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Contributed commentary by Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Doug Englen.
The so-called “2024 C-Pride Festival” looks more like a Democratic Party campaign rally utilizing our non-partisan elected officials combined with campaign funds.
The June 29 event’s “captivating guest speakers” include the Montgomery County Democratic Party chairman, the Democratic nominee for the state senate and Clarksville’s Democrat mayor along with a transgender Nashville Metro Council member. I’m wondering if they will speak before or after the drag shows.
One of the sponsors is former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. Currently a congressional candidate, Barry resigned after pleading guilty to a felony following an extramarital affair with a city employee and using taxpayer funds to carry out the tryst.
You’ll notice that there are no Republican candidates included in the speakers’ lineup. In this instance, it’s best that we are left out. While we stand for equal opportunities for all citizens, we do not support events that promote a destructive, deviant lifestyle. We believe in espousing traditional values.
It’s these same values that have made Clarksville what it is today. God-fearing, church-going people built this community, and they remain the pillars of its present-day structure.
What is a major concern is the insistence on including children in this event. Why are they looking for impressionable young minds? The festival asks families to bring young people to the festival. Children under age 10 are even given free admission, and the $10 ticket fee is waived for them to attend.
Local Democrats speaking and sponsoring this event shows where they stand. Hopefully, it will further mark the lines between the two parties.
The Montgomery County Republican Party is appalled by this festival’s solicitation and encouragement for children to attend. We believe these elected officials should learn from the lessons learned by Bud Light and Target, you have misaligned yourself with our community values and you will learn a lesson in the upcoming polls.
Doug Englen, Montgomery County Republican Party chairman