Jon Green, the chair of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in Iowa, has publicly declared his refusal to comply with Governor Kim Reynolds’ directive to fly flags at half-staff in memory of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on Wednesday. Green shared the news of his decision over social media. He said it’s mainly due to the fact that it originates from a principled position regarding the harmful effect of Kirk’s rhetoric on marginalized communities.
Kirk, a controversial figure known for his divisive commentary, has been accused of promoting views that harm various groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and women. Green stated that honoring Kirk with lowered flags would disregard the damage he inflicted upon many constituents in Johnson County. The governor’s order comes at a time when Kirk is under intense public criticism. Green sees the state’s goal as stifling this dissent and is alarmed by their success.
In a recent interview with the Gazette newspaper, Green did not mince his words. He slammed Reynolds for failing to release similar recognition for victims of gun violence, such as in other chronicled high-profile cases. In his opinion, he continued, Iowa didn’t respect Minnesota’s Democratic House Speaker, Melissa Hortman. This recognition occurred posthumously after she was sadly murdered with her husband in their own home. This double standard inspired Green to protest against what he believes to be selective tribute.
“Johnson County is home to a diverse community, including many who were the direct targets of Kirk’s rhetoric. To honor him with our flags would be to dismiss the harm he caused to our neighbors and constituents.” – Jon Green
Green’s sentiments were quickly echoed by another Democratic member of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Mandi Remington. She continued that Kirk used his whole life to push LGBTQ+ people to the margins and to rip our country apart with hatred. Remington argued that while political violence should always be condemned, lowering flags should reflect community values, which she believes Kirk’s actions do not.
“Charlie Kirk spent his career working to marginalize LGBTQ+ people, undermine women’s rights, and divide our country along lines of hate and exclusion.” – Mandi Remington
The political tide against the flag directive was a strong symptom of the ongoing chasm between local leaders. Although Green and Remington are in favor of the decision not to honor Kirk, their action has drawn criticism from some elected officials. Zach Wahls, a Democratic state senator, expressed that he believes local officials should comply with the governor’s instructions on this matter.
Green has not wavered in his belief that his actions were fully consistent with the constitutional principles he took an oath to defend. Reynolds doesn’t have the power to oust me, he boasted. He’s right to stand firm in his legal position on the matter.
“The governor has no authority to remove me from office. I’m sure if she thought she had some legal basis to do anything to me, she wouldn’t have posted on [social media]. She would’ve sent the law for me.” – Jon Green
Green is fully prepared to face any backlash for his decision. He seems willing to suffer legal and electoral consequences. He maintains that the decision is solely his, emphasizing that it is rooted in respect for the community he serves.
“I will accept any consequence, whether legal or electoral, for my decision. It is mine alone.” – Jon Green
As this situation unfolds, it highlights a broader conversation about the values communities choose to uphold in times of tragedy and the implications of honoring individuals whose actions may have caused harm. Johnson County’s response is emblematic of a deep resolve to uplift the voices that create dignity and connectedness between people, not fear and separation.