A state representative in Tennessee believes using the phrase “Let’s Go Brandon!” is the equivalent of burning the American flag.
Democrat Representative Gloria Johnson posted her opinion on Twitter in response to an anonymous user who compared using the slogan to chanting “overrated” at an opposing sports team.
“As a friend said, I think it should be equated with burning the flag,” Johnson wrote. “In essence, that’s what they are doing.”
As a friend said, I think it should be equated with burning the flag, in essence, that’s what they are doing. https://t.co/0WrJzFSkwv
— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@VoteGloriaJ) November 15, 2021
The retired special education teacher defended her comment, which she noted was “not a legal take” but rather “a person’s opinion.”
“And as a few were smart enough to understand-both are protected speech,” she added.
In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson that burning the American flag was a legal form of speech protected by the First Amendment. Desecrating the flag was illegal in most parts of the country before the ruling.
Johnson’s message was ridiculed by other Twitter users.
Amazing. This Tennessee Democrat rep. thinks saying "Let’s Go Brandon" is equal to burning the American Flag. One of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard and I’ve heard a lot of crazy things from elected Democrats in recent years. My response: Let’s Go Brandon! 🙄🤦🏻♂️ https://t.co/7ALZnhOp9Z
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) November 16, 2021
Lol takes like this only give “Let’s Go Brandon” more energy https://t.co/1YSBybJrqv
— Vince Coglianese (@VinceCoglianese) November 17, 2021
From Mediaite:
“The phrase arose after a NASCAR event in Talladega, Alabama as fans chanted a vulgar phrase about Biden as an NBC reporter attempted to interview driver Brandon Brown. ‘As you can hear the chants from the crowd, “Let’s go, Brandon!”’ the reporter informed viewers.”
Johnson has not responded to a request for comment from Fox News. She represents House District 13, which is west of Knoxville. In addition to her political work, Johnson is an educational consultant. According to her website, she is a “strong advocate for public education, affordable health care, our Tennessee mountains, and good jobs with good wages.”
Johnson caught local media attention in January after she used Twitter to publicly denounce the office that was assigned to her in the Cordell Hull Building, which she says is a windowless closet.
Had to move the desk where I could actually get behind it and I have about four feet on either side. https://t.co/zilBAfo6pg pic.twitter.com/9NxXH1JfO8
— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@VoteGloriaJ) January 25, 2021
Johnson speculated that she was assigned the small space because of “petty politics” after she was the only house member who did not vote to re-elect Speaker Cameron Sexton.
