Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for stolen sign

That was one expensive sign. A settlement has now been reached over a sign stolen from the Wisconsin State Capitol. The sign referred to President Trump as “sadistic,” “racist” and a “serial groper.” That bothered one Wisconsin lawmaker, Rep. Dale Kooyenga, who swiped the sign and stuffed it in his office. Even though his web site insists Rep. Kooyenga is a believer in free speech and fiscal responsibility, he was caught on video stealing what he considered an offensive sign. That led to a federal lawsuit against the lawmaker by 80 year old protestor Donald Johnson, who put the sign up inside the Capitol to protest the policies of our President. That lawsuit has now been settled, with Johnson to receive $30,000 to settle the lawsuit. But here is the rub. Kooyenga isn’t the one to actually pay that amount. Instead, it will come from Wisconsin taxpayers. You and I are footing the bill to make amends for a state lawmaker who claims to believe in free speech and fiscal responsibility but clearly doesn’t really believe in either. He stole a sign he didn’t like then got us to pay for the damages. Kooyenga should reimburse Wisconsin taxpayers for the cost of this settlement. Kooyenga should apologize for the theft, and reimburse taxpayers for the cost of the settlement. That would go a lot farther in proving he values free speech and fiscal responsibility.