Maine Candidate Platner Covers Tattoo Resembling Nazi Symbol
An intense controversy has emerged in Maine as Democrat Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, addresses the significance of a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he recently covered. Platner revealed on Wednesday that the tattoo, which he initially got in 2007, was unintentionally linked to historical Nazi imagery.
Background on the Tattoo Incident
Platner, who served in the Marine Corps, acquired the tattoo during a night out in Croatia. Until recent discussions surrounding his campaign, he was unaware that it was associated with the Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS), notorious for its role in the Holocaust.
Faced with growing scrutiny, Platner decided to cover up the tattoo rather than pursue removal options, citing the limited availability of tattoo removal services in rural Maine. He expressed an urgency to eliminate the symbol from his body.
Details of the Tattoo and Campaign Context
The original tattoo bore resemblance to a specific emblem linked with Hitler’s paramilitary forces. Platner emphasized his surprise at the negative connotations associated with it, stating he had never faced inquiries about the tattoo during his military service. Enlisting in the Army required an assessment of tattoos for any hateful imagery, and Platner successfully cleared a background check for his role in the security detail for the Ambassador to Afghanistan.
As Platner runs against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and former Governor Janet Mills in a competitive Democratic primary, his campaign is navigating through turbulence. The political landscape is intensified by previously discovered remarks he made online, which included dismissive comments about military sexual assault and critiques of various groups including police officers.
Responses and Moving Forward
After these revelations, Platner issued apologies, attributing his past statements to struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following his military service. Despite calls from some quarters to withdraw from the race, he remains committed to his campaign, supported by prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, who champions his candidacy over others.
Platner regards his journey, including past missteps, as integral to his development. He reflects on these experiences not as liabilities but as lessons that shape who he is today.
Upcoming Engagements
To connect with the community, Platner has scheduled a town hall meeting in Ogunquit, Maine. This event aims to engage voters and discuss his perspectives in further detail.
