Julian Bear Runner, the president of the Oglala Sioux tribal council, said Trump’s speech is a ‘threat to human race’ because of the 7,500 attendees who won’t wear face masks or social distance.
The president of the Oglala Sioux tribal council, Julian Bear Runner, doesn’t want Donald Trump, to make his planned speech at the fourth of July fireworks celebration, where more than 7,000 people are expected to attend, in South Dakota on July 3. The tribe’s head gave an interview about his health fears over the coronavirus pandemic and how the Great Sioux Nation is the rightful owner of the land and they didn’t give Trump permission to enter, during an appearance on The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell on July 2.
“Right now, for me, it’s very hard to remain diplomatic in times like this due to the lack of consultation,” he continued. “My people, it is in our DNA to fight for these lands, to defend these lands and to protect what is sacred and Mount Rushmore is carved on one of our most sacred mountains, within the Black Hills, and the people are angry and all I can do as a leader is stand back and support them, stand with them, and help them in every way that I can to do what’s right.”
After O’Donnell went on to mention that Mount Rushmore was a monument in Runner’s “culture” before the faces of the presidents were carved in, Runner explained the history behind what the monument represented and why it’s important. “That specific piece of the mountain represented six grandfathers, six of our ancestors and it had a very sacred and significant meaning prior to the carving of America’s first presidents,” he said.
Runner further elaborated that although Trump is still planning on making his appearance at Mount Rushmore on July 3, people of his tribe are preparing to protest the event to show that he’s not welcome into their territory. “I have members of my tribe, people reaching out from across America, that are wanting to come and stand with the Great Sioux Nation to exercise their amendment rights to protest and to demonstrate,” he said. “Right now, with this worldwide pandemic that is happening, we’re encouraging all of our members to exercise their safety, to wear personal protective equipment, and to just take care of themselves and this is one reason why I frown upon him coming here.”
What did Trump say?
Speaking to a hugely maskless crowd at Mount Rushmore, POTUS Donald Trump said on Friday that protestors have raised”a merciless campaign to wipe out our history” amid demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality.
The sharp castigate in a holiday address to mark the nation’s independence follows weeks of protests across the nation, sparked by the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Some demonstrators have also destroyed or damaged Confederate monuments and statues honoring those who have benefited from slavery.
“This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore”, Trump said, adding that some on the political left hope to “defame our heroes, erase our values and indoctrinate our children.”
His speech, intended to infuriate his conservative base, comes a Trump has seen his standing subside over his handling of the pandemic and response to protests and turbulence around the country.
With just over 4 months left for the presidential elections, Trump’s hopes for the second sem — looking at the unemployment and spike in the stocks — remain uncertain.
Trump has presided over several large-mob events i,e; in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at an Arizona megachurch – even as health officials warn against large gatherings and recommend face masks and social distancing. He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from the DC’s Mayor. Trump and Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse.
Also Read : News Highlights From July 2020
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