Ind. official draws fire for 'Use live ammunition'

[marjar]

An Indiana state official has found himself in the middle of his own labor controversy for tweeting that riot police in neighboring Wisconsin should "use live ammunition" to clear out pro-union demonstrators.

The Indiana Attorney General’s Office said Wednesday it is reviewing statements Jeffrey Cox, a deputy attorney general, purportedly made in tweets and blog posts, including one in which he said he advocated "deadly force" against "thugs" who threatened state elected officials in Wisconsin.

The tweets in question were made in an exchange with Adam Weinstein, a copy editor at Mother Jones who has been writing about the worker protests at the Wisconsin Capitol. Wisconsin workers and their supporters have been demonstrating for well over a week against Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip public sector workers of nearly all their bargaining rights. Walker says the legislation is needed to help solve Wisconsin's looming budget deficit.

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41736625/ns/us_news-life/

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

including one in which he said he advocated "deadly force" against "thugs" who threatened state elected officials in Wisconsin.

When angry mobs start to make physical threats against state officials, it does get serious.

[rockon]

I think all law enforcement is authorized to "use live ammo" if thugs were to threaten an elected official. I would feel much better knowing our president and other officials are protected with "live ammo" then rubber bullets or tear gas. Me thinks MSNBC is a little starved for news today if this made the paper.

[ChiTownVenture]

motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/indiana-official-jeff-cox-live-ammunition-against-wisconsin-protesters#update

Above is a link to copies of the posts.

Update: The Indiana attorney general's office has confirmed to Mother Jones that Jeff Cox was terminated Wednesday. The full statement and screen captures of the now-defunct blog are posted here.

The statements seem right in line with his thought process although it is strange that he didn't feel that maybe he shouldn't be posting comments like he was while working for the Attny Generals office. I wonder if he would have been fired anyways....

[ugonow]

I think some are taking things out of context to defend the Deputy AG's way with words-----<<<"On Saturday night, Mother Jones staffers tweeted that a source had told them Wisconsin riot police were preparing to clear out demonstrators from the Wisconsin capitol building — something that didn't end up happening.

In response to that post, user JCCentCom tweeted "Use live ammunition." He went on to tweet: "against thugs physically threatening legally-elected state legislators & governor? You're damn right I advocate deadly force." >> The governor was in no danger and imo,he shot his mouth off.... Having said that, I think what is spewed on message boards and tweets should stay there and not be taken too serioussly.

[Tennesseer]

Feb 23, 2011 15:37:14 GMT -5 rockon said:

I think all law enforcement is authorized to "use live ammo" if thugs were to threaten an elected official. I would feel much better knowing our president and other officials are protected with "live ammo" then rubber bullets or tear gas. Me thinks MSNBC is a little starved for news today if this made the paper.

Reprehensible statement made by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Cox. Fortunately he is no longer employed per the latest updates.

How many posters here were appalled with the leaders of the Middle East using live ammunition on their citizens to quell the riots in their countries. Or did some of you cheer on the likes of Muammar al-Gaddafi-after all the citizens were challenging their government.

[Deleted]

Gee I thought the military was the only part of the government that was sent into dangerous situations without live ammo? Guess times are a changing.

(I am referring to the USS Cole of course).

[ungenteel]

I suspect he loved Kent State ... some folks are truly creepy