(Scypre.com) – Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat from California, generated controversy on Memorial Day when he tweeted an image that many people on social media found to be insensitive. Prior to this tweet, Newsom had not acknowledged the holiday that honors fallen service members.
The tweet featured a cartoon without a caption, illustrating a child attempting to reach a book placed on a high shelf while several guns hung lower on the wall.
The timing of this tweet, combined with its clear political undertones, prompted a strong backlash from Twitter users who criticized the governor for disregarding the significance of the holiday in favor of making a partisan statement.
Seattle radio host Jason Rantz remarked, “Posting something like this on Memorial Day is peculiar. I wonder if Gavin Newsom asks his armed law enforcement officers, who provide him security, where they store their guns and position their bookshelves.”
Afterward, Newsom retweeted a statement from the Office of the Governor of California account, which sought to honor Memorial Day. The tweet stated, “On Memorial Day, we remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to safeguard our cherished freedoms and way of life. In their memory, flags will be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds.”
The tweet provided a link to the governor’s Memorial Day proclamation, which commenced by saying, “On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the courageous men and women who laid down their lives to protect our cherished freedoms and way of life. Upholding a solemn tradition that dates back to Decoration Day in 1868, communities across the country will gather to pay tribute to the selfless heroes—our friends, family, and ancestors—who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a national day of remembrance of all Americans who have perished in our nation’s wars.”
The proclamation further expressed, “On Memorial Day, we hold these brave souls in our hearts and offer our condolences to the families who mourn their loss. We also show them honor by committing to respect and care for the veterans who are still here with us, their brothers and sisters in arms.”