LGBT Leader Apologizes For 'Iwo Jima' Ad, Says Candidates Are 'Blameless'

By Michael McNutt/Capitol Bureau, The Oklahoman ~ The co-chairman of a state political organization apologized Tuesday for an ad supporting several Democratic candidates that depicted four shirtless men posed similar to the famous photograph of five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.

Jones Says Ad 'Reprehensible'

"We did not have permission from the candidates whose names appeared in the ad and they did not approve the ad beforehand,” said Steve VanHook, co-chairman of the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats. "They are blameless in this. ... I'm really sorry if this creates a problem for any of our candidates.”

VanHook said his group used the photograph in other ads for more than a year, but last week's ad that appeared in two weekly Oklahoma City newspapers was the first time it was used in supporting Democratic candidates.

"We apologize as well not only to the candidates but to any veterans who took offense at the ad,” VanHook said.

[Jones' comments added by TMRO.] Republican State Chairman Gary Jones said, "I was surprised to see Michael McNutt's article today in The Oklahoman titled, 'Reference by Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats to Iwo Jima improper, some say' and not see a response from any Republican. McNutt called me yesterday for my comments and I responded that this was way over the line, that this is trash and any candidate that accepts support from any group that would do this will pay the price come November.

"Simply calling this in poor taste is not enough. Jim Roth's comment about appreciating the support of the Stonewall Democrats will be remembered by Oklahomans that find the comparison of 'their struggle' to those who gave their lives and blood sacrificing for our freedom is nothing less than reprehensible.

"Roth, Rice and the others endorsed by this group should denounce the organization, return any financial contributions and disassociate themselves. Those you associate with do matter and Oklahoma voters believe that, too. This November Republican, Democrat and Independent voters will express their choices at the polls and yes, they will remember."

VanHook, whose organization is a branch of the national Stonewall Democrats, which defines its objective as striving for equal rights for all people regardless of sexual orientation, said he found the picture of the four men raising a banner on the Internet. The picture won't be used by the group again, he said.

The intent of the picture was to show "the nearly insurmountable odds of our struggle for equality,” VanHook said. It also was intended to open discussion on the group's opposition to the military's "don't ask, don't tell” policy, which prohibits any homosexual or bisexual person from disclosing his or her sexual orientation.

Robert A. Manchester III, an Oklahoma City attorney who co-founded the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial Flag Detail, said he came across the ad Tuesday morning while waiting for his wife to get ready for work.

"It was improper,” said Manchester, whose organization works to ensure an appropriate flag is always flying in Washington over the statue depicting the Iwo Jima flag raising — one of the most famous events of World War II. "I was offended by the caricature. I was startled that they would do that. It was a misuse of a heroic event.”

Ivan Holmes, chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, said the ad was not in good taste, and he faulted the group for not first contacting the candidates.
"It makes it look like they're all a part of that,” he said.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, who is seeking a full six-year term, said he's thankful for the Stonewall Democrats' support, but wished they would have "voiced it in a more appropriate way.”

Voters likely won't hold it against him or other candidates in the ad when they go to the polls. Roth said.

"Oklahomans are fair-minded people,” he said. "They listen and weigh the candidates on what they say themselves.”

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