Trump To Make USS Iowa Appearance Despite Protests From San Pedro Residents
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com) — Republican presidential hopeful Donald J. Trump will make an appearance aboard the USS Iowa Tuesday to share his views about national security, in advance of the second Republican candidate debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Trump's appearance, organized by Veterans for a Strong America, is expected to draw more than 1,000 to the top deck of the battleship, which has been docked in Los Angeles as a nonprofit tourist attraction, community gathering space and educational museum since 2012.
Some critics contend Trump's visit is not an appropriate use of the battleship. An online petition, "Tell the USS Iowa: We Don't Want Trump in San Pedro," had garnered more than 3,500 signatures as of late last week from area residents calling for the event to be canceled.
"This battleship is part of American history and should not allow a man who has injured and insulted a significant portion of the Los Angeles community," wrote Gabriela Lopez of San Pedro, who started the petition on Change.org. "We are for freedom of speech, however this ship represents freedom, equality and justice; terms that do not align with Mr. Trump's political views."
Lopez went on to say that those who signed the petition share a belief in zero-tolerance for hateful remarks and discrimination. Others who made comments online shared similar sentiments.
Whether residents love him or hate him, Trump's appearance is expected to go on as scheduled at 5:30 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $1,000 to $100, according to Veterans for a Strong America Chairman Joel Arends.
Arends said none of the money raised would go to political campaigns or candidates, and Veterans for a Strong America doesn't typically endorse candidates before the primaries.
USS Iowa President and CEO Jonathan Williams said the battleship was rented at market rate to South Dakota-based Veterans for a Strong America. Money raised by renting the ship for special events helps support ship maintenance and educational programs -- the vessel works with an annual budget of about $4 million.
Registration and advance payment is required for those interested in attending the event. For details, visit www.veteransforamerica.org.
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