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Wash. Mayor Under Fire for 'Glenn Beck Day'

Critics slam decision to offer controversial pundit key to the city

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 5:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – The mayor of Mount Vernon, Wash., has taken a stand on the controversy over Glenn Beck calling President Obama a “racist.” He plans to give the Fox News lightning rod a key to the city and proclaim Sept. 26 “Glenn Beck Day,” the Seattle Times reports. Mayor Bud Norris says the event is about honoring a “native son,” not about agreeing with him.

“This isn't about his political views. It's about recognizing someone who has a history with our city,” says Norris. “I think he's a person who's gained a level in his profession of national recognition and notoriety.” As to whether he agrees with the “racist” claim? “That's not something that I would have said, but he's entitled to his opinion,” Norris replies.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

HUNTINGTON, WV - MAY 24: Radio talk show host Glenn Beck gestures to the crowd at the Rally for America event at Marshall University Stadium May 24, 2003 in Huntington, West Virginia. (Getty Images)

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We've gotten phone calls from people who are very upset. People are threatening not to shop here, things like that. I hope they would understand that a decision by one person doesn't reflect everybody.
- Kristen Whitener, director, Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 77 comments

hwoodude

Sep 20, 2009 11:59 AM CDT

Yeah...give Glenn "Wreck" the key to the city....right "give" it to him !

cornelison

Sep 6, 2009 11:43 AM CDT

To Neeley again. As you look at Newser this week see which stories get the most comments. Whenever there's a story about Beck, Palin & Cheney you'll notice the high volume of comments. The comments are heated & generate a lot of "tit for tat" - even if it's on a boar hog.

cornelison

Sep 6, 2009 11:35 AM CDT

To Neely. I've read complete comments & sometimes people are saying things that don't make sense. They get caught up in argument that IS off the topic - just like some couples. Then again, I can't understand how some Americans can be so cruel as to idolize someone like Beck who is against insuring 45.000,000 people.

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Politics • Media • US

Barack Obama • Washington • mayor • Fox News • Glenn Beck • ceremony • honor • racist remark • Mount Vernon, Wash. • Bud Norris

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Wash. Mayor Under Fire for 'Glenn Beck Day'