DES MOINES, Iowa – Seven groups plan to protest at the Iowa State Capitol on Independence Day, July 4, 2020, to call for the removal of monuments to “white supremacy in Iowa.” In response to that, Richard Rogers, a conservative political activist, planned to counter that rally that with an appreciation tour of the monuments at the same time.
“HEY! Come Get Your Racist Uncle” is sponsored by seven groups, including Des Moines Black Lives Matter, and will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on the west terrace of the State Capitol grounds.
They “demand” the removal of the Pioneer bronze statue on the west lawn, the Westward Mural inside the capitol building, and the Christopher Columbus monument on the south lawn.
“Organizers will present Iowa legislators with a letter demanding that all racist, misogynistic, homo/transphobic, whitewashed historical depictions be removed from all state grounds and facilities,” the event page states.
Rogers plans to hold the Independence Day Monument Appreciation Tour at the Iowa State Capitol at 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm on the south lawn of the State Capitol Building.
“Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of our nation and the vision of its Founders. They created a representative republic that draws its just powers from the consent of the governed. Despite political and cultural differences among the populace – and even a civil war – that system has worked well and survived for 244 years since the Declaration of Independence. America has NEVER submitted to the mob. Will you stand by and let that happen now?” Rogers wrote.
He directly responded to the planned rally.
“Now, they certainly have a right to their opinions, no matter how ill-informed. They have a right to petition their government. But the removal or addition of statues and other public art must be determined by methods that observe the rule of law and our system of representative government. Our government must not yield to a mob threatening violence. And the threat – or even implication – of violence is useless if one is not willing to back it up. Hopefully, this group will not be overcome with the rage that has been too often demonstrated elsewhere recently and decide to take matters into their own hands,” Rogers said.
“I can think of no better time than Independence Day for patriotic and thoughtful Iowans to gather at the Capitol to APPRECIATE our heritage of constitutionally limited self-government and the history and traditions of our state and nation. At 12:30 tomorrow, Saturday, July 4, 2020, you will find me and my Gadsden Flag on the South Lawn of the Iowa Capitol, appreciating the heck out of the statue of Christopher Columbus, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the others arrayed there. I hope many of my friends and like-minded Iowans will join me,” he added
Rogers said that his event is not an open carry Second Amendment event or an “invitation to rumble” with the other group there.
“There is no reason for the two groups to meet. But if those of us who value liberty, independence, and personal responsibility do not show our strong support for tradition and the rule of law, which of our representatives will stand up to defend them against the mob?” he stated.
Update: Richard Rogers provided information about parking for his event.