A controversial float from Sheridan, Indiana's Fourth of July parade is gaining attention.

A golf cart parade float in Sheridan, Indiana, has everyone asking where the line is between independent free speech, offensiveness and racism.

The photo shows a golf cart decorated with Donald Trump presidential campaign signs and American flags. On one end of the vehicle is a motif of a lion with the words "African lion" on a sign underneath it. At the other end is an effigy of President Barack Obama waving, placed on top of a bucket (or toilet) that says "Royal Flush" with the words "Lying-African."

Driving the golf cart was Donald Christy, who's defending his actions.



"I’m not politically correct here. He’s an African. He’s told several lies to this country and people," Christy maintained.

Christy says he was just trying to demonstrate his independence when he joined Sheridan’s Fourth of July parade. He says he didn't intend to make an offensive or racist statement.

"Not at all. I’m not a racist or homophobic. Last year I was a gay person in the parade," he said.

Christy dressed as a drag queen with American and Confederate flags behind him in last year's parade. Christy’s dismantling of this year’s float has been interrupted by calls from reporters and critics.

"I’m sorry if I offended them. It’s my thoughts and my doing," he said.

Sheridan Town Council President David Kinkead said in a statement that he was "deeply appalled by the blatantly disrespectful and racist display."

Kinkead went on to say that "such an act is not representative of the town of Sheridan." He added, "As a community, we are profoundly saddened by the discomfort, anger and humiliation this individual has caused for so many."

There are a lot of opinions in this town of 3,000. The float symbolized people’s frustration with government, according to Phillip Pearson.

"A man telling you fibs.Health care and all that," said Pearson.

Tammy Battinich doesn't see any difference between Christy's display and the way the presidential candidates criticize each other.

"They are supposed to be representing the United States," she said. "I don’t see anything wrong with an individual expressing his opinion."

Mellissa Eyers, a mother of two, was shocked.

"I’m glad my kids weren’t there to see it. I didn’t have to explain it," she said.

Christy says his intent was to satisfy himself and get some laughs. He put himself in the parade line, didn’t sign up or get anyone’s permission.

"If you want to call me silly, stupid or whatever, that is your problem, your prerogative. I have a right and freedom to do what I do," he said.