by Archie Thomas & Merry Schrumpf, Corvallis
Local election lies matter. “Let My People Go” election deniers and GOP Central Committee are not about improving local elections. National news has recently focused on Donald Trump’s framing of convicted January 6th participants as “patriotic political hostages.” This unhinged justification of the capital attack has been submitted locally to our county commissioners as a means of improving our elections.
Senator Manzella hand delivered, for the GOP central committee, video copies of “Let My People Go” to commissioners during their January 25 meeting with this explanation, “This (video) gives overview of (January) J6 prisoners, political prisoners still being held and currently mistreated— American citizens’ rights completely and totally trounced and violated.” Further the “Let My People Go” lead presenter confirmed during 2/23/24 commissioners’ election hearing that the commissioners had viewed this video. This group’s hearing advertisement featured a picture of the nation’s capital being overrun by domestic terrorists. Why would the capital attack be highlighted verbally, in print and by election deniers’ testimony during two different local election hearings if it was not their intent to intimidate or use violence in a local election?
1. The commission needs to take this threat seriously by securing additional election security measures.
2. The commission needs to place in the public record election hearing’s conclusions by passing a motion of support for the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and confirmation of present election process without changes.
3. A public retraction for using intimidation and threats of violence should be made by Senator Theresa Manzella and the GOP Central Committee.
4. The public should request a copy of “Let My People Go” video from the GOP Central Committee or commissioners for their viewing so they can decide for themselves how unhinged and out of touch this election denial group is.
5. Neither the public nor the commissioners should accept or normalize this violent intimidation or unhinged behavior by silence.