Far-right groups, extremists, conspiracy theorists scheduled to gather on Saturday using dangerous imagery to mock Michigan’s elected leaders
LANSING — First it was “witches” and now it’s “zombies” – this destructive rhetoric and degrading imagery continues to be used by far-right groups, conspiracy theorists and even elected Republican lawmakers and it’s nothing short of dangerous.
Saturday’s planned gathering of the far-right groups and extremists in Lansing again shows these factions of the Michigan Republican Party will stop at nothing to demean and degrade our state’s female leaders.
“Like Governor Whitmer has said time and again: ‘Words matter,’” said Lavora Barnes, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. “Images matter too and without Michigan Republican leadership calling for the end of such demeaning mockery, they are complicit and essentially condoning it. That’s especially concerning as we continue to hear the frightening details in court about a group set on hurting the governor.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are again being attacked for their steadfast efforts to keep Michiganders safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and their diligence to successfully execute safe and secure elections despite numerous hurdles.
“The elected Democratic leaders of Michigan absolutely must keep doing what they’re doing — being focused on the policies and issues that really matter to Michigan’s working families, but we also have to make sure we speak out against harmful language and imagery that’s coming from far-right extremists,” Barnes said. “Whether it is a doll hanging from a noose, photoshopped images of state’s elected leaders or it’s using words like ‘witches,’ Michiganders deserve better.”
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