thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--President Trump Kicks Off Independence Day Celebrations at Mount Rushmore

President Trump traveled to South Dakota Friday to kick off Independence Day celebrations across America with an historic appearance at Mount Rushmore .
In front of a packed , open-air audience of about 7,500 , the president delivered a much-anticipated remarks White House representatives promised would be an unapologetic and full-throated defense of American culture , values , history , and future .
Well , thank you very much .
And Governor Noem , Secretary Bernhardt — very much appreciate it — members of Congress , distinguished guests , and a very special hello to South Dakota .
( Applause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of July weekend , the First Lady and I wish each and every one of you a very , very Happy Independence Day .
Thank you .
( Applause . )
Let us show our appreciation to the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard , and the U.S. Air Force for inspiring us with that magnificent display of American air power — ( applause ) –and of course , our gratitude , as always , to the legendary and very talented Blue Angels .
Thank you very much .
( Applause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to our wonderful veterans , law enforcement , first responders , and the doctors , nurses , and scientists working tirelessly to kill the virus .
They ’ re working hard .
( Applause . )
I want to thank them very , very much .
We ’ re grateful as well to your state ’ s Congressional delegation : Senators John Thune — John , thank you very much — ( applause ) — Senator Mike Rounds — ( applause ) — thank you , Mike — and Dusty Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
( Applause . )
And all others with us tonight from Congress , thank you very much for coming .
We appreciate it .
There could be no better place to celebrate America ’ s independence than beneath this magnificent , incredible , majestic mountain and monument to the greatest Americans who have ever lived .
Today , we pay tribute to the exceptional lives and extraordinary legacies of George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Abraham Lincoln , and Teddy Roosevelt .
( Applause . )
I am here as your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the world : This monument will never be desecrated — ( applause ) — these heroes will never be defaced , their legacy will never , ever be destroyed , their achievements will never be forgotten , and Mount Rushmore will stand forever as an eternal tribute to our forefathers and to our freedom .
( Applause . )
THE PRESIDENT : We gather tonight to herald the most important day in the history of nations : July 4th , 1776 .
At those words , every American heart should swell with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with delight .
And every American patriot should be filled with joy , because each of you lives in the most magnificent country in the history of the world , and it will soon be greater than ever before .
( Applause . )
Our Founders launched not only a revolution in government , but a revolution in the pursuit of justice , equality , liberty , and prosperity .
No nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America .
And no people have done more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our great nation .
( Applause . )
It was all made possible by the courage of 56 patriots who gathered in Philadelphia 244 years ago and signed the Declaration of Independence .
( Applause . )
They enshrined a divine truth that changed the world forever when they said : “ …all men are created equal.
” These immortal words set in motion the unstoppable march of freedom .
Our Founders boldly declared that we are all endowed with the same divine rights — given [ to ] us by our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God has given us , we will allow no one , ever , to take away — ever .
( Applause . )
Seventeen seventy-six represented the culmination of thousands of years of western civilization and the triumph not only of spirit , but of wisdom , philosophy , and reason .
And yet , as we meet here tonight , there is a growing danger that threatens every blessing our ancestors fought so hard for , struggled , they bled to secure .
Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , erase our values , and indoctrinate our children .
THE PRESIDENT : Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our Founders , deface our most sacred memorials , and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities .
Many of these people have no idea why they are doing this , but some know exactly what they are doing .
They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive .
But no , the American people are strong and proud , and they will not allow our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , history , and culture , to be taken from them .
( Applause . )
THE PRESIDENT : One of their political weapons is “ Cancel Culture ” — driving people from their jobs , shaming dissenters , and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees .
This is the very definition of totalitarianism , and it is completely alien to our culture and our values , and it has absolutely no place in the United States of America .
( Applause . )
This attack on our liberty , our magnificent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be stopped very quickly .
We will expose this dangerous movement , protect our nation ’ s children , end this radical assault , and preserve our beloved American way of life .
( Applause . )
In our schools , our newsrooms , even our corporate boardrooms , there is a new far-left fascism that demands absolute allegiance .
If you do not speak its language , perform its rituals , recite its mantras , and follow its commandments , then you will be censored , banished , blacklisted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not going to happen to us .
( Applause . )
Make no mistake : this left-wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American Revolution .
In so doing , they would destroy the very civilization that rescued billions from poverty , disease , violence , and hunger , and that lifted humanity to new heights of achievement , discovery , and progress .
To make this possible , they are determined to tear down every statue , symbol , and memory of our national heritage .
AUDIENCE MEMBER : Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) THE PRESIDENT : True .
That ’ s very true , actually .
( Laughter . )
That is why I am deploying federal law enforcement to protect our monuments , arrest the rioters , and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law .
( Applause . )
AUDIENCE : Four more years !
Four more years !
Four more years !
THE PRESIDENT : I am pleased to report that yesterday , federal agents arrested the suspected ringleader of the attack on the statue of Andrew Jackson in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , in addition , hundreds more have been arrested .
( Applause . )
Under the executive order I signed last week — pertaining to the Veterans ’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act and other laws — people who damage or deface federal statues or monuments will get a minimum of 10 years in prison .
( Applause . )
And obviously , that includes our beautiful Mount Rushmore .
( Applause . )
Our people have a great memory .
They will never forget the destruction of statues and monuments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S. Grant , abolitionists , and many others .
The violent mayhem we have seen in the streets of cities that are run by liberal Democrats , in every case , is the predictable result of years of extreme indoctrination and bias in education , journalism , and other cultural institutions .
Against every law of society and nature , our children are taught in school to hate their own country , and to believe that the men and women who built it were not heroes , but that were villains .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ web of lies — all perspective is removed , every virtue is obscured , every motive is twisted , every fact is distorted , and every flaw is magnified until the history is purged and the record is disfigured beyond all recognition .
This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore .
They defile the memory of Washington , Jefferson , Lincoln , and Roosevelt .
Today , we will set history and history ’ s record straight .
( Applause . )
Before these figures were immortalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in full flesh and blood , gallant men whose intrepid deeds unleashed the greatest leap of human advancement the world has ever known .
Tonight , I will tell you and , most importantly , the youth of our nation , the true stories of these great , great men .
From head to toe , George Washington represented the strength , grace , and dignity of the American people .
From a small volunteer force of citizen farmers , he created the Continental Army out of nothing and rallied them to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Through eight long years , through the brutal winter at Valley Forge , through setback after setback on the field of battle , he led those patriots to ultimate triumph .
When the Army had dwindled to a few thousand men at Christmas of 1776 , when defeat seemed absolutely certain , he took what remained of his forces on a daring nighttime crossing of the Delaware River .
They marched through nine miles of frigid darkness , many without boots on their feet , leaving a trail of blood in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized victory at Trenton .
After forcing the surrender of the most powerful empire on the planet at Yorktown , General Washington did not claim power , but simply returned to Mount Vernon as a private citizen .
When called upon again , he presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia , and was unanimously elected our first President .
( Applause . )
When he stepped down after two terms , his former adversary King George called him “ the greatest man of the age.
” He remains first in our hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Americans love this land , we will honor and cherish the father of our country , George Washington .
( Applause . )
He will never be removed , abolished , and most of all , he will never be forgotten .
( Applause . )
Thomas Jefferson — the great Thomas Jefferson — was 33 years old when he traveled north to Pennsylvania and brilliantly authored one of the greatest treasures of human history , the Declaration of Independence .
He also drafted Virginia ’ s constitution , and conceived and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a model for our cherished First Amendment .
After serving as the first Secretary of State , and then Vice President , he was elected to the Presidency .
He ordered American warriors to crush the Barbary pirates , he doubled the size of our nation with the Louisiana Purchase , and he sent the famous explorers Lewis and Clark into the west on a daring expedition to the Pacific Ocean .
He was an architect , an inventor , a diplomat , a scholar , the founder of one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ardent defender of liberty .
Americans will forever admire the author of American freedom , Thomas Jefferson .
( Applause . )
And he , too , will never , ever be abandoned by us .
( Applause . )
Abraham Lincoln , the savior of our union , was a self-taught country lawyer who grew up in a log cabin on the American frontier .
The first Republican President , he rose to high office from obscurity , based on a force and clarity of his anti-slavery convictions .
Very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law that built the Transcontinental Railroad ; he signed the Homestead Act , given to some incredible scholars — as simply defined , ordinary citizens free land to settle anywhere in the American West ; and he led the country through the darkest hours of American history , giving every ounce of strength that he had to ensure that government of the people , by the people , and for the people did not perish from this Earth .
( Applause . )
He served as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved our union and extinguished the evil of slavery .
Over 600,000 died in that war ; more than 20,000 were killed or wounded in a single day at Antietam .
At Gettysburg , 157 years ago , the Union bravely withstood an assault of nearly 15,000 men and threw back Pickett ’ s charge .
