GA Gov. Perdue: Just kidding about G8 protesters | AJC

[Ediacara]

Perdue: Just kidding about G8 protesters

By PAUL KAPLAN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/24/04

Such a kidder, that Sonny Perdue.

The governor had reporters scribbling furiously in Washington on Monday when he unleashed a great quote. Asked about reports that the activist community is planning a protest flotilla off Sea Island during the G-8 summit of world leaders June 8-10, Perdue said: "I wouldn't suggest that. I don't know that it would be good for their health."

Reporters for the Associated Press, United Press International and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution all reported the comment straight, without elaboration.

"I took it as the obvious — if you breach the president's security, you'll get shot full of holes," said Dana Wilbanks of The Washington Post, who attended the meeting with Perdue.

No, no, no, he was just kidding, Perdue spokeswoman Loretta Lepore said Tuesday.

"He was joking," she said. "Earlier in the day, at a different function, there was a discussion about the environmental qualities on the coast, and there was some joking that there are alligators and crocodiles in the marshes — so the governor was playing off of that comment."

More at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

[BR_Parkway]

1. The arrogance of the ruling class, him, the NEA

is there anybody in power today who doesn't make it very clear that if you disagree, you will be treatened or worse.

[DemBones DemBones]

2. You mean the NEA being called "terrorists" by the Educ. Secy?

Your header is somewhat confusing, seeming to put the NEA in the ruling class column.

[DemBones DemBones]

3. There really are gators in the Georgia marshes, I've seen them myself.

No joke.

It's a comment on the political atmosphere in the country today that Perdue's remark would be interpreted by a Washington Post reporter as meaning
"I took it as the obvious — if you breach the president's security, you'll get shot full of holes,"

The American people cannot be allowed to approach their appointed president.