A Republican Missouri lawmaker, State Senator Bill Eigel, has stirred controversy by declaring his willingness to burn books if elected governor, specifically those he deems “woke” or objectionable. Eigel recently participated in a symbolic book burning.
A Symbolic Act
In a social media post, Bill Eigel defended his symbolic book burning, emphasizing that he used a flamethrower on cardboard boxes to symbolize his intention to combat what he views as “leftist policies and RINO corruption.”
Racial Issues and LGBTQ+ Themes
Eigel also threatened to burn books he deems “woke pornographic” on the front lawn of the governor’s mansion. The terms “woke” and “pornographic” have been employed as coded language by conservatives to refer to books addressing racial issues or LGBTQ+ themes.
Bill Eigel’s Words
Eigel wrote: “In the video, I am taking a flamethrower to cardboard boxes, representing what I am going to do to the leftist policies and RINO corruption of the Jeff City swamp. But let’s be clear, you bring those woke pornographic books to Missouri schools to try to brainwash our kids, and I’ll burn those too – on the front lawn of the governor’s mansion.”
The Incident in Question
Over the weekend, Eigel joined State Senator Nick Schroer in hosting a public event where empty boxes were set ablaze. Video footage captured the pair using flamethrowers on the boxes while the crowd chanted, “Let’s Go Brandon” – a phrase used by the GOP to criticize President Joe Biden.
Controversy and Accusations
Critics swiftly condemned the lawmakers’ actions, equating them to “Nazi thugs” and describing them as “impotent” individuals threatening democracy. However, both senators remained unapologetic, asserting that the event was not a book burning but rather a fundraiser where flamethrowers were raffled off.
Proud Displays on Social Media
Schroer took to social media to share a 3D photo of the burning boxes and express his pride in the event. He framed it as an act to “burn down the swamp” and emphasized the perceived importance of small government, constitutional values, and protecting children – both born and unborn.
In God’s Country
Schroer wrote: “This is how we roll in St. Charles County! Burning down the swamp at St. Charles GOP Freedom Fest with our grassroots bad to the bone fam. I’m very proud of how our county is finally coming together to ensure government is smaller, freedom isn’t just a campaign term, the Constitution is honored, and our babies are protected, born and unborn. Things are heating up in God’s country.”
A Campaign Ad
Eigel capitalized on the event, transforming the footage into a campaign ad and taking an unnecessary dig at transgender people. “Truth never mattered to the left. These are the folks that think men can get pregnant,” he said.
Transphobia and Racism
Eigel’s campaign website further outlines his plans to ban gender-affirming care, exclude transgender girls from women’s sports, and prevent the teaching of Critical Race Theory and other “woke” programs in public schools.
The Party of Fascist Tyrants
News of the symbolic book burning, and Eigel’s promise to take part in real book burnings, was shared across the internet and, for the most part, people were horrified. “So refreshing to actually see a GOP candidate admit they’re the party of fascist tyrants,” one person said.
Divisive Culture Wars
Others found the situation sickening. One commenter wrote: “The fact that the far-right in the United States still shamelessly continues to rekindle the extremely divisive culture wars truly makes me so profoundly sick to my stomach.”
GOP vs. Nazis
Some people compared far-right Republicans to Hitler and the Nazis. One person said: “Hitler’s beginning moves – burning books. What is so ironic is, in today’s world, access to any book is as close as your computer.”
Living in a Blue State
Others were grateful to live in blue states. “Every day I read these stories and it makes me so thankful that I live in a blue state where women still have rights, the libraries are full of books people can read if they choose, and schools teach our history – not an edited version.”
Christianity and Burning Books
Some people discussed history repeating itself. One individual said: “Christians once set fire to the Library of Alexandria and burned everything, setting the Western world back into the Dark Ages for 500 years. How things have changed.”
Hypocrisy Among Right-Wing Christians
Others discussed hypocrisy among far-right Christians. “The GOP has been taken over by people who say they love Jesus. Turns out, they don’t know anything about his teachings. They think that love is hate and freedom is theocracy. Sounds like a wolf in a wool suit,” one person wrote.
Pro-Gun, Anti-Book
A fair few commenters said that politicians would do well to read more. One person said: “Afraid of books but think more guns is always a good idea, yet a book has never hurt anyone. These people [would] be a lot smarter if they read more books. Of that, there is no doubt.”
Following in the Footsteps of Hitler
An international commenter wrote: “As a European, I am begging Americans to see what is happening. This is fascism. It’s okay to be conservative – but this isn’t being conservative. This is following in the footsteps of Adolf Hitler. LGBTQ+ themes are not ‘pornographic’ and, even if they were, you still shouldn’t ban them. That is fascism.”
An Authoritarian Future
Others expressed concerns about a far-right authoritarian future. One person said: “The party of ‘freedom’ is determined to control every aspect of your life. Medical care, education, entertainment, culture, religion, and even how you vote will be determined by the right-wing state.”
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