Kentucky Governor Compares State Workers to Drowning Victims: 'You Just Need to Knock Them Out'

[Eugene]

Source: New York Times

Kentucky Governor Compares State Workers to Drowning Victims: ‘You Just Need to Knock Them Out’

By Niraj Chokshi
Aug. 14, 2018

Gov. Matt Bevin, Republican of Kentucky, drew swift criticism from top state Democrats on Tuesday for his remarks that state workers who oppose pension reform are like drowning victims getting in the way of their own rescue.

“I’m being fought, in some instances, by the very people that we’re trying to save,” Governor Bevin said on Tuesday on the “Brian Thomas Morning Show,” a conservative talk show based in Cincinnati. “It’s like saving a drowning victim, Brian. It’s like somebody — they’re fighting you, biting you, pulling you under. You just need to knock them out and drag them to shore. It’s for their own good and we have to save the system.”

His remarks were quickly denounced by Democrats in his state.

“It is offensive for Governor Bevin to suggest that teachers, police officers, and public employees can’t think for themselves or make informed decisions about their own future,” Ben Self, the chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, said in a statement.

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Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/14/us/matt-bevin-drowning-victims-pension-reform.html

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The following is a statement from KDP Chair Ben Self on Governor Bevin’s comments:

“Governor Bevin just can’t help himself. Every time he opens his mouth it’s a disaster. He has no respect for the people of this state, especially teachers.... (continued)

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"... He’s arrogant and talks down to hardworking Kentuckians. It is offensive for Governor Bevin to suggest that teachers, police officers, and public employees can’t think for themselves or make informed decisions about their own future... (continued)

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[tonyt53]

1. Bevin. A guy that won't even get the GOP nomination for gov next year. A little trump wannabe.

[strangedaysindeed]

2. Ah, the old arrogant

"you just need to knock some sense into them" thing again.

yeah, we know, anointed but the lord to save these ignorant cattle from themselves.

who the f^#K Are you? You're Nobody!

[Bayard]

3. Bevin is an asshole

Can't wait for Andy Beshear, KY AG, to kick his ass in next race for gov.