Michael Flynn, a Rhode Islander and retired three-star general, was briefly former President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor. The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame board’s decision to induct him caused fierce protest from members and state residents due to Flynn’s history of extreme and false comments, forcing the board to defer his induction.
Bad Timing
Patrick Conley, the president of the Rhode Island Hall of Fame, which describes him as “Rhode Island’s most prolific historian,” announced the board’s decision to defer Flynn’s induction. He wrote that the induction would be carried out at a “more peaceful and rational time and a more secure place.”
Time and Place
Conley defended the decision to induct Flynn but admitted that the board had shown “poor timing” by choosing to do so “in this turbulent and politically charged environment.”
Outcry
According to the Providence Journal, at least eight board members resigned in the two weeks following the December 14 vote to induct Flynn. In his column, published in the same paper, Conley acknowledged over 100 letters sent to the Hall of Fame protesting the decision.
In Their Words
The resignation letter of board member John Parrillo, a history professor, was acquired by the Providence Journal. Parrillo wrote that he was “saddened to the core” by the board’s decision to honor a man with a “far-right militaristic vision for America.”
Concerning Outlook
In 2021, Flynn was asked “why [the military coup in] Myanmar can’t happen here” by an audience member at a conference called the “For God & Country Patriot Roundup.” “No reason,” Flynn responded. “I mean, it should happen here.”
Additional Lies
According to a 2022 investigation by PBS, for the last few years Flynn has been making dozens of appearances around the country, drawing together supporters of the far-right and attempting to galvanize them to vote and donate money to a network of aligned nonprofits. His speeches frequently include conspiracy theories and falsehoods, including the baseless claim that COVID was invented to prevent Trump from winning the 2020 presidential election.
Dangerous Man
According to Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian on fascism, Flynn is “one of the most dangerous individuals in America today.” He’s “at the center” of an “attack on our democracy,” she told PBS.
Guilty or Innocent?
Flynn was let go from his post as national security advisor for lying about a conversation he had with the Russian ambassador. In 2017, he pled guilty to lying to the FBI about that conversation.
Amnesty
After the 2020 election, Trump pardoned Flynn. The retired general then worked to promote the effort to undermine the election, in which President Joe Biden defeated Trump.
Military Solution
According to PBS, Flynn not only falsely claimed that Trump won but suggested that the former president use the military to forcibly rerun the election in key states.
Worrisome Acts
Steven M. Anderson, a retired brigadier general who served with Flynn decades ago, told PBS that Flynn is “a role model for thousands and thousands and thousands of soldiers and former soldiers,” which makes his promotion of anti-democratic ideals dangerous. “We’ve got a retired three-star, former NSA, who says we can overthrow the election, use our military,” Anderson said.
Delayed Controversy
In his column, Conley cited Flynn’s “30-year record of public service and high attainments” as justification for his nomination to the Hall of Fame. He argued that Trump’s pardon is proof “that no crime was actually committed.”
More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