Lincoln won the Civil War ; he issued the Emancipation Proclamation ; he led the passage of the 13th Amendment , abolishing slavery for all time — ( applause ) — and ultimately , his determination to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him his life .
For as long as we live , Americans will uphold and revere the immortal memory of President Abraham Lincoln .
( Applause . )
Theodore Roosevelt exemplified the unbridled confidence of our national culture and identity .
He saw the towering grandeur of America ’ s mission in the world and he pursued it with overwhelming energy and zeal .
As a Lieutenant Colonel during the Spanish-American War , he led the famous Rough Riders to defeat the enemy at San Juan Hill .
He cleaned up corruption as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then served as the Governor of New York , Vice President , and at 42 years old , became the youngest-ever President of the United States .
( Applause . )
He sent our great new naval fleet around the globe to announce America ’ s arrival as a world power .
He gave us many of our national parks , including the Grand Canyon ; he oversaw the construction of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal ; and he is the only person ever awarded both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Medal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applause ) — American freedom personified in full .
The American people will never relinquish the bold , beautiful , and untamed spirit of Theodore Roosevelt .
( Applause . )
No movement that seeks to dismantle these treasured American legacies can possibly have a love of America at its heart .
Can ’ t have it .
No person who remains quiet at the destruction of this resplendent heritage can possibly lead us to a better future .
The radical ideology attacking our country advances under the banner of social justice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both justice and society .
It would transform justice into an instrument of division and vengeance , and it would turn our free and inclusive society into a place of repression , domination , and exclusion .
They want to silence us , but we will not be silenced .
( Applause . )
THE PRESIDENT : Thank you .
Thank you very much .
Thank you very much .
We will state the truth in full , without apology : We declare that the United States of America is the most just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth .
We are proud of the fact — ( applause ) — that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles , and we understand — ( applause ) — that these values have dramatically advanced the cause of peace and justice throughout the world .
We know that the American family is the bedrock of American life .
( Applause . )
We recognize the solemn right and moral duty of every nation to secure its borders .
( Applause . )
And we are building the wall .
( Applause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the safety and happiness of their own people .
A nation must care for its own citizens first .
We must take care of America first .
It ’ s time .
( Applause . )
We believe in equal opportunity , equal justice , and equal treatment for citizens of every race , background , religion , and creed .
Every child , of every color — born and unborn — is made in the holy image of God .
( Applause . )
We want free and open debate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We support the courageous men and women of law enforcement .
( Applause . )
We will never abolish our police or our great Second Amendment , which gives us the right to keep and bear arms .
( Applause . )
We believe that our children should be taught to love their country , honor our history , and respect our great American flag .
( Applause . )
We stand tall , we stand proud , and we only kneel to Almighty God .
( Applause . )
This is who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe .
And these are the values that will guide us as we strive to build an even better and greater future .
Those who seek to erase our heritage want Americans to forget our pride and our great dignity , so that we can no longer understand ourselves or America ’ s destiny .
In toppling the heroes of 1776 , they seek to dissolve the bonds of love and loyalty that we feel for our country , and that we feel for each other .
Their goal is not a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America .
THE PRESIDENT : In its place , they want power for themselves .
But just as patriots did in centuries past , the American people will stand in their way — and we will win , and win quickly and with great dignity .
( Applause . )
We will never let them rip America ’ s heroes from our monuments , or from our hearts .
By tearing down Washington and Jefferson , these radicals would tear down the very heritage for which men gave their lives to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the memory that inspired those soldiers to go to their deaths , singing these words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic : “ As He died to make men Holy , let us die to make men free , while God is marching on.
” ( Applause . )
They would tear down the principles that propelled the abolition of slavery in America and , ultimately , around the world , ending an evil institution that had plagued humanity for thousands and thousands of years .
Our opponents would tear apart the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to express his dream , and the ideas that were the foundation of the righteous movement for Civil Rights .
They would tear down the beliefs , culture , and identity that have made America the most vibrant and tolerant society in the history of the Earth .
My fellow Americans , it is time to speak up loudly and strongly and powerfully and defend the integrity of our country .
( Applause . )
THE PRESIDENT : It is time for our politicians to summon the bravery and determination of our American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Applause . )
It is time to plant our flag and protect the greatest of this nation , for citizens of every race , in every city , and every part of this glorious land .
For the sake of our honor , for the sake of our children , for the sake of our union , we must protect and preserve our history , our heritage , and our great heroes .
( Applause . )
Here tonight , before the eyes of our forefathers , Americans declare again , as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be tyrannized , we will not be demeaned , and we will not be intimidated by bad , evil people .
It will not happen .
( Applause . )
THE PRESIDENT : We will proclaim the ideals of the Declaration of Independence , and we will never surrender the spirit and the courage and the cause of July 4th , 1776 .
Upon this ground , we will stand firm and unwavering .
In the face of lies meant to divide us , demoralize us , and diminish us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America unites us , inspires us , includes us all , and makes everyone free .
We must demand that our children are taught once again to see America as did Reverend Martin Luther King , when he said that the Founders had signed “ a promissory note ” to every future generation .
Dr. King saw that the mission of justice required us to fully embrace our founding ideals .
Those ideals are so important to us — the founding ideals .
He called on his fellow citizens not to rip down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their heritage .
( Applause . )
Above all , our children , from every community , must be taught that to be American is to inherit the spirit of the most adventurous and confident people ever to walk the face of the Earth .
Americans are the people who pursued our Manifest Destiny across the ocean , into the uncharted wilderness , over the tallest mountains , and then into the skies and even into the stars .
We are the country of Andrew Jackson , Ulysses S. Grant , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wild Bill Hickock and Buffalo Bill Cody .
( Applause . )
We are the nation that gave rise to the Wright Brothers , the Tuskegee Airmen — ( applause ) — Harriet Tubman , Clara Barton , Jesse Owens , George Patton — General George Patton — the great Louie Armstrong , Alan Shepard , Elvis Presley , and Mohammad Ali .
( Applause . )
And only America could have produced them all .
( Applause . )
No other place .
We are the culture that put up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sculpted the skyline of Manhattan .
We are the people who dreamed a spectacular dream — it was called : Las Vegas , in the Nevada desert ; who built up Miami from the Florida marsh ; and who carved our heroes into the face of Mount Rushmore .
( Applause . )
Americans harnessed electricity , split the atom , and gave the world the telephone and the Internet .
We settled the Wild West , won two World Wars , landed American astronauts on the Moon — and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our flag on Mars .
We gave the world the poetry of Walt Whitman , the stories of Mark Twain , the songs of Irving Berlin , the voice of Ella Fitzgerald , the style of Frank Sinatra — ( applause ) — the comedy of Bob Hope , the power of the Saturn V rocket , the toughness of the Ford F-150 — ( applause ) — and the awesome might of the American aircraft carriers .
Americans must never lose sight of this miraculous story .
You should never lose sight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done it like we have done it .
So today , under the authority vested in me as President of the United States — ( applause ) — I am announcing the creation of a new monument to the giants of our past .
I am signing an executive order to establish the National Garden of American Heroes , a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live .
( Applause . )
From this night and from this magnificent place , let us go forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our resolve .
We will raise the next generation of American patriots .
We will write the next thrilling chapter of the American adventure .
And we will teach our children to know that they live in a land of legends , that nothing can stop them , and that no one can hold them down .
( Applause . )
They will know that in America , you can do anything , you can be anything , and together , we can achieve anything .
( Applause . )
Uplifted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find unity that no one expected ; we will make strides that no one thought possible .
This country will be everything that our citizens have hoped for , for so many years , and that our enemies fear — because we will never forget that American freedom exists for American greatness .
And that ’ s what we have : American greatness .
( Applause . )
Centuries from now , our legacy will be the cities we built , the champions we forged , the good we did , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My fellow citizens : America ’ s destiny is in our sights .
America ’ s heroes are embedded in our hearts .
America ’ s future is in our hands .
And ladies and gentlemen : the best is yet to come .
( Applause . )
THE PRESIDENT : This has been a great honor for the First Lady and myself to be with you .
I love your state .
I love this country .
I ’ d like to wish everybody a very happy Fourth of July .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ God bless your families , God bless our great military , and God bless America .
Thank you very much .
( Applause . )

President Trump traveled to South Dakota Friday to kick off Independence Day celebrations across America with an historic appearance at Mount Rushmore.
In front of a packed, open-air audience of about 7,500, the president delivered a much-anticipated remarks White House representatives promised would be an unapologetic and full-throated defense of American culture, values, history, and future.
Watch the full event:
TRANSCRIPT
Well, thank you very much. And Governor Noem, Secretary Bernhardt — very much appreciate it — members of Congress, distinguished guests, and a very special hello to South Dakota. (Applause.)
As we begin this Fourth of July weekend, the First Lady and I wish each and every one of you a very, very Happy Independence Day. Thank you. (Applause.)
Let us show our appreciation to the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force for inspiring us with that magnificent display of American air power — (applause) –and of course, our gratitude, as always, to the legendary and very talented Blue Angels. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Let us also send our deepest thanks to our wonderful veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and the doctors, nurses, and scientists working tirelessly to kill the virus. They’re working hard. (Applause.) I want to thank them very, very much.
We’re grateful as well to your state’s Congressional delegation: Senators John Thune — John, thank you very much — (applause) — Senator Mike Rounds — (applause) — thank you, Mike — and Dusty Johnson, Congressman. Hi, Dusty. Thank you. (Applause.) And all others with us tonight from Congress, thank you very much for coming. We appreciate it.
There could be no better place to celebrate America’s independence than beneath this magnificent, incredible, majestic mountain and monument to the greatest Americans who have ever lived.
Today, we pay tribute to the exceptional lives and extraordinary legacies of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. (Applause.) I am here as your President to proclaim before the country and before the world: This monument will never be desecrated — (applause) — these heroes will never be defaced, their legacy will never, ever be destroyed, their achievements will never be forgotten, and Mount Rushmore will stand forever as an eternal tribute to our forefathers and to our freedom. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!
THE PRESIDENT: We gather tonight to herald the most important day in the history of nations: July 4th, 1776. At those words, every American heart should swell with pride. Every American family should cheer with delight. And every American patriot should be filled with joy, because each of you lives in the most magnificent country in the history of the world, and it will soon be greater than ever before. (Applause.)
Our Founders launched not only a revolution in government, but a revolution in the pursuit of justice, equality, liberty, and prosperity. No nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America. And no people have done more to promote human progress than the citizens of our great nation. (Applause.)
It was all made possible by the courage of 56 patriots who gathered in Philadelphia 244 years ago and signed the Declaration of Independence. (Applause.) They enshrined a divine truth that changed the world forever when they said: “…all men are created equal.”
These immortal words set in motion the unstoppable march of freedom. Our Founders boldly declared that we are all endowed with the same divine rights — given [to] us by our Creator in Heaven. And that which God has given us, we will allow no one, ever, to take away — ever. (Applause.)
Seventeen seventy-six represented the culmination of thousands of years of western civilization and the triumph not only of spirit, but of wisdom, philosophy, and reason.
And yet, as we meet here tonight, there is a growing danger that threatens every blessing our ancestors fought so hard for, struggled, they bled to secure.
Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.
AUDIENCE: Booo —
THE PRESIDENT: Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our Founders, deface our most sacred memorials, and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities. Many of these people have no idea why they are doing this, but some know exactly what they are doing. They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive. But no, the American people are strong and proud, and they will not allow our country, and all of its values, history, and culture, to be taken from them. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!
THE PRESIDENT: One of their political weapons is “Cancel Culture” — driving people from their jobs, shaming dissenters, and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees. This is the very definition of totalitarianism, and it is completely alien to our culture and our values, and it has absolutely no place in the United States of America. (Applause.) This attack on our liberty, our magnificent liberty, must be stopped, and it will be stopped very quickly. We will expose this dangerous movement, protect our nation’s children, end this radical assault, and preserve our beloved American way of life. (Applause.)
In our schools, our newsrooms, even our corporate boardrooms, there is a new far-left fascism that demands absolute allegiance. If you do not speak its language, perform its rituals, recite its mantras, and follow its commandments, then you will be censored, banished, blacklisted, persecuted, and punished. It’s not going to happen to us. (Applause.)
Make no mistake: this left-wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American Revolution. In so doing, they would destroy the very civilization that rescued billions from poverty, disease, violence, and hunger, and that lifted humanity to new heights of achievement, discovery, and progress.
To make this possible, they are determined to tear down every statue, symbol, and memory of our national heritage.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Not on my watch! (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: True. That’s very true, actually. (Laughter.) That is why I am deploying federal law enforcement to protect our monuments, arrest the rioters, and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: I am pleased to report that yesterday, federal agents arrested the suspected ringleader of the attack on the statue of Andrew Jackson in Washington, D.C. — (applause) — and, in addition, hundreds more have been arrested. (Applause.)
Under the executive order I signed last week — pertaining to the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act and other laws — people who damage or deface federal statues or monuments will get a minimum of 10 years in prison. (Applause.) And obviously, that includes our beautiful Mount Rushmore. (Applause.)
Our people have a great memory. They will never forget the destruction of statues and monuments to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, abolitionists, and many others.
The violent mayhem we have seen in the streets of cities that are run by liberal Democrats, in every case, is the predictable result of years of extreme indoctrination and bias in education, journalism, and other cultural institutions.
Against every law of society and nature, our children are taught in school to hate their own country, and to believe that the men and women who built it were not heroes, but that were villains. The radical view of American history is a web of lies — all perspective is removed, every virtue is obscured, every motive is twisted, every fact is distorted, and every flaw is magnified until the history is purged and the record is disfigured beyond all recognition.
This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore. They defile the memory of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Today, we will set history and history’s record straight. (Applause.)
Before these figures were immortalized in stone, they were American giants in full flesh and blood, gallant men whose intrepid deeds unleashed the greatest leap of human advancement the world has ever known. Tonight, I will tell you and, most importantly, the youth of our nation, the true stories of these great, great men.
From head to toe, George Washington represented the strength, grace, and dignity of the American people. From a small volunteer force of citizen farmers, he created the Continental Army out of nothing and rallied them to stand against the most powerful military on Earth.
Through eight long years, through the brutal winter at Valley Forge, through setback after setback on the field of battle, he led those patriots to ultimate triumph. When the Army had dwindled to a few thousand men at Christmas of 1776, when defeat seemed absolutely certain, he took what remained of his forces on a daring nighttime crossing of the Delaware River.
They marched through nine miles of frigid darkness, many without boots on their feet, leaving a trail of blood in the snow. In the morning, they seized victory at Trenton. After forcing the surrender of the most powerful empire on the planet at Yorktown, General Washington did not claim power, but simply returned to Mount Vernon as a private citizen.
When called upon again, he presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, and was unanimously elected our first President. (Applause.) When he stepped down after two terms, his former adversary King George called him “the greatest man of the age.” He remains first in our hearts to this day. For as long as Americans love this land, we will honor and cherish the father of our country, George Washington. (Applause.) He will never be removed, abolished, and most of all, he will never be forgotten. (Applause.)
Thomas Jefferson — the great Thomas Jefferson — was 33 years old when he traveled north to Pennsylvania and brilliantly authored one of the greatest treasures of human history, the Declaration of Independence. He also drafted Virginia’s constitution, and conceived and wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, a model for our cherished First Amendment.
After serving as the first Secretary of State, and then Vice President, he was elected to the Presidency. He ordered American warriors to crush the Barbary pirates, he doubled the size of our nation with the Louisiana Purchase, and he sent the famous explorers Lewis and Clark into the west on a daring expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
He was an architect, an inventor, a diplomat, a scholar, the founder of one of the world’s great universities, and an ardent defender of liberty. Americans will forever admire the author of American freedom, Thomas Jefferson. (Applause.) And he, too, will never, ever be abandoned by us. (Applause.)
Abraham Lincoln, the savior of our union, was a self-taught country lawyer who grew up in a log cabin on the American frontier.
The first Republican President, he rose to high office from obscurity, based on a force and clarity of his anti-slavery convictions. Very, very strong convictions.
He signed the law that built the Transcontinental Railroad; he signed the Homestead Act, given to some incredible scholars — as simply defined, ordinary citizens free land to settle anywhere in the American West; and he led the country through the darkest hours of American history, giving every ounce of strength that he had to ensure that government of the people, by the people, and for the people did not perish from this Earth. (Applause.)
He served as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces during our bloodiest war, the struggle that saved our union and extinguished the evil of slavery. Over 600,000 died in that war; more than 20,000 were killed or wounded in a single day at Antietam. At Gettysburg, 157 years ago, the Union bravely withstood an assault of nearly 15,000 men and threw back Pickett’s charge.
Lincoln won the Civil War; he issued the Emancipation Proclamation; he led the passage of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery for all time — (applause) — and ultimately, his determination to preserve our nation and our union cost him his life. For as long as we live, Americans will uphold and revere the immortal memory of President Abraham Lincoln. (Applause.)
Theodore Roosevelt exemplified the unbridled confidence of our national culture and identity. He saw the towering grandeur of America’s mission in the world and he pursued it with overwhelming energy and zeal.
As a Lieutenant Colonel during the Spanish-American War, he led the famous Rough Riders to defeat the enemy at San Juan Hill. He cleaned up corruption as Police Commissioner of New York City, then served as the Governor of New York, Vice President, and at 42 years old, became the youngest-ever President of the United States. (Applause.)
He sent our great new naval fleet around the globe to announce America’s arrival as a world power. He gave us many of our national parks, including the Grand Canyon; he oversaw the construction of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal; and he is the only person ever awarded both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was — (applause) — American freedom personified in full. The American people will never relinquish the bold, beautiful, and untamed spirit of Theodore Roosevelt. (Applause.)
No movement that seeks to dismantle these treasured American legacies can possibly have a love of America at its heart. Can’t have it. No person who remains quiet at the destruction of this resplendent heritage can possibly lead us to a better future.
The radical ideology attacking our country advances under the banner of social justice. But in truth, it would demolish both justice and society. It would transform justice into an instrument of division and vengeance, and it would turn our free and inclusive society into a place of repression, domination, and exclusion.
They want to silence us, but we will not be silenced. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you!
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
We will state the truth in full, without apology: We declare that the United States of America is the most just and exceptional nation ever to exist on Earth.
We are proud of the fact — (applause) — that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, and we understand — (applause) — that these values have dramatically advanced the cause of peace and justice throughout the world.
We know that the American family is the bedrock of American life. (Applause.)
We recognize the solemn right and moral duty of every nation to secure its borders. (Applause.) And we are building the wall. (Applause.)
We remember that governments exist to protect the safety and happiness of their own people. A nation must care for its own citizens first. We must take care of America first. It’s time. (Applause.)
We believe in equal opportunity, equal justice, and equal treatment for citizens of every race, background, religion, and creed. Every child, of every color — born and unborn — is made in the holy image of God. (Applause.)
We want free and open debate, not speech codes and cancel culture.
We embrace tolerance, not prejudice.
We support the courageous men and women of law enforcement. (Applause.) We will never abolish our police or our great Second Amendment, which gives us the right to keep and bear arms. (Applause.)
We believe that our children should be taught to love their country, honor our history, and respect our great American flag. (Applause.)
We stand tall, we stand proud, and we only kneel to Almighty God. (Applause.)
This is who we are. This is what we believe. And these are the values that will guide us as we strive to build an even better and greater future.
Those who seek to erase our heritage want Americans to forget our pride and our great dignity, so that we can no longer understand ourselves or America’s destiny. In toppling the heroes of 1776, they seek to dissolve the bonds of love and loyalty that we feel for our country, and that we feel for each other. Their goal is not a better America, their goal is the end of America.
AUDIENCE: Booo —
THE PRESIDENT: In its place, they want power for themselves. But just as patriots did in centuries past, the American people will stand in their way — and we will win, and win quickly and with great dignity. (Applause.)
We will never let them rip America’s heroes from our monuments, or from our hearts. By tearing down Washington and Jefferson, these radicals would tear down the very heritage for which men gave their lives to win the Civil War; they would erase the memory that inspired those soldiers to go to their deaths, singing these words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic: “As He died to make men Holy, let us die to make men free, while God is marching on.” (Applause.)
They would tear down the principles that propelled the abolition of slavery in America and, ultimately, around the world, ending an evil institution that had plagued humanity for thousands and thousands of years. Our opponents would tear apart the very documents that Martin Luther King used to express his dream, and the ideas that were the foundation of the righteous movement for Civil Rights. They would tear down the beliefs, culture, and identity that have made America the most vibrant and tolerant society in the history of the Earth.
My fellow Americans, it is time to speak up loudly and strongly and powerfully and defend the integrity of our country. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!
THE PRESIDENT: It is time for our politicians to summon the bravery and determination of our American ancestors. It is time. (Applause.) It is time to plant our flag and protect the greatest of this nation, for citizens of every race, in every city, and every part of this glorious land. For the sake of our honor, for the sake of our children, for the sake of our union, we must protect and preserve our history, our heritage, and our great heroes. (Applause.)
Here tonight, before the eyes of our forefathers, Americans declare again, as we did 244 years ago: that we will not be tyrannized, we will not be demeaned, and we will not be intimidated by bad, evil people. It will not happen. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!
THE PRESIDENT: We will proclaim the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, and we will never surrender the spirit and the courage and the cause of July 4th, 1776.
Upon this ground, we will stand firm and unwavering. In the face of lies meant to divide us, demoralize us, and diminish us, we will show that the story of America unites us, inspires us, includes us all, and makes everyone free.
We must demand that our children are taught once again to see America as did Reverend Martin Luther King, when he said that the Founders had signed “a promissory note” to every future generation. Dr. King saw that the mission of justice required us to fully embrace our founding ideals. Those ideals are so important to us — the founding ideals. He called on his fellow citizens not to rip down their heritage, but to live up to their heritage. (Applause.)
Above all, our children, from every community, must be taught that to be American is to inherit the spirit of the most adventurous and confident people ever to walk the face of the Earth.
Americans are the people who pursued our Manifest Destiny across the ocean, into the uncharted wilderness, over the tallest mountains, and then into the skies and even into the stars.
We are the country of Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Frederick Douglass. We are the land of Wild Bill Hickock and Buffalo Bill Cody. (Applause.) We are the nation that gave rise to the Wright Brothers, the Tuskegee Airmen — (applause) — Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Jesse Owens, George Patton — General George Patton — the great Louie Armstrong, Alan Shepard, Elvis Presley, and Mohammad Ali. (Applause.) And only America could have produced them all. (Applause.) No other place.
We are the culture that put up the Hoover Dam, laid down the highways, and sculpted the skyline of Manhattan. We are the people who dreamed a spectacular dream — it was called: Las Vegas, in the Nevada desert; who built up Miami from the Florida marsh; and who carved our heroes into the face of Mount Rushmore. (Applause.)
Americans harnessed electricity, split the atom, and gave the world the telephone and the Internet. We settled the Wild West, won two World Wars, landed American astronauts on the Moon — and one day very soon, we will plant our flag on Mars.
We gave the world the poetry of Walt Whitman, the stories of Mark Twain, the songs of Irving Berlin, the voice of Ella Fitzgerald, the style of Frank Sinatra — (applause) — the comedy of Bob Hope, the power of the Saturn V rocket, the toughness of the Ford F-150 — (applause) — and the awesome might of the American aircraft carriers.
Americans must never lose sight of this miraculous story. You should never lose sight of it, because nobody has ever done it like we have done it. So today, under the authority vested in me as President of the United States — (applause) — I am announcing the creation of a new monument to the giants of our past. I am signing an executive order to establish the National Garden of American Heroes, a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live. (Applause.)
From this night and from this magnificent place, let us go forward united in our purpose and re-dedicated in our resolve. We will raise the next generation of American patriots. We will write the next thrilling chapter of the American adventure. And we will teach our children to know that they live in a land of legends, that nothing can stop them, and that no one can hold them down. (Applause.) They will know that in America, you can do anything, you can be anything, and together, we can achieve anything. (Applause.)
Uplifted by the titans of Mount Rushmore, we will find unity that no one expected; we will make strides that no one thought possible. This country will be everything that our citizens have hoped for, for so many years, and that our enemies fear — because we will never forget that American freedom exists for American greatness. And that’s what we have: American greatness. (Applause.)
Centuries from now, our legacy will be the cities we built, the champions we forged, the good we did, and the monuments we created to inspire us all.
My fellow citizens: America’s destiny is in our sights. America’s heroes are embedded in our hearts. America’s future is in our hands. And ladies and gentlemen: the best is yet to come. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!
THE PRESIDENT: This has been a great honor for the First Lady and myself to be with you. I love your state. I love this country. I’d like to wish everybody a very happy Fourth of July. To all, God bless you, God bless your families, God bless our great military, and God bless America. Thank you very much. (Applause.)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-05--Gov. Bill Lee Grants County Mayors Authority to Issue Mask Mandates

Gov .
Bill Lee signed an executive order Friday granting the mayors of 89 counties the authority to issue local face mask mandates .
Six Tennessee counties – Sullivan , Knox , Hamilton , Davidson , Madison , and Shelby – have local health departments , and therefore already have the authority to issue mask requirements as needed , Lee ’ s office explained .
The Metro Nashville and Davidson County Board of Health voted June 26 in favor of requiring residents to wear masks in public places .
Under ordinary circumstances , the remaining 89 counties don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they don ’ t operate local health departments .
Lee ’ s Executive Order 54 grants the mayors of those counties the authority to issue local mask requirements in the event of a significant rise in COVID-19 cases .
“ While our densely populated urban areas continue to have the highest COVID-19 case rates , our local governments expressed a need for greater flexibility in addressing a rise in cases and that includes setting stronger expectations around masks , ” Lee said in a statement .
“ This targeted approach ensures we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep our economy open in Tennessee .
We encourage every Tennessean across the state to use a face covering or mask , make sure to socially distance and wash hands frequently , ” he added .
The executive order requires counties to include a number of exemptions , such as for children under the age of 12 or people who have trouble breathing because of underlying health conditions .
Lee has strongly encouraged Tennesseans to wear face masks , recently launching a “ TN Strong Mask Movement , ” but has refrained from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , issued a statewide mask mandate Thursday .
The order requires Texans in counties with more than 20 cases to wear a mask while in confined public places .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order Friday granting the mayors of 89 counties the authority to issue local face mask mandates.
Six Tennessee counties – Sullivan, Knox, Hamilton, Davidson, Madison, and Shelby – have local health departments, and therefore already have the authority to issue mask requirements as needed, Lee’s office explained.
The Metro Nashville and Davidson County Board of Health voted June 26 in favor of requiring residents to wear masks in public places.
Under ordinary circumstances, the remaining 89 counties don’t have the authority to issue such requirements because they don’t operate local health departments.
Lee’s Executive Order 54 grants the mayors of those counties the authority to issue local mask requirements in the event of a significant rise in COVID-19 cases.
“While our densely populated urban areas continue to have the highest COVID-19 case rates, our local governments expressed a need for greater flexibility in addressing a rise in cases and that includes setting stronger expectations around masks,” Lee said in a statement.
“This targeted approach ensures we protect both lives and livelihoods and safely keep our economy open in Tennessee. We encourage every Tennessean across the state to use a face covering or mask, make sure to socially distance and wash hands frequently,” he added.
The executive order requires counties to include a number of exemptions, such as for children under the age of 12 or people who have trouble breathing because of underlying health conditions.
Lee has strongly encouraged Tennesseans to wear face masks, recently launching a “TN Strong Mask Movement,” but has refrained from issuing a statewide mask mandate.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, issued a statewide mask mandate Thursday. The order requires Texans in counties with more than 20 cases to wear a mask while in confined public places.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-07-05--Commentary: Why Do They Hate Thomas Jefferson?

When Al Sharpton demanded , three years ago , that the funding for the Jefferson Memorial ’ s upkeep be cut off , people laughed .
But they ’ re not laughing now .
Actually , they ’ re still laughing , but now it ’ s more of a nervous chuckle in dismal expectation of what ’ s to come .
First it was Robert E. Lee , then it was Christopher Columbus , and now it ’ s old TJ himself .
The frenzy to purge , legally or illegally , every last vestige of America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last weeks , but recent events would suggest that the worst is yet to come .
On May 31 , a monument to Thomas Jefferson in Birmingham was set on fire by rioters .
On June 11 , a statue of Thomas Jefferson on the campus of William and Mary was defaced , and attempts were made to topple it .
On June 14 , a Jefferson statue in Portland was ripped from its graffitied pedestal by protesters and cast to the ground .
The University of Missouri has been resisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue of Jefferson , while a statue in Decatur , Georgia , has successfully been removed legally .
In this unbridled surge of wokeness , not even the author of the Declaration of Independence is safe .
So who is this wicked human being whose memory college students feel justified and even obligated to disgrace ?
Of what crime could this villain possibly be guilty that the armies of God should march , with such righteous anger , to dishonor his name and besmirch his legacy ?
Like Socrates in Plato ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one accusation but two — the one nominal and the other real .
The nominal accusation against Thomas Jefferson is that he owned slaves and fathered children by one of them .
The real accusation against Jefferson is everything else he did .
There are few who would admit this , but it really should come as no surprise .
Jefferson was the embodiment of classical liberalism , a philosophy disdained by modern progressives .
In all his achievements , Jefferson adopted , influenced , and practiced the philosophy of classical liberalism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of republicanism , limited government , and individualism .
Let us take a moment to examine these accomplishments , for which progressives hate him so much .
Born in 1743 , Thomas Jefferson was , in every way , a child of the Enlightenment .
He attended the college of William and Mary , where he was introduced to the ideas of Isaac Newton , John Locke , and all the cutting-edge political and natural philosophy of the Enlightenment .
After graduating , Jefferson practiced law and served in the Virginia House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he endeavored to bring reform to the institution of slavery , which he saw as unjust on account of his belief in the natural rights of all men .
In 1776 , he authored the Declaration of Independence , setting the United States on its course to becoming a sovereign nation , freed entirely from Britain ’ s tyrannical rule .
Jefferson was then elected to the Virginia House of Delegates , where he advocated principles of religious toleration and helped draft the Virginia state Constitution .
Afterward he served briefly as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to promote freedom of religion .
He was then elected to the Congress of the Confederation , which appointed him , in 1784 , to serve as the United States ’ ambassador to France .
Upon his return , Jefferson was appointed as President Washington ’ s secretary of state under the new Constitution .
With the help of James Madison , Jefferson advocated the ideals of limited government and republicanism that would come to constitute the basis for the Democratic-Republican Party .
Jefferson also served as John Adams ’ vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president himself in 1800 .
As president , Jefferson established the U.S. Military Academy , fought the Barbary pirates , purchased the Louisiana Territory , commissioned the pioneers of the American West , promoted the equal rights of Native Americans , and advocated the assimilation of the Indian tribes .
Out of respect for Washington , Jefferson did not seek a third term as president , but instead retired to Monticello .
Late in life , Jefferson bequeathed one last gift to future generations ; he established the University of Virginia , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reason , education , and free exchange Jefferson so highly esteemed .
Thomas Jefferson also owned slaves throughout his life , as was common in his time .
From his writings on the natural rights of man , it would seem that Jefferson indeed knew that slavery was wrong but failed to hold himself to that standard of justice .
How could he be such a hypocrite , condemning slavery with his words but practicing it with his actions ?
As it turns out , free labor is really hard to turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jefferson remained morally weak for his failure to do so .
Jefferson deserves blame for this moral weakness , but in proportion to the virtue , wisdom , excellence , and accomplishments of the rest of his life .
While Jefferson the slaveowner is given plenty of airtime in these current protests , little is said of Jefferson the delegate , Jefferson the representative , Jefferson the governor , Jefferson the ambassador , Jefferson the secretary of state , Jefferson the vice president , Jefferson the president , or Jefferson the founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make about Jefferson ’ s slave ownership , progressives ’ real disdain for the man lies not just in his sins but also in his accomplishments .
For , in his long life of public service , Jefferson remained committed to political principles now detested by his present accusers .
The principles of classical liberalism championed by Jefferson are absolutely antithetical to the liberalism esteemed by progressives today .
Where the former values limited government , individualism , and civic virtue , the latter values expansive government , group action , and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political philosophy that progressives abhor most of all , and it is because of his philosophy that radicals now seek the complete removal of his image , legally or illegally .
The physical object of their assaults is the image of Thomas Jefferson , but their true adversary is the classical liberalism he represents .
Don ’ t be fooled into thinking this impending crusade against the third president is only about slavery .
Today ’ s progressives are attempting to erase the memory of a liberalism directly opposed to their own .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ purge from the public eye the Enlightenment ideals of individualism , limited government , and civic virtue that America was built on .
Their vision is an America divorced from its founding , classically liberal values and rebuilt upon their own new breed of liberalism , one directly opposed to that of Jefferson and of the American Revolution .
So let progressives think twice before they unchain this earth from its sun , because whatever mistakes Jefferson may have made , it was upon his philosophy , not that of modern progressives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burns is a participant in the Young Writers Program at The American Spectator .
He attends Baylor University , where he is studying math , economics , and statistics .
He enjoys reading old books and writing about classically liberal ideas .
Photo “ Thomas Jefferson Memorial ” by Bob CC2.0 .

by William Burns
When Al Sharpton demanded, three years ago, that the funding for the Jefferson Memorial’s upkeep be cut off, people laughed. But they’re not laughing now. Actually, they’re still laughing, but now it’s more of a nervous chuckle in dismal expectation of what’s to come. First it was Robert E. Lee, then it was Christopher Columbus, and now it’s old TJ himself.
The frenzy to purge, legally or illegally, every last vestige of America’s past of slavery has reached new heights in the last weeks, but recent events would suggest that the worst is yet to come. On May 31, a monument to Thomas Jefferson in Birmingham was set on fire by rioters. On June 11, a statue of Thomas Jefferson on the campus of William and Mary was defaced, and attempts were made to topple it. On June 14, a Jefferson statue in Portland was ripped from its graffitied pedestal by protesters and cast to the ground. The University of Missouri has been resisting demands from student protesters to remove a statue of Jefferson, while a statue in Decatur, Georgia, has successfully been removed legally. In this unbridled surge of wokeness, not even the author of the Declaration of Independence is safe.
So who is this wicked human being whose memory college students feel justified and even obligated to disgrace? Of what crime could this villain possibly be guilty that the armies of God should march, with such righteous anger, to dishonor his name and besmirch his legacy?
Like Socrates in Plato’s Apology, one must consider not just one accusation but two — the one nominal and the other real. The nominal accusation against Thomas Jefferson is that he owned slaves and fathered children by one of them. The real accusation against Jefferson is everything else he did. There are few who would admit this, but it really should come as no surprise. Jefferson was the embodiment of classical liberalism, a philosophy disdained by modern progressives. In all his achievements, Jefferson adopted, influenced, and practiced the philosophy of classical liberalism, taking every opportunity to advance the principles of republicanism, limited government, and individualism. Let us take a moment to examine these accomplishments, for which progressives hate him so much.
