However, the Mayor was quick to distance himself from this decision. Ahead of the ceremony, Josh Estrella, a spokesman for Mayor Smiley, clarified that the decision to raise the Palestinian flag was made by the City Council and not by Mayor Brett Smiley’s office.
“In Providence, the executive branch and City Council are two separate branches of government. The Providence City Council, not Mayor Smiley’s office, will be raising the Palestinian flag on Friday.”
The mayor himself added:
“Unfortunately, I think this is exactly what some people wanted. One more instance of controversy. One more instance to try and divide. I am disappointed that the City Council would use their position of leadership to further ignite tensions in our city."
A few leftist troublemakers on the city council are simply trying to push buttons with their actions. The matter was discussed during a Thursday meeting of the Providence City Council. Councillors James Taylor and Helen Anthony voiced their opposition to flying the Palestinian flag at City Hall.
“We should focus on local work instead of international issues,” said Councilman James Taylor. “It seems that you and your staff have overlooked the fact that this is the city’s legislative body.”
On Wednesday, the Mayor informed NBC 10 that the city lacks a flag policy. However, state law prohibits flying flags like the Palestinian flag on state buildings.
A city spokesperson stated that the city is reviewing all local, state, and federal statutes before establishing a policy.
Really? Maybe the city’s policy should follow the state’s guidelines rather than the radical whims of a Democrat City Council President. It’s infuriating that this is even being discussed, but then again, Division, Exclusion, and Inequality (DEI) is the mantra of the left.