Attorney General Bruning,
It has come to my attention that on or about June 11th you made the following statement with regard to Dr. Leroy Carhart:
"I'm disgusted and I'm saddened, and I hate it that he's here in Nebraska and I hate it that he's in America. I mean, this guy is one sick individual."
The murder of Dr. George Tiller may have been committed by a single individual who crossed the line between civil protest and vigilanteism. But there can be little doubt that he, and others like him, has been pushed across that line by reckless and irresponsible rhetoric that devalues the lives of people like Dr. Tiller. I believe your statement falls into that same category.
Dr. Leroy Carhart is an American citizen and a resident of the State of Nebraska. He has every bit as much right to live in this country and this state as you or I. His practice, as you acknowledge, is legally protected by the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade I understand you disagree with that decision. That is your right. I expect you to use every legal avenue available to you to have that decision reversed. What I do not expect is a Constitutional officer and the man responsible for enforcing the laws of the state of Nebraska to make a statement which could further foment harassment and violence against abortion providers.
I ask, in the name of human decency, you immediately and unambiguously retract your statement and issue an apology.
Respectfully,
billybush