Born in 1743, Thomas Jefferson was, in every way, a child of the Enlightenment. He attended the college of William and Mary, where he was introduced to the ideas of Isaac Newton, John Locke, and all the cutting-edge political and natural philosophy of the Enlightenment. After graduating, Jefferson practiced law and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. In both of these roles, he endeavored to bring reform to the institution of slavery, which he saw as unjust on account of his belief in the natural rights of all men. In 1776, he authored the Declaration of Independence, setting the United States on its course to becoming a sovereign nation, freed entirely from Britain’s tyrannical rule.
Jefferson was then elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he advocated principles of religious toleration and helped draft the Virginia state Constitution. Afterward he served briefly as the governor of Virginia, where he continued to promote freedom of religion. He was then elected to the Congress of the Confederation, which appointed him, in 1784, to serve as the United States’ ambassador to France. Upon his return, Jefferson was appointed as President Washington’s secretary of state under the new Constitution. With the help of James Madison, Jefferson advocated the ideals of limited government and republicanism that would come to constitute the basis for the Democratic-Republican Party.
Jefferson also served as John Adams’ vice president before being elected to the office of president himself in 1800. As president, Jefferson established the U.S. Military Academy, fought the Barbary pirates, purchased the Louisiana Territory, commissioned the pioneers of the American West, promoted the equal rights of Native Americans, and advocated the assimilation of the Indian tribes. Out of respect for Washington, Jefferson did not seek a third term as president, but instead retired to Monticello. Late in life, Jefferson bequeathed one last gift to future generations; he established the University of Virginia, an institution founded to preserve the Enlightenment values of reason, education, and free exchange Jefferson so highly esteemed.
Thomas Jefferson also owned slaves throughout his life, as was common in his time. From his writings on the natural rights of man, it would seem that Jefferson indeed knew that slavery was wrong but failed to hold himself to that standard of justice. How could he be such a hypocrite, condemning slavery with his words but practicing it with his actions? As it turns out, free labor is really hard to turn down, and despite his virtues, Jefferson remained morally weak for his failure to do so. Jefferson deserves blame for this moral weakness, but in proportion to the virtue, wisdom, excellence, and accomplishments of the rest of his life.
While Jefferson the slaveowner is given plenty of airtime in these current protests, little is said of Jefferson the delegate, Jefferson the representative, Jefferson the governor, Jefferson the ambassador, Jefferson the secretary of state, Jefferson the vice president, Jefferson the president, or Jefferson the founder of UVA. But however much fuss they make about Jefferson’s slave ownership, progressives’ real disdain for the man lies not just in his sins but also in his accomplishments. For, in his long life of public service, Jefferson remained committed to political principles now detested by his present accusers.
The principles of classical liberalism championed by Jefferson are absolutely antithetical to the liberalism esteemed by progressives today. Where the former values limited government, individualism, and civic virtue, the latter values expansive government, group action, and social justice. It is Jefferson’s political philosophy that progressives abhor most of all, and it is because of his philosophy that radicals now seek the complete removal of his image, legally or illegally. The physical object of their assaults is the image of Thomas Jefferson, but their true adversary is the classical liberalism he represents.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this impending crusade against the third president is only about slavery. Today’s progressives are attempting to erase the memory of a liberalism directly opposed to their own. Their aim is nothing less than to purge from the public eye the Enlightenment ideals of individualism, limited government, and civic virtue that America was built on. Their vision is an America divorced from its founding, classically liberal values and rebuilt upon their own new breed of liberalism, one directly opposed to that of Jefferson and of the American Revolution. So let progressives think twice before they unchain this earth from its sun, because whatever mistakes Jefferson may have made, it was upon his philosophy, not that of modern progressives, that this nation was established.
– – –
William Burns is a participant in the Young Writers Program at The American Spectator. He attends Baylor University, where he is studying math, economics, and statistics. He enjoys reading old books and writing about classically liberal ideas.
Photo “Thomas Jefferson Memorial” by Bob CC2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-05--FBI Arrests Antifa Ringleader of Attempt to Topple Andrew Jackson Statue in DC

The alleged “ ringleader ” in a recent attempt to destroy the Andrew Jackson statue in Washington DC was arrested Thursday , and charged with destruction of federal property .
Jason Charter , a known antifa agitator , was arrested at his home by the FBI and U.S. Park Police as part of a joint task force , Fox News reported .
The militant is alleged to have played a major part in several attacks on historic monuments in recent weeks .
Photos of Charter unmasked can be seen at the Daily Mail and below .
The day before his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was receiving death threats and saying he would protect his “ castle ” to “ the fullest extent of the law.
” Charter ’ s Twitter profile says that he is a “ political activist/organizer , and includes the hashtags # IAmAntifa # SmashRacism .
The antifa militant was allegedly in a leadership role on the night of June 22 when a mob of activists tried to pull down the statue in Lafayette Square near the White House .
Several other individuals , including Graham Lloyd , 37 , were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Maine man “ is among four suspects facing a federal charge of destruction of government property causing damage over $ 1,000 , ” Bangor Daily News reported .
“ They were very organized , ” a federal law enforcement official said .
“ Charter was on top of the statue and directing people … they had acid , chisels , straps and a human chain preventing police from getting to the statue.
” The complaint cites a tweet from Charter that says , “ Tearing down statues of traitors to the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crime.
” “ At the Jackson Statue incident , Charter is additionally seen wearing a red set of ski goggles and a yellow ventilator mask .
Charter ’ s face is clearly visible at different times during each incident , ” the complaint alleges .
The FBI ’ s criminal complaint against Charter also accuses him of being involved in the destruction of the Albert Pike Historical Statue in Washington earlier this month .
Citing local news video , the FBI alleges that Charter is seen “ standing over the toppled Pike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statue.
” The complaint said : “ He is then observed waving others away from the statue , and squatting down behind the statue where his hands are not visible .
Seconds later , the statue catches fire .
Charter is seen standing over the flames as it burns.
” Additionally , Charter participated in “ a June 26 protest at Lincoln Park in Washington – where demonstrators called for the removal of a statue of Abraham Lincoln , ” according to the complaint .
During that incident , Charter was caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who later filed an assault report with the police .
Charter was expected to make an appearance in U.S. District Court in Washington on Thursday , according to Fox News .
“ This is a pretty big story , given all the media attention paid to the attempted destruction of these statues and many others across the country , ” said Fox ’ s Doug McKelway .
“ The proximity to the White House … the first court appearance … ” Doug McKelway turned toward his left and right to sarcastically showcase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were present to report on the story .
Of course , no other media outlet besides Fox had showed up to cover the antifa terrorist ’ s first court appearance because Democrats and their allies in the media want you to believe that antifa violence is a made-up , imaginary problem .
Last week , President Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to prioritize prosecution of activists who damage federal monuments and limit federal funding for local governments that do not adequately protect those monuments .
Trump tweeted last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument , statue or other such federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison , per the Veterans ’ Memorial Preservation Act , or such other laws that may be pertinent .
”

by Debra Heine
The alleged “ringleader” in a recent attempt to destroy the Andrew Jackson statue in Washington DC was arrested Thursday, and charged with destruction of federal property.
Jason Charter, a known antifa agitator, was arrested at his home by the FBI and U.S. Park Police as part of a joint task force, Fox News reported.
The militant is alleged to have played a major part in several attacks on historic monuments in recent weeks.
Photos of Charter unmasked can be seen at the Daily Mail and below.
We're going to need an investigation into whether antifa is recruiting from the orc army casting pool from the Lord of the Rings set pic.twitter.com/2IG1nlHdZ3 — Arthur Bloom (@j_arthur_bloom) July 2, 2020
The day before his arrest, Charter was on Twitter complaining that he was receiving death threats and saying he would protect his “castle” to “the fullest extent of the law.”
I didn't think y'all would be dumb enough to threaten to kill me and my family but there y'all are acting like you can make threats to scare me. I'll protect my castle to the fullest extent the law will allow me to so come after me and continue with you empty threats you cowards. — Jason Charter (@JasonRCharter) July 2, 2020
He was arrested “without incident,” law enforcement sources told Fox.
Charter’s Twitter profile says that he is a “political activist/organizer, and includes the hashtags #IAmAntifa #SmashRacism.
The antifa militant was allegedly in a leadership role on the night of June 22 when a mob of activists tried to pull down the statue in Lafayette Square near the White House.
Several other individuals, including Graham Lloyd, 37, were also arrested in connection with the incident.
The Maine man “is among four suspects facing a federal charge of destruction of government property causing damage over $1,000,” Bangor Daily News reported.
“They were very organized,” a federal law enforcement official said. “Charter was on top of the statue and directing people … they had acid, chisels, straps and a human chain preventing police from getting to the statue.”
The complaint cites a tweet from Charter that says, “Tearing down statues of traitors to the nation is a service to this nation not a crime.”
“At the Jackson Statue incident, Charter is additionally seen wearing a red set of ski goggles and a yellow ventilator mask. Charter’s face is clearly visible at different times during each incident,” the complaint alleges.
