Mayor Bud Norris of Vernon, WA, to Give Right Wing Talk-show Host Glenn Beck Key to the City, Says This isn't About Friendship with Beck's Parents

Bud Norris, the mayor of Mount Vernon, WA., has decided to present right wing talk show host Glenn Beck the keys to the city in a ceremony on September 26th. Norris said Beck will deliver a short talk (0r rant) that night and become the first person to receive a key to the city in the six years Norris has been mayor. Wow, so I guess Mayor Norris has set the standard so low that anyone who "makes it big" from his city will be awarded with a key. I thought this was reserved for people who have led by example and have tirelessly supported worthy causes. Not someone who is a hatemonger.

According to KOMO News, protesters from the Skagit County Young Democrats walked outside city hall Tuesday with protest signs, one reading "Change the locks!"They called it "totally inappropriate" to give a man who called President Barack Obama a racist during one of his television rants, a key to the city. Norris told KOMO News the key does not represent city approval of every comment that Beck may make, but recognizes a local boy who made it big. Really? I thought you present the keys to the city to someone who has led an exemplary life and have given back to society. Clearly contrary to anything Glenn Beck has ever done.

Norris says he knew Beck when the talk show host was just 12 years old. He said he remembers the tyke carrying a sandwich board saying "Vote for Norris for county commissioner" up and down Mount Vernon's First Street. He said he and Beck's parents were friends, but said this is not a political payback for campaigning decades ago. He said this is merely a recognition of someone who is from Mount Vernon. Seems to me that this is a favor for his "friends." I wonder why Mayor Norris felt he had to interject that this isn't about his friendship with the family? Sorry, that is exactly what this is about.