Death Threats — It’s Time to Dial Down the Passion and Rhetoric

Wednesday, June 6, 2012: I awoke this morning after yesterday’s election to be greeted by people on various social media, making threats, either directly or indirectly, against the life of Gov. Scott Walker, his wife and even his children.

This is absolutely irresponsible and unacceptable behavior by those making the threats.

I don’t care how impassioned the contest is and how disappointed one is, no elected official should ever be subjected to threats towards them or their families. This type of behavior makes it impossible to engage in a meaningful dialogue. It cheapens the cause in which one is supporting and detracts from the credibility of one’s position.

We saw this type of behavior emerge shortly after the budget repair bill protests began and now that Gov. Walker and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch have been reaffirmed after winning the recall against them, it is rearing its ugly head again. We on the left must make a stand and strongly condemn this thuggish behavior, stopping it whenever it emerges.

It is my hope that the media investigates the perpetrators and when identified, spread their names and images all over the front pages and the TV screens; followed by prosecution to the full extent of the law.

We on the left must take the moral high ground and refuse to be a part of such unsavory activity. I know how disrupting and unsettling such threats can be after experiencing threats from the extreme right. Let cooler heads prevail.