#image_title
Governor to UpNorthNews: ‘Being overly mean to people doesn’t cut it.’
It was a conference call many of America’s governors won’t forget, even though some, like Wisconsin’s Tony Evers, might prefer to.
The June 1 telephone meeting with President Trump came as communities across the nation were seeing escalating protests and violence over George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police. Later, Trump would walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity once demonstrators were cleared with tear gas.
It only reaffirmed what Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes thought of the President’s behavior in times of crisis.
“I can’t think of many situations where the President has stepped in and made it better,” said Barnes.
In the call, Trump sparred with Democrats and urged governors to “dominate” and to “put it down,” referring to the protesters.
Evers, in an interview with UpNorthNews, blasted the President’s message and tone when Trump “talked about (how) he’s going to be the president of ‘law and order’ and fix all these things by being overly mean to people. That doesn’t cut it in anybody’s life.”
“It ain’t helpful,” the governor said, “Let’s put it that way.”
Evers and Barnes said the need to address systemic racism and harmful police practices will be addressed no matter the President’s position or tactics.
“The people of this country have stood up and said ‘enough is enough and we need to move forward,’” Evers said. “Unfortunately, if the President doesn’t come along with us we are going to fix it without him.”
In the full interview, Evers and Barnes also discuss racial inequities in health care which is why they continue to press the Republican-led Wisconsin Legislature to accept federal Medicaid expansion funds and strengthen BadgerCare.
Politics
Biden administration bans noncompete clauses for workers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted on Tuesday to ban noncompete agreements—those pesky clauses that employers often force their workers to...
Opinion: Trump, GOP fail January 6 truth test
In this op-ed, Milwaukee resident Terry Hansen reflects on the events that took place on January 6, the response from Trump and other GOP members,...
Local News
Readers Poll: Top Bowling Alleys in Wisconsin
Looking for the best bowling in Wisconsin? Look no further! Our readers have spoken in our recent poll, and we have the inside scoop on the top...
8 Wisconsin restaurants Top Chef judges are raving about
Top Chef’s 21st season is all about Wisconsin, and on-screen, it’s already apparent that the judges feel right at home here. But, while filming in...