프란체스카 홍 “추수감사절 폐지” 발언 정정했지만…

A recent social media post by Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, Francesca Hong (38), has become a major issue in the campaign's final stretch. The controversy stems from her statement, "Let's abolish Thanksgiving. We should have done so in 1621," which she wrote in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 1621 is considered the origin of the American Thanksgiving, when Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe gathered to share a feast in what is now Massachusetts.

However, this holiday has been criticized by some Native Americans and progressive circles for its role in colonialization, as it glosses over the land theft, violence, and wars inflicted on Native Americans. Hong's remarks reflected this historical context. Apart from this, Hong had also called for police budget cuts and the abolition of the federal Senate in 2021.

The Thanksgiving debate gained national attention last week after CNN's interview with Hong. When asked if she still believes Thanksgiving should be abolished, she initially avoided directly answering. Under pressure, she later said in other interviews that she "doesn't want to abolish Thanksgiving. I really love it." Hong acknowledged her past remarks as "unpleasant and crude" in subsequent interviews with the Hankore and CNN, explaining that they were a result of her frustration with the system.

She emphasized the need to listen and learn, stating that this is the most honest stance she can take now, being in a different position as a gubernatorial candidate compared to her previous one. The GOP has seized this as a point of attack, with Trump's remarks last May in a Las Vegas speech attacking Hong for potentially abolishing Thanksgiving.

Hong's opposition to police funding has also been criticized by GOP contenders. While Democratic rival David Croll claimed Hong couldn't handle even simple interviews questioning her views on Thanksgiving, Democratic candidate Francesca Hong clarified in subsequent interviews that she loves the holiday and doesn't want to abolish it.