Madison, WI police chief Noble Wray has asked Governor Scott Walker to explain his statement to a phone prankster impersonating billionaire arch-conservative David Koch, in which Walker stated that he’d considered using provocateurs to create problems amongst the demonstrators in order to discredit the public service unions and their supporters. The chief wants to know why Walker would consider sowing public disorder for political gain:
“I spent a good deal of time overnight thinking about Governor Walker’s response, during his news conference (Wednesday), to the suggestion that his administration ‘thought about’ planting troublemakers among those who are peacefully protesting his bill. I would like to hear more of an explanation from Governor Walker as to what exactly was being considered, and to what degree it was discussed by his cabinet members. I find it very unsettling and troubling that anyone would consider creating safety risks for our citizens and law enforcement officers. Our department works hard dialoging with those who are exercising their First Amendment right, those from both sides of the issue, to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure they can demonstrate safely. I am concerned that anyone would try to undermine these relationships. I have a responsibility to the community, and to the men and women of this department — who are working long hours protecting and serving this community — to find out more about what was being considered by state leaders,” Wray said in the statement.
Madison Police Chief Angered Over Governor’s Comments
(Thanks, Eileen, via Submitterator!)