Throw the Book at Tire Slashers (The Milwaukee Five-Editorial)

Wisconsin State Journal ^ | January 17, 2006 | Wisconsin State Journal Editorial

[Diana in Wisconsin]

For all the overheated talk of fraud in Wisconsin's last presidential election particularly in Milwaukee one incident stands out and demands significant punishment.

Those who slashed the tires of 25 rented vans and cars at the GOP headquarters in Milwaukee the morning of the 2004 election may have prevented hundreds of people from voting.

Five men, including the sons of two prominent Democrats, are on trial for felony property destruction. Testimony resumes today in a Milwaukee courtroom.

This is not just another run-of-the-mill case of vandalism. It's an affront to our democratic system.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin had rented the vehicles to shuttle GOP-friendly voters to the polls. That's perfectly legal. In fact, it's noble.

If you need a ride to the polls, you probably can't drive or don't own a car. Perhaps you are disabled or elderly. Democrats target similar help to voters likely to vote Democratic.

What's not OK is preventing people from voting by sabotaging their transportation. It's dastardly and far worse than the actual physical damage to the vehicles, esti mated at over $2,500.

Charged in the Milwaukee case are Democratic campaign staffers Sowande Omokunde, 26, Michael Pratt, 33, Lewis G. Caldwell, 29, Lavelle Mohammad, 36, and Justin Howell, 21.

The trial has drawn extra attention because Omokunde is the son of U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D- Milwaukee, and Pratt is the son of former Acting Milwaukee Mayor Marvin Pratt.

Defense attorneys in recent days have suggested out-of-state Democratic operatives may be trying to pin the crime on the local men.

We trust the jurors will determine, beyond a reasonable doubt, who is responsible. And when they do, a severe penalty is in order.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin has exaggerated the extent of voting problems in the last presidential election to bolster its misguided attempt to require all citizens to show photo identification cards at the polls. Some in the GOP also want to do away with same-day voter registration, which would squelch voter turnout more.

That said, the Republicans have a right to be sensitive about Election Day shenanigans when 25 of their vehicles are slashed and rendered useless hours before the polls open.

The tire attack was partisan, blatant and brash. The penalty must be steep to deter similar crimes and to protect future elections.

[Rakkasan1]

we had a loony broad here in St.Paul throw her kids off the Wabasha bridge a few years back. I recall one was named
Supreme Allah Knowlege.

[Knute]

Here is an excerpt from an article that ran a few years ago here in Milwaukee about this man and a few of his friends:

The Cream City Mentors is run by Supreme Solar Allah, 23; Self Wise Allah, 24; Universal Knowledge Allah, 25; and Charles Dennis, 50.

Wonder why the older member of this group kept a normal name?

Wonder how his mom got elected to Congress? Her predecessor, Jerry Kleczka had a few issues, but she makes him look like a choirboy!

[Types_with_Fist]

You're not on my ping list. Did you mean this for someone else?

Yes. I guess so. I could never figure out how this ping stuff works. All I know is I've got tons of stories pinged to me. Sorry.