A float in a Nebraska Fourth of July Parade drew loud cheers on the parade route, but now it’s drawing loud criticism.
The float was part of the annual Independence Day parade hosted by the small town of Norfolk, Nebraska, and included an outhouse which read “Obama Presidential Library.” Standing in front of the outhouse was a dummy of President Obama clad with overalls, clutching a walker.
Obama float at Nebraska parade sparks controversy
http://t.co/hMr2sIBT9n pic.twitter.com/DMIK0Gynak
— The Gazette (@csgazette) July 6, 2014
But despite its success on the parade route, many have deemed the float an act of racism.
A statement released by the Nebraska Democratic Party called it one of the “worst shows of racism and disrespect for the presidency that Nebraska has ever seen.”
Parade organizers, who restrict floats they consider morally offensive, told a local newspaper the float passed their litmus test because they saw it as political satire.
“We don’t feel its right to tell someone what they can and can’t express,” said parade committeeman Rick Konopasek. “This was political satire. If we start saying no to certain floats, we might as well not have a parade at all.”
Konopasek commented that it was “obvious the majority of the community” enjoyed the parade. He warned that banning float because a small majority disapproved would lead to a slippery slope.
“Should we deny the 95 percent of those that liked it their rights, just for the 5 percent of people who are upset?” Konopasek asked.
The float, staged on the flatbed of an old pick up truck, was created by a local resident of Norfolk and didn’t include any sponsors. It was given an honorable mention by the parade’s three judges.
