MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Glenn Beck’s visit to his hometown in Washington state this weekend seemed simple enough, with a ceremonial key to the city awaiting him and the mayor naming Saturday “Glenn Beck Day” in the Fox News personality’s honor. But this being Glenn Beck, nothing is that easy.
Groups have demonstrated on the streets and in city council meetings over the conservative commentator’s visit. Petitions have been collected calling on the cancellation of the visit. A small-business owner put up a sign that says: “Glenn Beck & Hatred not welcome here.”
And the leader of a nearby city has offered the key to his city to Jon Stewart in sort of a mayoral rebuttal.
Welcome home, Glenn.
The media circus and the strong public reaction over the event has not fazed Mayor Bud Norris, who says people have sent him gifts from across the country to give to Beck.
In a statement, Beck said, “The people of Mount Vernon are great people and I’m humbled by this honor and proud to be from there.”
