Ted Cruz surprisingly rails against Tennessee governor for honoring KKK Grand Wizard

Cruz

In the wake of signing a proclamation honoring Confederate general and KKK grand wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest, even Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) blasted Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for it.

Lee, a Republican, signed the proclamation earlier this week, resulting in an instant backlash against a state that continues to struggle to get past its Confederate history.

The bill was signed in accordance with Tennessee state law, which states:

“Each year it is the duty of the governor of this state to proclaim the following as days of special observance: January 19, “Robert E. Lee Day”; February 12, “Abraham Lincoln Day”; March 15, “Andrew Jackson Day”; June 3, “Memorial Day” or “Confederate Decoration Day”; July 13, “Nathan Bedford Forrest Day”; and November 11, “Veterans’ Day.” The governor shall invite the people of this state to observe the days in schools, churches, and other suitable places with appropriate ceremonies expressive of the public sentiment befitting the anniversary of such dates.”

Lee’s office argued that he had no choice but to sign the proclamation, but it’s not like Lee included a statement of protest or called to change the law either.

Many Republicans likely approve of the proclamation, but Cruz does not, which is why he condemned it on Twitter.

It’s true that Forrest was a Democrat, but what Cruz conveniently leaves out is that Democrats were conservatives at the time while Republicans were liberals. That changed during the Civil Rights movement as conservatives switched to the GOP while Democrats became liberals.

It’s a historical fact that Republicans always ignore in order to demonize Democrats while presenting their own party in a heroic light despite the fact that many red states are engaged in voter suppression, support racism, and have days dedicated to honoring Confederate leaders.

Other than his underlying smear against today’s Democratic Party, Cruz is right to call for Tennessee to change the law. Forrest was a domestic terrorist who lynched blacks and fought against the United States in an act of treason. He definitely does not deserve to be honored.

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