WTF, Wisconsin? GOP Twit Wants To Close Forest Around Mine Site - Evil Protesters Lurk In Trees

[hatrack]

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican bill that would close down thousands of acres of forest around a northern Wisconsin mine site would help keep miners and environmental regulators safe from shadowy protesters lurking in the woods, the proposal's supporters said Wednesday.

Sen. Tom Tiffany's bill would automatically close about 3,500 acres around the site to recreational use. Tiffany kicked off a public hearing before the Senate mining committee by playing a video of an incident this summer where masked protesters emerged from the woods and accosted mine workers. "I hope you understand how despicable that act was," Tiffany said.

The bill's opponents ripped the idea as overkill, warning it would infuriate hunters and do little to stop anyone from breaking the law. "Why are we using this big sledgehammer?" said Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine.

Gogebic Taconite has been working for years to open a 4½-mile-long iron mine in the Penokee Hills. The company has promised the project will create thousands of jobs; opponents contend it will pollute the region's pristine water and wilderness. Gogebic Taconite began taking exploratory samples this summer, drawing bands of protesters to the area.

EDIT

http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Wis-Republican-Must-close-mine-forest-for-safety-4786197.php

[Democracyinkind]

1. Small government. Big restrictions. Gotta love that ideology.

[Vogon_Glory]

2. Hello, Wisconsin Hunters! Your Republican Reps Are Betraying You!

Hello, Wisconsin hunters! You probably voted for Republicans like Tom Tiffany thinking that he'd protect your right to go hunting, didn't you?

Well, surprise, surprise! He might let you keep your guns, but like a typical present-day Republican, he'll reward his corporate donors by putting more and more of your hunting-grounds off limits! The loss of your hunting privileges is merely "collateral damage."

I wish I had more sympathy, but I don't. Hunters ought to look at whether their legislators will protect hunting rights, not at how many bullets you can put into an assault-rifle clip. You got what you voted for.