A group composed of Larry Elder, Ben Carson, John Rich, and other American patriots has banded together to buy a bank in Oklahoma, First State Bank of Elmore City, so that they can run it as a bank that caters to ordinary Americans that don’t want to be “debanked” for supporting the same values as their ancestors, as many conservatives, particularly those in the punditry and firearms industries, have been in recent years.
Describing the purpose of the bank in a press release, Dr. Ben Carson said “Old Glory Bank will serve lower- and middle-income Americans and those Americans that other banks have marginalized and ignored, hard-working patriots who keep this country running every day.”
Larry Elder and John Rich joined Dr. Carson in speaking on the patriotic purpose of the bank. Larry Elder, speaking on it, said “We value the values of America and believe in the principles that forged this country, such as liberty, privacy, security, community, family, and faith.” John Rich, making similar points, said “It’s been dismaying to see the political weaponization of the financial system. Old Glory Bank was created to be the full banking solution for folks who still believe in freedom and the greatness of America.”
Further, that same press release in which the three buyers of the bank are quoted also claims that the bank will be intentionally patriotic, saying “Old Glory Bank states it will be the first chartered bank to openly support America, its flag, freedom, patriotism, the military and first responders. Old Glory Bank promises it will never cancel law-abiding customers for their beliefs or for exercising their lawful rights of free speech. Subject to conditions, Old Glory Bank will have no-fee accounts, free overdraft protection, free ATMs, and early direct-deposit access.”
Additionally, the press release gives a few more details into what personalities and conservative figures are involved with the purchase and running of the bank, saying:
The Board of Directors includes successful and influential leaders such as former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson; radio and television host Larry Elder; former two-term Governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin Christensen; marketing executive Tony Dieste; and influential free speech proponent, Dan Schneider. Mr. Clay Christensen, a native Oklahoman and managing partner of Christensen Law Group, P.L.L.C., who is currently the CEO of First State Bank, will join the Board of Directors of Old Glory Bank. All legacy team members at First State Bank will remain and continue to serve their local community that this great bank has served for 120 years.
The bank’s current webpage, on which a spot in line to open an account with it can be reserved, says:
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Stand up for what you believe in. Reserve your place in history.
Old Glory Bank. A real bank for real Americans. Everything a bank should be. Secure. Modern. And on your side.
We’re coming soon and we’d like you to be a citizen of Old Glory Nation.™
Old Glory Bank. We stand with you.™
Further, the “Values” section of the bank’s webpage provides that:
Freedom. Privacy. Security. Life and liberty.
These are the values that are woven into the fabric of this great nation. Old Glory Bank is for people who believe in the principles that made America strong. Old Glory Bank shares your values. Your beliefs should never be marginalized.