Several Illinois congressmen are reacting to planned boycotts and possible disruptive demonstrations around today’s inauguration of a new president.
Dozens of Democratic lawmakers say they are boycotting Republican Donald Trump’s swearing in as Commander in Chief because they’re offended by Trump’s rhetoric toward his critics.
U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, said the inauguration is one time to put aside partisan bickering to honor the peaceful transition of power.
“I’ve been to every one that I’ve been able to go to, whether it was (Bill) Clinton or (Barack) Obama or (George) Bush,” he said. “It’s a special day in the history of our country.”
Shimkus said he hopes his colleagues attend today’s inauguration, but doesn’t mind if they boycott. Shimkus said he’s excited for what a Trump administration could bring.
“We think government is too big, it’s too costly and it’s involved too much of the everyday lives of our citizens,” he said. “So this is an attempt for us to maybe right-size it.”
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, said the ceremony is more than just the peaceful transition of power — it’s about unifying the country.
“We are a beacon of hope to so many countries in this world, and our peaceful transition of power ought to be respected by both parties,” Davis said. “I sat through inaugurations for presidents that I didn’t vote for and that I didn’t support. This is way more than being about me, members of Congress and anyone else, and it’s more about our country.” Davis joked that the more Democrats that boycott the swearing-in, the better seats he could get.
Northern Illinois Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster said he plans to attend the inauguration, but he also plans to attend protest demonstrations on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Davis said planned protests to disrupt today’s inauguration distract from the true meaning of ceremony.
Davis said there are legitimate safety concerns by groups planning to block checkpoints and other demonstrations. He thinks it’s ironic. “This violence and this disruption — I don’t remember any Tea Party protests doing that when President Obama was elected,” he said.
More than 28,000 security staff from several agencies are expected on hand for today’s ceremony that could draw nearly 1 million people to Washington, D.C.
The ceremony takes place at noon in Washington, 11 a.m. CDT. You can hear coverage of the Inauguration during the Rush Limbaugh show on WDAN 1490am Radio.
