Flier calls for ‘Tri-Cities Independence Day.’ Officials say defiance won’t solve the problem

An anonymous flier is inviting Tri-Citians to pack Columbia Park on July 5 to declare freedom from “tyrannical leaders” imposing coronavirus restrictions — but city officials are hoping people do so safely.

The message circulating on Facebook is calling on people to show up at the park for “Tri-Cities Independence Day” to swim, fish, use the playground or picnic. Then, it urges small businesses to reopen the next day in defiance of state COVID-related shutdowns.

“On July 6th, we will no longer be social distancing or wearing masks,” the flier says. “If you have underlying conditions, please feel free to wear a mask, hazmat suit or stay home.”

“As citizens of this country, we will no longer be slaves to our own government,” says the flier. “When government can no longer govern, it is up to the people to restore order. Our soldiers did not die fighting for freedom just so we could be enslaved by our own politicians.”

The July 5 flier promises that businesses that open will be “heavily supported,” though they should not require masks, only recommend them.

This is not the message Kennewick leaders want to see as they work with state officials on moving to Phase 2 of reopening the economy, said city spokeswoman Evelyn Lusignan.

People can enjoy the park, but doing so in defiance of state mandates to socially distance or wear masks will leave city businesses in limbo for even longer, she said.

Fourth of July events, including professional fireworks shows and a parade, were canceled in Kennewick and Pasco next weekend to prevent the spread of the virus.

A separate event on July 4 is being organized by two other Tri-Cities women on Facebook. While they don’t talk about masks, they are urging people to bring signs, food and grills to protest the shutdown and cancellation of the Fourth of July events.

The group is also urging people to bring fireworks, which are banned in Kennewick city limits.

City and county officials are trying to convince the state they can open again safely even though coronavirus case numbers continue to surge.

Overall, the number of cases has nearly doubled in Benton County since the beginning of the month, according to the Benton Franklin Health District.

Endanger reopening efforts

With the area seeing some of the highest COVID infection numbers with too low of a percentage of mask use, Lusignan said this open act of defiance will not help the county’s case.

“What this group is advocating for is not helping our community in moving to the next reopening phases,” she said. “There has been a tremendous amount of work by our cities, counties, chambers, etc. to get to the next phase and recover our economy.”

There is a concerted effort by the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce to get businesses to sign onto an “Open and Safe Pledge,” which includes requiring or highly encouraging people to wear masks.

This is alongside messages from retired Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse for people to wear masks, and follow other guidelines.

Lusginan said all of these efforts are part of a larger campaign to show the state that they can open responsibly. Even if people don’t believe that they are effective, it is one of the only ways they can convince the state that they’ll be able to bring the case numbers down, she said.

“”Everyday, we’re putting in a lot of effort to show everything that we’re doing,” she said. “We all agreed to use our reader boards. We’ve got those on the street with messages about wearing face coverings.”

Anonymous flier

It’s unclear whether the event is the work of a group or an individual.

The only hint is an email at the bottom of the flier for restoringourliberty1776@gmail.com. The Herald received no response to an email sent Thursday to that address.

The flier also repeats arguments by others who’ve spoken out against Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s coronavirus restrictions, arguing limits on the size of gatherings violate their constitutional right to assemble. It also argues the government can’t legally close private businesses.

Lawsuits have challenged the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and “Safe Start” plan, but no court has ruled on the issue.

This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 12:00 AM.