The FBI’s criminal complaint against Charter also accuses him of being involved in the destruction of the Albert Pike Historical Statue in Washington earlier this month.
Citing local news video, the FBI alleges that Charter is seen “standing over the toppled Pike Statue, pouring an unknown liquid onto the statue.”
The complaint said: “He is then observed waving others away from the statue, and squatting down behind the statue where his hands are not visible. Seconds later, the statue catches fire. Charter is seen standing over the flames as it burns.”
Additionally, Charter participated in “a June 26 protest at Lincoln Park in Washington – where demonstrators called for the removal of a statue of Abraham Lincoln,” according to the complaint.
During that incident, Charter was caught on video assaulting OANN journalist Jack Posobiec, who later filed an assault report with the police.
Assault, battery & attempted robberty commited by antifa/blm on @OANN's reporter @JackPosobiec in DC
earlier this evening. Clip courtesy of @BreitbartNews edited by moi .. God Blesshttps://t.co/qXrO1MgGg8 pic.twitter.com/QLYiDCks0c — wlctv.ca (@wlctv_ca) June 27, 2020
UPDATE: The Post Millennial has identified "Goggles" as 25-year-old Jason Charter, a self-described "political activist/organizer" and member of Antifahttps://t.co/vwFC6CSond — Barrett Wilson (@BarrettWilson6) June 27, 2020
Charter was expected to make an appearance in U.S. District Court in Washington on Thursday, according to Fox News.
“This is a pretty big story, given all the media attention paid to the attempted destruction of these statues and many others across the country,” said Fox’s Doug McKelway. “The proximity to the White House … the first court appearance …”
Doug McKelway turned toward his left and right to sarcastically showcase “the huge throng of media” that were present to report on the story. Of course, no other media outlet besides Fox had showed up to cover the antifa terrorist’s first court appearance because Democrats and their allies in the media want you to believe that antifa violence is a made-up, imaginary problem.
‘This is a pretty big story, given all the media attention paid to the attempted destruction of these statues…”
Fox’s Doug McKelway shows a real-life example of MSM media ’news judgment'… pic.twitter.com/jS9UhWdW3Q — johnny dollar (@johnnydollar01) July 2, 2020
Last week, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to prioritize prosecution of activists who damage federal monuments and limit federal funding for local governments that do not adequately protect those monuments.
Trump tweeted last Tuesday that he had authorized federal officials to “arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent.”
Department of Justice officials, according to a source with knowledge, have been frustrated that all the statue preservation efforts have been left to the DOJ with zero cooperation from feckless blue mayors in blue states. “The time to save the statue is NOT IN THE COURTROOM but at the time of its toppling,” the person said.
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Debra Heine reports for American Greatness.
Photo “Jason Charter” by Jason Charter.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-05--Activist Leaves Hong Kong After New Law to Advocate Abroad

HONG KONG ( AP ) — Prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law has left the city for an undisclosed location after testifying in a U.S. congressional hearing about a tough new security law imposed by mainland China on the semi-autonomous territory .
Law , who declined to disclose his whereabouts for safety , said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday that he left because Hong Kong needs an advocate for democracy who can work internationally .
Under the new security law , activists and politicians in Hong Kong who speak to foreign media or testify in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or colluding with foreign forces , Law said .
“ For me leaving the place that I love , that I grew up in , that I spent most of my life in , it ’ s definitely a really difficult decision , but this is more than a personal choice , ” he said .
“ I miss everything from it.
” The security law , which took effect Tuesday night , targets secessionist , subversive or terrorist acts , as well as collusion with foreign forces intervening in the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction , local authorities have moved swiftly to implement the law ’ s sweeping conditions , with police arresting about 370 people Wednesday , including 10 on suspicion of directly violating the law , as thousands took to the streets in protest .
In some cases , suspects were carrying items advocating Hong Kong ’ s independence , police said .
China ’ s Cabinet on Friday appointed a veteran Communist Party cadre who rose to prominence during a crackdown on villagers seeking land rights in 2011 as head of a new central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Zheng Yanxiong and his department will report directly to Beijing without oversight from Hong Kong ’ s courts or any requirement that they answer to local authorities .
Law , 26 , rose to prominence in Hong Kong as one of the student leaders of the pro-democracy Umbrella Revolution in 2014 .
In 2016 , he became the youngest lawmaker elected to the city ’ s legislature but was later disqualified after he raised his tone while swearing allegiance to China during the oath , making it sound like a question .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demosisto with fellow activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow .
All three resigned Tuesday ahead of the security law coming into effect .
With the loss of its top members , Demosisto dissolved .
The Hong Kong government announced Thursday night that the popular protest slogan “ Liberate Hong Kong , Revolution of Our Time ” connotes a call for Hong Kong ’ s independence or its separation from China , and those using it or displaying it on flags or signs could be in violation of the new law .
Critics including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ one country , two systems ” framework under which the city was promised a high degree of autonomy when it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997 .
“ That is blatantly eradicating ‘ one country , two systems , ’ it ’ s blatantly putting the last nail in the coffin , ” Law said .
He urged the international community to prioritize human rights over trade interests , and to present a united front to “ combat or contain the authoritarian expansion of China.
” Under the security legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is life imprisonment , and suspects in certain cases may be sent to the mainland for trial if Beijing deems it has jurisdiction .
A 24-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a police officer during the protests on Wednesday has been charged with wounding with intent , police said Friday .
He was arrested on board a plane to London , apparently trying to flee the territory .
Police wouldn ’ t say if the man would face additional charges under the security law .
Separately , police charged a 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities on Friday , making him the first person to be prosecuted under the new law .
Tong Ying-kit is accused of crashing a motorcycle into a group of police during Wednesday ’ s protests while possessing a flag with the newly banned slogan .
Zen Soo is a reporter for The Associated Press .
AP video journalist Alice Fung contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : In this Jan. 27 , 2018 , file photo , pro-democracy activist Nathan Law , along with Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law has left the city for an undisclosed location , he revealed on his Facebook page shortly after testifying at a U.S. congressional hearing about the tough national security law China had imposed on the semi-autonomous territory .
In his post late Thursday , July 2 , 2020 , he said that he decided to take on the responsibility for advocating for Hong Kong internationally and had since left the city .
( AP Photo/Kin Cheung , File )

HONG KONG (AP) — Prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law has left the city for an undisclosed location after testifying in a U.S. congressional hearing about a tough new security law imposed by mainland China on the semi-autonomous territory.
Law, who declined to disclose his whereabouts for safety, said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday that he left because Hong Kong needs an advocate for democracy who can work internationally.
Under the new security law, activists and politicians in Hong Kong who speak to foreign media or testify in foreign hearings can be arrested for secessionism or colluding with foreign forces, Law said.
“For me leaving the place that I love, that I grew up in, that I spent most of my life in, it’s definitely a really difficult decision, but this is more than a personal choice,” he said. “I miss everything from it.”
The security law, which took effect Tuesday night, targets secessionist, subversive or terrorist acts, as well as collusion with foreign forces intervening in the city’s affairs.
Under Beijing’s direction, local authorities have moved swiftly to implement the law’s sweeping conditions, with police arresting about 370 people Wednesday, including 10 on suspicion of directly violating the law, as thousands took to the streets in protest.
In some cases, suspects were carrying items advocating Hong Kong’s independence, police said.
China’s Cabinet on Friday appointed a veteran Communist Party cadre who rose to prominence during a crackdown on villagers seeking land rights in 2011 as head of a new central government national security office in Hong Kong. Zheng Yanxiong and his department will report directly to Beijing without oversight from Hong Kong’s courts or any requirement that they answer to local authorities.
Law, 26, rose to prominence in Hong Kong as one of the student leaders of the pro-democracy Umbrella Revolution in 2014. In 2016, he became the youngest lawmaker elected to the city’s legislature but was later disqualified after he raised his tone while swearing allegiance to China during the oath, making it sound like a question.
He was a leader of pro-democracy group Demosisto with fellow activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow. All three resigned Tuesday ahead of the security law coming into effect. With the loss of its top members, Demosisto dissolved.
The Hong Kong government announced Thursday night that the popular protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time” connotes a call for Hong Kong’s independence or its separation from China, and those using it or displaying it on flags or signs could be in violation of the new law.
Critics including Law say the legislation effectively ends the “one country, two systems” framework under which the city was promised a high degree of autonomy when it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
“That is blatantly eradicating ‘one country, two systems,’ it’s blatantly putting the last nail in the coffin,” Law said.
He urged the international community to prioritize human rights over trade interests, and to present a united front to “combat or contain the authoritarian expansion of China.”
Under the security legislation, the maximum punishment for serious offenses is life imprisonment, and suspects in certain cases may be sent to the mainland for trial if Beijing deems it has jurisdiction.
