news-record.com

So my friend Laura Leslie over at the Tavern noticed a Facebook posting by state Sen. Andrew Brock promoting a new item at www.wakeupamerica.com Web site. The site, for those who don’t know, is promoting a new group that objects to most policies put forward by the Obama administration.

The graphic was attention grabbing if only because it was playing with symbols that in a best case kind of scenario the authors didn’t understand and in a worst case scenario did.

Since wakeupamerica.com doesn't have the picture on its front (you can still see the post itself here), I’ve attached a screen grab of what they were promoting to this blog post. (If you're seeing the tiny picture up to the right, click on it for a bigger version. For an even bigger view, click on the picture again.)

I’m thinking there may be some objection to the use of the Star of David in place of the presidential seal used to festoon a picture that presents the sitting president as a tin pot dictator and alongside text that calls for a “bloodless coup.” I’m not really sure what they’re trying to suggest, only that it’s probably not respectful of either the president or the Jewish faith.

Update: Laura follows up with feedback from wakeupamerica here. The image is now gone from their site with an apology.

Update 2: Sen. Brock found my e-mail before I found his phone #. He writes:

Our internet vendor is new to politics and is ashamed and apologetic for not understanding those photos are offensive, and as our top official, I can say I was unaware of this and am trying to correct it again even now and will make sure even photos are approved from this point on.

Update 3: You know, all this wakeupamerica thing is missing is some righteous outrage from political opponents. Ahhhh, there we go. From a NC Democratic Party e-mail:

RALEIGH, NC -- Republican members of the North Carolina legislature Senator Andrew Brock and Representative Brian Holloway have gone too far and their leadership’s silence indicates their tacit approval, North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Director Andrew Whalen said today.

Whalen’s comments came after Wake Up America, a conservative website created by Brock and Holloway, posted two derogatory images of President Obama, one picturing him next to Adolf Hitler.

“There is no possible way to defend the actions of Brock and Holloway. Comparing the President or anyone to Hitler is too disgusting for words.” Whalen said. “I’m guessing that’s why we haven’t heard a word from Berger, Stam, or Fetzer. Those three need to immediately repudiate the actions of their colleagues. If they don’t, their support for these shameful actions will be clear to all North Carolinians.”