Walker Owes Wisconsin An Apology
Dear Friend,
I’ve been an executive in the private, public and nonprofit sectors for more than a decade. In that time, I’ve learned that I’m responsible for the people I hire. When my people make mistakes, the buck stops with me.
A few days ago, two members of Scott Walker’s senior staff, acting in their official positions, distributed a link to what I – and many others around the state – consider an offensive video.
Walker’s staffers clearly found the insensitive material funny, but there’s nothing funny about this situation – or Walker’s complete lack of leadership.
Despite repeated calls for an apology, Scott Walker has steadfastly refused to take responsibility for his staff.
So this morning, I sent this email directly to Scott. I urge you to write to him yourself and join in the call for accountability.
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Or even better, call Scott directly at (414) 453-2010.
This is just the latest in a string of failures that Scott Walker refuses to take responsibility for. Spiraling county debt, rampant fraud in the county’s child care system, huge budget shortfalls—all someone else’s fault.
Beyond the apology he owes us, this is clear evidence that Scott Walker is not fit to be governor. While Walker and his staff circulate divisive videos to distract from the real issues at hand, the rest of the state continues to worry about finding a job and putting food on the table. Wisconsin deserves better.
We must work together to elect Tom Barrett—a real leader—governor. We can’t allow Scott Walker’s complete lack of leadership to steer Wisconsin for the next four years.
Let’s get to work!
Henry Sanders, Jr.
—————Forwarded message—————
From: Henry Sanders, Jr [henry@henrysanders.org]
Date: Thurs, Aug 19, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: You owe Wisconsin an apology
To: Scott Walker [scott@scottwalker.org]
Dear Scott:
In my years of experience as an executive, I have learned that I am responsible for the people I hire. When someone on my team makes a mistake, the buck stops with me. I am disappointed that you do not seem to have learned the same..
On Monday, two of your senior staff used a popular internet tool to distribute a video that can generously be called insensitive. Their actions offended many Wisconsinites. It was disrespectful to our President, who was visiting our state at the time, and an embarrassment to you, your party, and all of Wisconsin.
In tough times like these, Wisconsin needs real leadership. We need a leader who is focused on creating jobs, We need a leader who deals with the challenges of today, not someone who is playing the same old and tired political games games with divisive, childish attempts at humor.
Leadership is about having real plans and taking accountability when someone on your team makes a mistake. So far, you have failed to demonstrate that you possess either of those traits.
You have failed to condemn their actions and you have failed to apologize. This is simply unacceptable from a man who thinks himself qualified to be our next Governor.
Now is the time to lead, Scott. The buck stops with you! I think you know what you need to do – man up, accept responsibility and apologize to the people of Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Henry Sanders, Jr.
