Iowa state Rep. Clel Baudler predicted that potential protestors at his caucus site in Adair County should expect a response that “will be swift and it will be sure.”
“Since I’m not a state trooper anymore, they probably won’t be handcuffed – but I have friends,” Baudler said. “If an officer asks for help, I will help, believe me.”
“We’re just not going to tolerate in rural Iowa what’s going on in the big metropolitan areas,” Baudler said. “A little thump therapy never hurt anybody.”
(emphasis added)
Thump therapy? That sounds an awful like a threat of violence against any protesters. And reading his statement sounds like he is threatening any one who dares protest – peaceful or otherwise.
I’m sure when he took office and even when he became a police officer that he raised a hand and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States, which reads:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Sure sounds like he is wanting to ignore that oath now. Perhaps any protesters who should be around Clel should arm themselves with a copy of the Constitution and ask him if he still holds true to that oath. Of course looking at him I got the feeling he’s just another angry old man that likes to yell at clouds.