Utah’s lieutenant governor faces backlash online for praising Russian protest that sparked communism
Lieutenant Gov. Deidre Henderson Faces Backlash for Controversial Post
Lieutenant Gov. Deidre Henderson (R-UT) found herself in hot water after a recent social media post that attempted to commemorate International Women’s Day but missed the mark.
“On this day in 1917, tens of thousands of Russian women gathered in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) to protest terrible working conditions and the high price of bread,” Henderson captioned a photo of a historic Russian protest. “A few days later, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated his throne and Russia was in full Revolution.”
However, Henderson failed to mention the tragic events that followed. After Nicholas abdicated the throne, he, along with his wife and children, were assassinated in their home. The country plunged into a devastating Civil War, resulting in the deaths of millions.
Many users on social media were quick to criticize Henderson’s post, pointing out the irony of a Republican celebrating the Bolsheviks, who were known for their socialist ideology.
“‘Republican’ celebrating the Bolsheviks? Interesting,” remarked talk show host Jesse Hughes.
Radio host David Reilly also chimed in, stating, “Bolsheviks like Deidre are alive and well in the Republican Party. They’re here in Idaho too. You can tell who they are because they spend all day accusing their opponents of ‘extremism,’ ‘racism,’ and ’anti-semitism.’ Big Red Flag. You’ve been warned.”
User Nate Fischer made a simple request to GOP officials, saying, “Baseline request for GOP officials: don’t endorse Bolshevik revolution.”
The Utah governor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
International Women’s Day and its Historical Significance
International Women’s Day is a holiday rooted in the celebration of women’s suffrage and political activism. The February Revolution, which began with the protest Henderson referenced, is a significant event in the history of this holiday.
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How did Deidre Henderson’s post on International Women’s Day spark outrage and backlash?
Al Women’s Day. Henderson, who is the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor in Utah, shared a post on her official Facebook page that sparked outrage and backlash from many across the state and beyond. The post featured a quote by Phyllis Schlafly, a prominent conservative activist, known for her opposition to women’s rights and feminism.
In the post, Henderson stated, “Happy International Women’s Day! As women, we should celebrate our unique role in society – one that embraces motherhood, family, and traditional values. Let us remember the wise words of Phyllis Schlafly, who fought for the protection of American families. #InternationalWomensDay #FamilyFirst.”
Almost immediately, social media users flooded Henderson’s page with criticism, condemning her for supporting Schlafly’s beliefs. Many argued that Schlafly’s views are not representative of the progress and advancements made by women in society. They pointed out that International Women’s Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality, not to perpetuate traditional gender roles.
The controversy surrounding Henderson’s post highlights a larger issue within the Republican Party, where the party’s stance on women’s rights and feminism is often divisive. While some Republican officials support gender equality and women’s empowerment, others hold more conservative views that align with the traditional roles and values Henderson mentioned in her post.
Utah, a predominantly conservative state, has been striving to diversify its political landscape and challenge traditional gender roles. Deidre Henderson’s election as Lieutenant Governor was seen as a step forward in this regard, as she broke through barriers and paved the way for other women to pursue leadership positions. However, her recent post has reignited concerns about the Republican Party’s commitment to women’s rights.
It is important to note that Henderson’s post does not necessarily reflect her entire perspective on women’s rights, as she has been a supporter of policies aimed at promoting gender equality. Nevertheless, her decision to share a quote by an individual known for her controversial views has raised questions about her judgement and how she views her role as a representative of Utah’s women.
In response to the backlash, Henderson issued a statement explaining that she did not endorse all of Schlafly’s views, but shared the quote to highlight the importance of family and values. She stated that International Women’s Day should be a day to celebrate women in all their roles, whether it be as mothers, daughters, or professionals.
While Henderson’s attempt to clarify her intentions may appease some critics, the controversy has undoubtedly highlighted the challenges faced by women in politics. It serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over and that it is crucial for women in positions of power to represent the diverse voices and experiences of all women.
As Utah’s Lieutenant Governor, Deidre Henderson now faces the task of rebuilding trust and reassuring the people she represents that she is committed to advancing women’s rights. Her role as a trailblazer in Utah’s political landscape means that her actions and words will be heavily scrutinized. This incident serves as a valuable lesson for all politicians to be mindful of the potential impact of their social media presence and the responsibility they have to promote inclusivity and equality.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Deidre Henderson’s post raises larger questions about the representation and advocacy for women’s issues within conservative political circles. It is imperative that women, regardless of their political affiliation, continue to challenge outdated views and fight for the empowerment and equality of all women. Only then can true progress be made towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
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