Black conservative activists commented on the Biden administration’s decision to trade WNBA player Brittney Griner for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, saying they hope she learned the “true cost of freedom” and has a new appreciation for her country, according to a Project 21 release.
The group of activists shared their separate opinions on the Biden administration’s decision to trade Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death,” for Griner, with one activist calling the trade “lopsided,” as retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Paul Whelan was left in Russia, according to the release obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. Following Griner’s release Thursday, many people questioned the Biden administration’s decision, with a now edited NBC News reportsuggesting that the administration had a choice between freeing Griner or Whelan in exchange for Bout.
“Brittney Griner is coming back to the country she disrespected and whose anthem she couldn’t be bothered to stand for,” Project 21 member Michael Austin said. “Hopefully, she learns the true cost of freedom is far higher than taking a knee at a basketball game no one watches. Welcome back to freedom Ms. Griner.”
Tim Parrish, a veteran, business owner and conservative activist, believes it is “always a great day” when an American is returned home, but pointed to a time when the American government didn’t negotiate with terrorists, according to the release. “The Griner-Bout swap will be recorded as the most lopsided, Un-American prisoner swap ever conducted,” Parrish said.
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
“Today, Griner will return home to a career as a sports entertainer, and an evil, warmongering arms dealer will return to his reprehensible work as an international criminal known as the merchant of death. All the while, a United States Marine, seemingly ignored by the government he honorably served, will spend his fourth Christmas in a Russian prison,” Parrish continued.
Whelan was detained December 2018, after Russian authorities alleged he was part of an intelligence operation. Whelan was convicted and sentenced in June of 2020 to 16 years in prison, and believes enough has not been done to secure his freedom.
“I have to say I’m greatly disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release,” Whelan told CNN. “Especially as the four-year-anniversary of my arrest is coming up. I was arrested for a crime that never occurred.”
Project 21 member Tiffanie Ditlevson hopes that “Ms Griner’s forced abstinence of the USA has grown her appreciation for our country…warts and all.” according to the release. “Welcome home Ms Griner, we have new expectations of you. You must become the most patriotic American woman ever…flag tattoos, supporting 2A events, sponsoring fireworks for communities, hotdog eating contests, wearing overalls and growing tomatoes.”
“More importantly, YOU MUST STAND FOR THE FLAG AND THE COUNTRY THAT BROUGHT YOU HOME,” Ditlevson continued.
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All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
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