Internet calls Mike Flynn 'embarrassment' as Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame induction sparks board members' resignation

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND: The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame has been embroiled in controversy following its decision to induct Michael Flynn, the former White House National Security adviser, and renowned conspiracy theorist.

During a virtual meeting, members voted to induct Flynn, who had previously served as national security adviser to former President Donald Trump.

Flynn had been pardoned by Trump towards the end of his presidency after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about his communications with Russia.

According to reports in the Providence Journal, several members of the organization have submitted letters of resignation in protest against Flynn's induction into the Hall of Fame.

Former state Representative Denise Aiken said in her letter of resignation, "I find that I am unable to be associated with an organization that would choose to honor a criminal who failed to keep this oath to the Constitution of the United States.”

She added, “The inclusion of Lieutenant General Michael Flynn flies in the face of honorable service."

What did Michael Flynn do to receive such blowback?

Flynn, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, had his Twitter account suspended for spreading false information about the 2020 election following the riot at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 and even supported Trump's efforts to overturn the election results.

Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan criticized the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame on X for trying to induct Michael Flynn, saying, "My latest column: The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame is tarnishing its reputation by trying to induct Michael Flynn."

He continued, "The conspiracy-mongering Christian nationalist who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and became one of the country's most prominent 2020 election deniers around the same time former president Donald Trump pardoned him has been offered a spot in the Hall of Fame alongside everyone from Roger Williams to John Chafee.”

McGowan concluded by saying, “The only thing Flynn has brought to Rhode Island is shame."

Former Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame President Patrick T Conley said that the organization plans to file a libel lawsuit against the Boston Globe for what he considers to be "vicious defamation."

However, it is unclear which aspects of the column Conley considers to be libelous.

In a letter obtained by the Providence Journal, former Rhode Island state Senator Bea Lanzi and lawyer John Tarantino stated that they are resigning because they believe that what happened in the Flynn case is against their moral compasses and consciences.

They wrote, "There is an overall right and wrong in the universe, and what has happened here, in our view, and according to our moral compasses, and consciences, compels us to resign."

Internet sides with the ones that resigned following Michael Flynn 'Hall of Fame' induction

People on X were more sympathetic to 'The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame'rs who expressed their dissatisfaction and submitted their letters of resignation following Flynn's induction into it.

One X user wrote: "He is a clown. Deserves no honor whatsoever."

Another user stated: "Beyond the outrageous decision to honor a traitor, perhaps the funniest thing about this is that the head of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame seemingly resides in Massachusetts. One would think residency in the state might be relevant!"

Another user quipped: "To induct or to indict? That is the question."

One user remarked: "Disgraceful! Embarrassing! Inexcusable!"

Another X user said: "It’s the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Infamy."

Finally, this user tweeted: "Flynn is a complete embarrassment to the uniform."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.