For Immediate Release

Chris Kliesmet

Pro-union Protesters Attack CRG Display at Rally
Cause Property Damage, One Arrested
City of Madison Police Refuse to Render Assistance

CRG Network was forced to hurriedly engage private security to protect its property and signage during participation in the April 16th Tea Party Rally at the State Capitol. A 65-foot, freestanding sign bearing the message “NO NEW TAXES” was erected on the Capitol grounds to the right of center stage along with other accompanying signage.

Pro-union protesters made numerous attempts to vandalize the CRG signage during the event causing significant damage to portions of it. At one point, several members of the Capitol Police had to arrest, physically restrain, handcuff, and remove one of the assailants from the Capitol grounds. Requests for assistance to uniformed members of the City of Madison Police Department by a CRG official were refused.

CRG Network spokesperson Chris Kliesmet reported, “The thug mentality within the union movement was in full display. This was not respectful counter-protesting in the grand American tradition. This was a group of thugs whose primary mission was to intimidate. The union signs were commonly profane. The enraged and indiscriminate screaming, horn blowing, and drumbeating were clearly not intended to provide a thoughtful counterpoint. It was all done for one thuggish purpose, to shove a union jackboot down the throats of citizens assembling to peacefully exercise their free speech rights. Ultimately, it also served to foment mindless criminal action among union fanatics.”