On Saturday, a Colorado nonprofit canceled a May event featuring Sarah Palin, just one day after announcing it, saying in a Facebook post that it had received an “onslaught of negative feedback.”
The Sharon K Pacheco Foundation had scheduled its Patriots & Warriors Gala for May 2, and Palin was to be the keynote speaker, according to The Denver Post. The foundation’s mission is “to provide assistance to military families and at-risk youth,” and the event was to serve as a fundraiser for military families and children who have lost loved ones in combat.
“Due to an onslaught of personal attacks against Governor Palin and others associated with her appearance, it is with deep sadness and disappointment that, in the best interest of all, we cancel the event for safety concerns,” the Facebook post reads.
The announcement also states that no direct threats had been made against anyone, but said that the “increase in negative rhetoric against the former Alaska governor” after the Tucson shooting “raises concern for her safety and the safety of others despite the call for civility in America.”
The Post points out that May 2 is also the date of a NBC/Politico 2012 Republican presidential candidates debate, to be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.
The Sharon K Pacheco Foundation plans to reschedule the event with different speakers.
Read the full Facebook post:
The Sharon K Pacheco Foundation (SKP Foundation) announced today the cancellation of the 2011 Patriots & Warriors Charity Gala, featuring former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, citing safety concerns resulting from an onslaught of negative feedback received by the organization after yesterday’s announcement.
“Due to an onslaught of personal attacks against Governor Palin and others associated with her appearance, it is with deep sadness and disappointment that, in the best interest of all, we cancel the event for safety concerns,” says the Foundation’s Director.
He points out that no direct threats have been made against anyone, but the recent increase in negative rhetoric against the former Alaska governor “raises concern for her safety and the safety of others despite the call for civility in America,” following the tragic Tucson shooting.
The organization deeply respects Sarah Palin, and appreciates her willingness to come and honor our military.
The organization plans to host the event at some point in the future, featuring another speaker.
Eric Lach
Eric Lach is a reporter for TPM. From 2010 to 2011, he was a news writer in charge of the website’s front page. He has previously written for The Daily, NewYorker.com, GlobalPost and other publications. He can be reached at ericl(at)talkingpoitnsmemo.com
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