June 2, 2020

PRESS

RELEASE: While Protesters Call for Justice, Trump & WA GOP Stoke Division

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While Protesters Call for Justice, Trump & WA GOP Stoke Division

Washington Republicans remain silent in the face of Trump’s authoritarian tactics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 2, 2020

SEATTLE — The Washington State Democratic Party stands with the protesters calling for justice for the murder of George Floyd and so many other Black Americans who have died as a result of police violence. We know that as Democrats, we can and must do better in lifting up the voices of those who feel they are not being heard until they force society to listen by marching in the streets. We have heard the pain in their calls for justice and equal treatment by those sworn to serve and protect us all, and echo Vice President Biden’s remarks from this morning:

“We are a nation in pain, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us. We are a nation enraged, but we cannot allow our rage to consume us. We are a nation exhausted, but we will not allow our exhaustion to defeat us.”

We will not be defeated in our fight for justice and equality for every person of color, and we will continue to stand with those who feel that peaceful protest is required to make their voices heard.

Unfortunately, President Trump does not seem to share that commitment. While the nation grieved the death of George Floyd and thousands of peaceful protesters took to the streets demanding justice for his murder and real accountability for his murderers, President Trump threatened the American people with an unconstitutional deployment of active duty troops to suppress the constitutional rights of those protesting. He then allowed a crowd of peaceful protesters to be forcibly dispersed with tear gas and flash-bang grenades, just so he could create a photo op in front of a historic D.C. church.

How have Washington Republicans reacted to this unlawful threat against the safety and constitutional rights of Americans? With silence. Not a single self-styled “constitutionalist” in the WA GOP has objected to Trump’s proposed actions, which would clearly violate the Posse Comitatus Act.

Instead, they’ve taken to social media to spread disinformation about the peaceful nature of the vast majority of the protesters, mocked public health guidelines meant to protect Washingtonians, and engaged in conspiracy theories calling the peaceful protesters “Soros’ brownshirts.”

“President Trump’s threats and actions last night are nothing less than a complete betrayal of his office and the sacred obligation of the President to comfort the country in a time of crisis,” said Tina Podlodowski, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party. “Every elected official, regardless of party, should be unified in rejecting this wholesale abandonment of American values and come together to listen to the calls for justice ringing out in the streets of every city in America.”

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