From mass protests to ICE riots in Los Angeles to a patriotic military parade, the last week in America has shown the country’s growing divide.
In Los Angeles, agitators have burned cars, vandalized buildings and waved Mexican flags in defiance of federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Those events led into a widespread protest of “No Kings Day” rallies against President Donald Trump over the weekend in cities across the nation, including Wyoming.
A very different scene took place in Washington, D.C., as thousands lined the streets waving American flags and cheering while the Army’s 250th anniversary parade Sunday celebrated America’s military strength.
Bands performed marches as tanks and other vehicles peacefully processed down Constitution Avenue.
Members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation told Cowboy State Daily these starkly contrasting events seem likely to be remembered as part of a turbulent period in American history.
Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, attributed the division in American sentiment to recent shifts in the country’s ever-evolving ideals.
“This past weekend offered a powerful snapshot of where America stands today,” the representative said. “What we are seeing is not just a clash of political ideologies, it is a clash of values.”
Tearing Down, Building Up
Though she did not blame a particular political party, Hageman said the divide mirrors the legislative differences she experiences in Congress.
“One side believes in tearing down, in chaos and grievance,” Hageman said. “The other believes in restoring the greatness of America, honoring our Constitution and putting the people back in charge of their government.”
Hageman added Americans will likely remember this contradiction as patriotism continues to spread in the weeks leading up to Independence Day.
“This moment will be remembered as a turning point,” she added. “The American people are wide awake, and they are tired of being told that loving your country is controversial."
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, was less subtle in his approach and directly accused his Democratic colleagues of sowing doubt among their supporters to destabilize Trump’s presidency.
“Democrats are promoting chaos and destruction across our country, while President Trump is defending and celebrating everything that makes America great,” he said. “President Trump hosted a patriotic parade to honor 250 years of the U.S. Army bravely defending Americans at home and abroad.
“In contrast, Democrats continued to side with illegal immigrants and rioters in Los Angeles, not law-abiding Americans.”
Republicans, Barrasso argued, will be vindicated for remaining on what he sees as the right side of history.
“History will show President Trump and Republicans refused to stand by while violence raged in our country’s second largest city,” Barrasso said.
Stark Contrast
Their comments come as other lawmakers and political figures spoke out against the Army parade, condemning it as costly and unpopular.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who repeatedly sparred with Trump over the riots, referred to the parade as “vulgar.”
“It’s the kind of thing you see Kim Jung Un, you see with Putin, you see with dictators around the world that are weak and just want to demonstrate strength,” he said. “Weakness masquerading as strength.”
Wyoming Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis said she was particularly struck by the ongoing turmoil in the country.
She also encourages Americans to show pride in their nation while condemning the actions of the Los Angeles rioters.
"The contrast, we're witnessing is quite striking,” the senator said. “In Los Angeles and other liberal cities, we've seen people shamefully attack federal law enforcement working to deport criminal illegal aliens and make our country safer.
“On the flip side, last weekend in Washington, D.C., we saw an inspiring, diverse patriotic gathering where Americans came together to honor 250 years of the U.S. Army, celebrate our military heritage, and support the brave men and women in uniform who defend our nation and freedoms today.”
Working class Wyomingites, she argued, have nothing to do with the actions led by a wealthy class of political elites.
“I stand with the Americans who are respecting and honoring our flag, not the limousine liberals rioting and waving foreign flags while burning cars in the street,” Lummis said.
