City of Orlando council sparks fury with woke email to promote July 4 fireworks little to celebrate

The City of Orlando is drawing criticism after it posted a message online promoting its Fourth of July fireworks event while stating how ‘people probably don’t want to celebrate our nation right now … when there is so much division, hate and unrest.’

The entire pitch of the email appeared to be focused on people likely not wanting to come out to celebrate America’s birthday.   

The council, who wrote the message continued with the flippant theme adding: ‘America is in strife right now, but you know what……we already bought the fireworks.’

The tone appeared to switch from tongue-in-cheek to earnest in a matter of lines. 

City of Orlando sent out an email promoting their Independence Day fireworks but noted how they would understand if people didn't want to celebrate

City of Orlando sent out an email promoting their Independence Day fireworks but noted how they would understand if people didn’t want to celebrate

Kevin Edmonds, the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Orlando was forced to issue a follow-up message on Saturday night

Kevin Edmonds, the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Orlando was forced to issue a follow-up message on Saturday night

‘A lot of people probably don’t want to celebrate our nation right now, and we can’t blame them. When there is so much division, hate and unrest, why on earth would you want to have a party celebrating any of it?’ the email began.

‘But in all seriousness, you know in your heart, Fourth of July fireworks are amazing, especially when you are standing in 90° heat, 100% humidity, next to 100,000 of your closest friends. In that moment, something takes over and we all become united in an inexplicable bond. Yes, America is in strife right now, but you know what……we already bought the fireworks.’

The message drew a mixed response online: 

‘Whomever wrote these words knew exactly what they were saying. Whomever wrote this I would like to let them know that I have a large pickup truck and will be willing to help them move out of this country at any time God bless the USA,’ wrote Spike Hopkins. 

City then sent a follow-up announcement apologizing for their initial invite

City then sent a follow-up announcement apologizing for their initial invite

‘Not only should whomever approved be shown the door… how horrible of a response to such an important day for our country,’ added Randy Ross.

‘Pathetic. You all should and need to do better. How about be more unifying instead of dividing like you all do all the time?’ asked Leisa Covelli.

But there were plenty of posters online who thought the message to be perfectly pitched. 

‘I’m very discouraged by recent developments in our country. We have a Supreme Court whose majority is pursuing a dangerous agenda, a congress that can get very little done, and an entire political party that will stoop to any means to achieve its goals. It’s hard to celebrate right now!’ wrote Susan Davis in support.

‘Your sentiment was pitch perfect a reflection of the emotion that your citizens, by a large majority, are feeing right now,’ said Paul San Giovanni. 

‘I thought the message was 100% on point. I was pleased to see that the government was acknowledging the division and unrest that I feel daily. There’s no flag out on my house this year,’ posted Beth Maloney Watson.

Among those objecting publicly to the fireworks announcement were members of an Orlando police union

Among those objecting publicly to the fireworks announcement were members of an Orlando police union

The City of Orlando council sparks fury with woke email to promote July 4 fireworks moaning of little to celebrate 'because there's so much division, hate and unrest'. Pictured, Orlando fireworks

The City of Orlando council sparks fury with woke email to promote July 4 fireworks moaning of little to celebrate ‘because there’s so much division, hate and unrest’. Pictured, Orlando fireworks

Among those objecting publicly to the fireworks announcement were members of an Orlando police union.

‘The members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25 are proud Americans who will continue to serve with Courage, Pride and Commitment to uphold their oath to defend our community and this country. We do not share the same views as the City of Orlando and find their comments inflammatory and in poor taste,’ the statement read.

It prompted the City Council to send out a follow-up email apologizing for the original posting.

‘The City of Orlando sincerely regrets the negative impact our words have had on some in our community. We understand these words offended some of our residents, which was not our intent. We value the freedoms we have in this country and are thankful to the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for those. We take pride in celebrating the 4th of July to express our gratitude to those men and women and honor the country we live in.’

The response continued to draw a mix response on the city’s own Facebook page.

‘I thought the original post was brilliant. Let’s not forget that dissent is just as patriotic!’ said Shadia Micaela.

‘There’s no need for an apology! It’s the truth,’ noted Dan Schurman.

‘I thought it was great and spot on. No apology necessary,’ added Michelle McConnaughhay. 

source: dailymail.co.uk