A 24-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a police officer during the protests on Wednesday has been charged with wounding with intent, police said Friday. He was arrested on board a plane to London, apparently trying to flee the territory. Police wouldn’t say if the man would face additional charges under the security law.
Separately, police charged a 23-year-old man with incitement to secession and terrorist activities on Friday, making him the first person to be prosecuted under the new law. Tong Ying-kit is accused of crashing a motorcycle into a group of police during Wednesday’s protests while possessing a flag with the newly banned slogan.
– – –
Zen Soo is a reporter for The Associated Press. AP video journalist Alice Fung contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: In this Jan. 27, 2018, file photo, pro-democracy activist Nathan Law, along with Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong, attends a press conference in Hong Kong. Prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law has left the city for an undisclosed location, he revealed on his Facebook page shortly after testifying at a U.S. congressional hearing about the tough national security law China had imposed on the semi-autonomous territory. In his post late Thursday, July 2, 2020, he said that he decided to take on the responsibility for advocating for Hong Kong internationally and had since left the city. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-05--Teenagers in Nashville Spend July 4 Vilifying Law Enforcement

Nashville couldn ’ t have its yearly July 4 festivities or fireworks show because of the city ’ s COVID-19 restrictions , but it could have teenagers marching downtown and screaming to take down the police .
Such was the case Saturday as Teens For Equality gathered in significant numbers to protest at Nashville ’ s Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park .
They gave speeches .
They marched .
They chanted about their contempt for law enforcement .
Many of the demonstrators appeared to wear masks or other facial coverings to guard themselves against COVID-19 .
One speaker at Bicentennial Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proclaimed her own version of the Pledge of Allegiance .
“ I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , ” the female said .
“ And to the Republic , for which it stands , one nation , under God , with liberty and justice for some.
” Then the march began , and the protestors chanted the following slogans over and over again .
• “ Brick-by-brick .
Wall-by-wall .
Metro PD has got to fall.
” • “ Hey , hey , ho-ho .
Governor Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Take it to the streets to fight the police .
No justice .
No peace.
” At one point , the protestors seemed to change course and chanted either “ f*** the police ” or “ defund the police , ” although the distinction was unclear .
Vice.com , in an article last month , could not distinguish between the two slogans either as heard during various demonstrations .
As The Tennessee Star reported Friday , staff at the Beacon Center of Tennessee said Mayor John Cooper shows double standards and enforces bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a right-of-center think tank .
“ The Mayor has been completely inconsistent and derelict in his duty when it comes to enforcing existing rules , allowing some businesses to openly flout the law and marching with large groups of people himself in violation of his own orders , ” Beacon CEO Justin Owen said .
“ Despite claiming that the purpose of the original shutdown was to flatten the curve , the mayor keeps moving the goalposts .
Even though city officials have stated that they are very comfortable with the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to punish law-abiding , rule-following citizens and struggling businesses by reverting to a previous phase.
” Citing an increase in COVID-19 cases , Cooper said at a press conference Thursday that the city will go back to the second of its four-phased rollout to reopen the city .
Nashville formally went from Phase Three back to Phase Two on Friday .
The city will remain in Phase Two for the next several weeks , Cooper said .
But Owen , in his press release , said Cooper needs to reevaluate his actions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate that exempts some but not others , and the unbearably massive tax increase , Mayor Cooper needs to think about the harm he is doing to all Nashville citizens and the future of the city before it is too late , ” Owen said .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Image “ Teens4Equality Protest ” by R.LUM.R .

Nashville couldn’t have its yearly July 4 festivities or fireworks show because of the city’s COVID-19 restrictions, but it could have teenagers marching downtown and screaming to take down the police.
Such was the case Saturday as Teens For Equality gathered in significant numbers to protest at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park. They gave speeches. They marched. They chanted about their contempt for law enforcement.
Many of the demonstrators appeared to wear masks or other facial coverings to guard themselves against COVID-19.
One speaker at Bicentennial Capitol Mall Mark, an unidentified female, proclaimed her own version of the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,” the female said.
“And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for some.”
Then the march began, and the protestors chanted the following slogans over and over again.
• “Brick-by-brick. Wall-by-wall. Metro PD has got to fall.”
• “Hey, hey, ho-ho. Governor Lee has got to go.”
• “Take it to the streets to fight the police. No justice. No peace.”
At one point, the protestors seemed to change course and chanted either “f*** the police” or “defund the police,” although the distinction was unclear.
Vice.com, in an article last month, could not distinguish between the two slogans either as heard during various demonstrations.
As The Tennessee Star reported Friday, staff at the Beacon Center of Tennessee said Mayor John Cooper shows double standards and enforces bad COVID-19 policies upon the city. Beacon is a right-of-center think tank.
“The Mayor has been completely inconsistent and derelict in his duty when it comes to enforcing existing rules, allowing some businesses to openly flout the law and marching with large groups of people himself in violation of his own orders,” Beacon CEO Justin Owen said.
“Despite claiming that the purpose of the original shutdown was to flatten the curve, the mayor keeps moving the goalposts. Even though city officials have stated that they are very comfortable with the hospital capacity, the mayor is still going to punish law-abiding, rule-following citizens and struggling businesses by reverting to a previous phase.”
Citing an increase in COVID-19 cases, Cooper said at a press conference Thursday that the city will go back to the second of its four-phased rollout to reopen the city. Nashville formally went from Phase Three back to Phase Two on Friday. The city will remain in Phase Two for the next several weeks, Cooper said.
But Owen, in his press release, said Cooper needs to reevaluate his actions.
“Between this, an inconsistent mask mandate that exempts some but not others, and the unbearably massive tax increase, Mayor Cooper needs to think about the harm he is doing to all Nashville citizens and the future of the city before it is too late,” Owen said.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Image “Teens4Equality Protest” by R.LUM.R.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-05--Tennessee Comptrollers: Former County Mayor Tried to Hide Wife’s Role in Auto Accident

Former Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith filed a false accident claim after his wife was involved in an auto accident in May 2018 while she drove a county-owned vehicle , according to Tennessee Comptrollers .
Comptrollers did not identify the former county mayor by name in a report they submitted this week .
“ An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller ’ s Office revealed the mayor reported the accident to the county ’ s insurance provider stating that he was driving the vehicle .
At the time of the accident , the mayor ’ s wife ’ s driver ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous traffic citations , ” Comptrollers said in an emailed press release .
“ The cost to repair the vehicle totaled $ 4,024.47 .
The insurance provider paid $ 3,524.47 , and Haywood County paid the $ 500 insurance deductible to a local body shop.
” Investigators also identified other instances when the former county mayor allowed his wife to use his assigned county-owned vehicle for her personal use .
This included a traffic stop on July 24 , 2018 , when the Jackson Police Department issued the former mayor ’ s wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended license and the failure to maintain a single lane , the press release said .
According to the report , county employees , a local citizen , and video/audio that a law enforcement officer recorded at a traffic stop corroborated that the county ’ s mayor ’ s wife drove the county-owned vehicle .
“ As part of our investigation , we learned that Haywood County did not have an official vehicle use policy , ” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said in the press release .
“ I recommend that county officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require that county vehicles should only be used for official business.
” Haywood County is located in West Tennessee .
The county seat is Brownsville .
A 20-member county commission acts as the county ’ s legislative body .
The county mayor serves as its chief executive officer .
Franklin Smith , a Democrat , served as Haywood County mayor for 14 years from 2004 to 2018 .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SWTDD .

Former Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith filed a false accident claim after his wife was involved in an auto accident in May 2018 while she drove a county-owned vehicle, according to Tennessee Comptrollers.
Comptrollers did not identify the former county mayor by name in a report they submitted this week.
“An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office revealed the mayor reported the accident to the county’s insurance provider stating that he was driving the vehicle. At the time of the accident, the mayor’s wife’s driver’s license had been suspended due to numerous traffic citations,” Comptrollers said in an emailed press release.
“The cost to repair the vehicle totaled $4,024.47. The insurance provider paid $3,524.47, and Haywood County paid the $500 insurance deductible to a local body shop.”
Investigators also identified other instances when the former county mayor allowed his wife to use his assigned county-owned vehicle for her personal use. This included a traffic stop on July 24, 2018, when the Jackson Police Department issued the former mayor’s wife a traffic citation for driving on a suspended license and the failure to maintain a single lane, the press release said.
According to the report, county employees, a local citizen, and video/audio that a law enforcement officer recorded at a traffic stop corroborated that the county’s mayor’s wife drove the county-owned vehicle.
“As part of our investigation, we learned that Haywood County did not have an official vehicle use policy,” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said in the press release.
“I recommend that county officials develop a policy to provide guidance and require that county vehicles should only be used for official business.”
Haywood County is located in West Tennessee. The county seat is Brownsville. A 20-member county commission acts as the county’s legislative body. The county mayor serves as its chief executive officer.
Franklin Smith, a Democrat, served as Haywood County mayor for 14 years from 2004 to 2018.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith” by SWTDD.