included the word "sorry."
"I was shocked and disappointed by those who showed up to wave Confederate flags soon after President Obama arrived in Oklahoma.“Their actions were not only disappointing but incredibly disrespectful, insensitive and embarrassing to the entire state. The unacceptable behavior displayed by these individuals certainly does not reflect the values and views of the vast majority of Oklahomans. No president should ever be confronted by such behavior, especially when the purpose of the visit was meant to celebrate and recognize some of our state’s greatest achievements.“The office of President of the United States is deserving of the respect of all Americans, regardless of how deeply we may disagree on issues or policies. Political differences are never a justification to insult the president, and I believe that such action shows disrespect for the office itself.
"In this circumstance, I consider it to be particularly insensitive given the president’s personal graciousness when Oklahomans in Moore were devastated by tornadoes in May 2013.“Like me, I’m certain that the vast majority of people across our state are embarrassed and disappointed to see other Oklahomans engage in this sort of activity. Given the president’s purpose for visiting, all Oklahomans should have been proud to have him in the state and shown him the same hospitality that we routinely extend to those who visit our state.”
It is a rare moment indeed for a conservative politician to split with his constituents to defend the president - especially this president. We advise our readers to keep one eye on the sky in case of flying pigs.
Feature photo via Twitter
Protest photo via Twitter
Rep. Cole's photo via Facebook
Rep. Franks photo via Facebook
Source: http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/
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