On Friday we posted Fergus Falls Pride: GOP Senate primary challenger Miller schedules anti-LGBQT event, leading with a Facebook post by the extreme-edge group, Rocks and Cows of Minnesota. We also noted coverage in the Fergus Falls Journal, Events prompt concern: Political rally and religious gathering occur next to Pride drag show.
We post our screenshot of that post at the head of this article since Rocks and Cows has walked back its characterization of the rally. Here's that narrative.
The next day, the Journal reported a different narrative in Peaceful coexistence: Event hosts encourage amicable gatherings:
. . . A social media post in support of the political rally occurring at Dr. Allen Magnuson Park on Saturday evening at 5 p.m. is reported to have misrepresented the purpose of the gathering.
In the social media group Rocks and Cows of Minnesota, which shared the flyer for the political rally, it was stated: “We’ve heard that the LGBQT movement are stirred up because of the event. Hope to see many of you there to stand up for our children against their agenda.”
The post, written by Carol Hexum, has been edited to state: “WE will go live on “Rocks and Cows of MN”. Hope to see many of you there to stand up for our children.”
Hexum clarified that the intention of the post was not to create conflict. “It was never about the event across the street (drag show),” she explained. “We can coexist, as long they don’t force their agenda on others.”
The rally’s purpose, as shared by Miller, is to bring the community together in unity to address the loss of innocence of children due to human sex trafficking and sexuality being “pushed on kids way too young,” specially within the school system.
As for the close vicinity of their event with the two others occurring that evening, Miller shared that their event is not being held at the same time as the others and that the location and date were not chosen due to the other events.
Addressing the concern over undesirable behavior being displayed on Saturday night, Miller stated: “Violence is never the intention and not the goal at all. It never should be ... Allowing emotion to rule the day is not wise. Whatever side of the events that are going on, everyone should allow themselves to be wise and have some discernment and be willing to have a conversation.”
The flyer for the event lists Dr. Jeffrey Horak and Debbie Kaminski as speakers, though they have gone on the record to share that they will not be speaking due to personal reasons.
Well okay then.
Here's the Facebook video of the event. Both Miller and his wife feel victimized by the media, education, identity politics and the like. Oh the agendas. Miller's into the "groomer" narrative against sex education.
It's a kinder, gentler homophobia.
And don't get us started on the sheriff's candidate, who brings up the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women + Relatives, without noting that under the leadership of native women legislators, Minnesota is moving to address the issue.
Rocks, Cows, and Hexums
Carol Hexum and her husband Merle would never force their agenda on others, as we can learn from media accounts of earlier events in which they've been involved.
Last year, Karen Tolkkinen reported for the Forum News Service in Protesters caravan to voice discontent with Gov. Tim Walz:
The "Spirit of 1776" caravan rolled into the quiet streets of Ottertail at 4 p.m., right on schedule.
In response to the planned appearance of Gov. Tim Walz at the Governor's Fishing Opener in Otter Tail County, a group gathered to voice their unhappiness with the Minnesota governor.
A group of about 60 protesters gathered outside the Detroit Lakes Pavilion on Saturday, May 15, with plans to caravan through Becker and Otter Tail counties to Thumper Pond on Otter Tail Lake, where most of the Governor's Fishing Opener activity was taking place.
About 65 trucks, cars, and motorcycles flying gigantic American flags passed Thumper Pond Resort where Walz had spent the night, then continued, lights on and horns blaring, into the old part of Ottertail.
Two people wearing "Rocks and Cows" sweatshirts waited on the sidewalks for them and waved and cheered as they rolled into town. The phrase is part of a quote from Walz that Republicans have seized as an indication that he doesn't care about rural Minnesota. . . .
“We love our country, and we don’t like the direction it’s heading to. We like capitalism. We like freedom. We don’t like government mandates, government telling us what to do, government taking out money," Merle Hexum, one of the organizers of the caravan said before it started rolling. "We’re just frustrated with it all.”
Hexum said they planned the event for later in the day to catch people coming off the lakes and into the towns. But it was too late to catch the attention of the governor, who had spent Friday in Otter Tail County and left for St. Paul early Saturday. In the crowd, some grumbled that Walz had left Ottertail so early. . . .
Committee chairman Erik Osberg said he was aware of the protest, and that law enforcement was prepared in case protesters circled the governor in boats.
However, he felt that the event was relatively untouched by the protests.
"I don't feel like it affect our events at all," he said.
Although protesters criticized the governor for leaving after fishing, Osberg said the governor had spent all Friday in Otter Tail County, touring Lund Boats and other local businesses.
"I went into this weekend prepared for the worst and hoping for the best, and I think we came out on the best side," he said.
See? Totally the best. In an April letter, Democrat or Republican?, Mr. Hexum trashed Jordan Rasmusson as a RINO (Republican in Name Only (RINO), just before the Senate District 9 Republican convention overwhelmingly endorsed the Republican state representative.
Why do we get the impression that Rasmusson will win the primary?
Screengrab: The original Rocks and Cows spin on Saturday's rally.
Related posts:
- Dueling letters in GOP Senate District 9 contest make us understand why Westrom's moving
- MN08: Bill Ingebrigtsen to retire; Representative Mary Franson won't seek senate office
- Minnesota House rep Jordan Rasmusson to run for senate following Ingebrigtsen retirement
- Nornes retiring from MN House; young private equity guy may save Fergus Falls from socialism
- No disclaimer: Wardlow, Skraba, SL Co sheriff candidate speaking at Ely 2000 Mules showing
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