Special Olympics Event Is No Place for a Protest

on June 10, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Governor Scott Walker stopped by a Special Olympics event in Wisconsin to address the athletes and other attendees. As he was speaking to the crowd, union protesters dressed as zombies began picketing between the governor and the audience.

Governor Walker has taken a lot of heat from the unions since he took office in January as he has refused to bankrupt his state to give into their demands. Heaven forbid teachers employed by the state cover a small portion of their health insurance. It’s like, totally unfair.

While I happen to agree with Walker on this issue, and admire his steadfastness in not caving to outrageous union demands, I also respect the right of all Americans to protest. Heck, I’ve been doing quite a bit of protesting myself since President Obama put us further into debt than all other presidents combined.

There’s a time and place to protest, and a ceremony for the Special Olympics is not one of them. Let’s put this one in the category of just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. What were these protesters thinking? Was their zombie-attire indicative of a lack of brains in their heads?

The joke is on you, zombie protesters -- in a crowd of Special Olympics attendees, you’re the ones that looked like idiots.

No matter how frustrated anyone gets with our elected leaders, they shouldn’t take it out on people that have nothing to do with their agenda. What exactly was the point of stealing a special moment away from the Olympians? To be directly addressed by one of the leaders of our country is pretty cool, but this protest marred the event.

The favorability ratings of unions are plummeting, and one doesn’t have to wonder why with stunts like this. It’s hard to support people lacking basic human decency and common courtesy.

Image via paulbaker/Flickr

Filed Under: in the news, politics, economy

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Comments (33)

Anastazia975

on Jun 10, 2011 at 10:56 PM

You don't live here in Wisconsin. You never read the bill. You were not at this event. You didn't witness his employees antagonizing others. You, therefore do not have a clue. So do everyone in the state of Wisconsin a huge favor. Stick to writing op-ed pieces on what you do know. Or at least have the common courtesy and human decency to research a little bit. You and a few others have spoken about Wisconsin and none of you have bothered to do any research. Knock it off. Stick to writing about California's issues. Or where ever you are from. By the way, Wisconsin teachers had given up raises for over 8 years to cover the cost of their benefits. Now they get no benefits and lose an extra 2000$ a year. Read the bill in it's entirety, or stop writing about that which you know nothing about.

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CPCrane

on Jun 10, 2011 at 11:25 PM

While I do agree with the unions on this issue in particular, I don't really think this was the appropriate place for a protest. Surely there are other opportunities to protest? I do think the legal right is there. However, that doesn't really make it appropriate. =\

Nonmember comment from Amanda

on Jun 10, 2011 at 11:53 PM

In a crowd of special olympics attendees, you are the ones who looked like idiots? Uncool comment.

angevil53

on Jun 11, 2011 at 12:14 AM

i was just thinking exactly was amanda was saying...you are trying to get support with a comment like that? now you look like the idiot.

KBW2

on Jun 11, 2011 at 12:29 AM

Totally offensive statement- I agree Amanda!

Nonmember comment from b12

on Jun 11, 2011 at 1:03 AM

How is that offensive?? Were they not Special Olympians?? It's offensive that student zombie protesters would interrupt an event that has nothing to do with what they were protesting!!!

Nonmember comment from Rocin

on Jun 11, 2011 at 1:08 AM

These people looked like crass and insensitive, hurtful idiots, etc., etc.; why not call it like it is? Good post. (Stazi: I wasn't at the event either; does the video tape lie? Are you saying this was doctored, didn't happen?)

Nonmember comment from madmax

on Jun 11, 2011 at 1:48 AM

Jenny not bad for a 10 year old. Too many logic errors. The idea that unions are e the state is silly. The unions have a massed the second largest pension system some say the best run in the world. This is what supports our strong credit rating giving us room to navigate through the crisis. Our generosity to labor is what is now saving us as we recover faster than the rest of the nation.

Nonmember comment from Kristi

on Jun 11, 2011 at 2:13 AM

When pretty much every piece you write includes some jab at Obama (regardless of if the subject of your post has anything to do with him) you also lose credibility.

on Jun 11, 2011 at 7:55 AM

With all the stuff that happened at the event, it would be nice for everything to be aired. Not just that particular time. The video also does not show that this was two separate events, and that the protesters were quiet and respectful, until police, and his cronies started creating a scene. There is so much that video does not show. And considering the fact that walker in his infinite wisdom is cutting funds to the special needs people, doesn't he look a tad like a hypocrite? Also, usually only people familiar with me call me by my nickname. So how do I know you?

Going back to my original thoughts on this blogger, she loses credibility not only with her pointless jabs, but with the fact that she blogs ignorantly. She claims to be informed and yet does no research.