There’s a video now available on YouTube of Republican senate candidate Ron Johnson’s testimony against a Wisconsin bill that would have made it easier for victims of child abuse to sue their abusers. (The bill was defeated.)
The video (h/t to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) is revealing for more than one reason. Superficially, it shows a candidate who’s green, and speaks too quickly, in a political setting where he’s awkward and ill-at-ease.
The more telling aspect of Johnson’s presentation involves his written remarks. Johnson’s stated purpose was to contend that an easier opportunity for victims to sue would place additional and unintended costs on employers. Astonishingly, Johnson contends that these unintended costs would produce “other victims.” That’s startlingly unfeeling; there may be economic consequences, but there is only one set of victims involved — victims of child sexual abuse. It simply dilutes the meaning of the word victim beyond substance to contend that there are victims on both sides of this issue.
Johnson cannot contend that his remark is a mere slip of the tongue; he’s reading from prepared, written remarks.
He gave his testimony only in January; there’s been little time since for maturation in style or — far more importantly — seriousness. Johnson’s remarks are, mildly put, discouraging.
Below is video of his testimony: