As Philadelphia readied for an America 250 birthday bash, Pennsylvania Democrats at the state legislature were having a fit about a Republican’s display of patriotism.
The sad truth is that Democrats are now, and have always been, the anti-American political party. From the party's inception, they have consistently made one or more policies that explicitly contradict the principles in our Founding documents key parts of their platform. Whether we are talking about slavery, Jim Crow, abortion, socialism, or government overregulation, it is obvious that the Democrat Party has always been out to remake America and restrict liberty. Therefore, it is not exactly surprising that Democrats have been trying to rain on the parade over and over ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. That includes top Democrats in Pennsylvania’s state House, despite Philadelphia being historically the cradle of liberty.
Now, it is true that Philadelphia as a city has overall rather questionable patriotism. Since I am in the city right now, I can say for a fact that there are many more signs, ads, and hotel brochures advertising the World Cup than advertising America 250. Furthermore, while it is understandable that Philly is having major America 250 events on July 2, given that this is the day on which the Continental Congress voted for independence, it is disappointing and indeed very shocking that there will be no major patriotic events on July 4, since the city is focusing on the international soccer tournament instead of our historic 250th national birthday. And the July 2 events could have been better attended than they were.
But, that said, it is particularly ironic that while Philadelphia was preparing the huge red, white, and blue bash for July 2, the Democrats in Harrisburg (Pennsylvania’s capital) were having a meltdown because a Republican colleague wore an American flag-themed suit to work.
America 250: Living Liberty Bell in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/K3QCx8EYFP
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 2, 2026
Related: A Reflection on Being at Independence Hall for the Independence Vote Anniversary
Democrats hold a very narrow one-vote majority in the Pennsylvania House (Republicans control the state Senate), and that’s where state Rep. Eric Davanzo (R) quite accidentally caused a dust-up. If he’d only worn a transgender flag or a George Floyd shirt, Dems would have adored him. But he had the temerity to wear a particularly patriotic suit, according to Fox News.
Davanzo, who represents a swath of Westmoreland County between Pittsburgh and Greensburg, said he was shocked by the reaction of House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Southwest Philadelphia, when he came to Tuesday’s session sporting a red, white and blue suit and tie.
Davanzo told Fox News Digital he walked around the chamber greeting colleagues and eventually stopped to chat with House Minority Whip Timothy O’Neal, R-Washington… Davanzo said House leadership had previously endorsed thematic attire in the chamber.
Davanzo said, "We were talking, I turned around when a House photographer got a picture… and the next thing I know Whip O’Neal is gone.” Then, “He comes back a few minutes later and he says, ‘hey, you're not going to like this,’" Davanzo went on. McClinton claimed to fellow leadership the suit was inappropriate: "I’m like, ‘what? You’ve got to be kidding.’”
Previously, Democrats specifically urged dressing in Pride gear for a June photo. Because for Democrats, woke ideology is paramount, and patriotism is a problem.
