Ind. deputy attorney general fired for inflammatory remarks

Jeffrey Cox, a deputy attorney general employed by the state of Indiana, was fired last week for comments made on his Twitter account after they were published on the website of the nonprofit political magazine Mother Jones.

According to Mother Jones’ website, the Saturday before Cox’s firing, Mother Jones staffers tweeted that riot police might escort protesters out of the Wisconsin Statehouse.

Jeffrey Cox, who goes by the username @JCCENTCOM, sent out a response promoting the use of live ammunition against the protesters.

“I usually support unions, but this crap with SEIU (Service Employees International Union), AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), the WI (Wisconsin) teachers union is garbage,” Cox tweeted. “Against thugs physically threatening legally-elected legislators & governor? You’re damn right I advocate deadly force.”

Bryan Corbin, spokesman for the Indiana Attorney General, sent an e-mail to Mother Jones magazine Feb. 23, confirming Cox had been fired.

“We respect individuals’ First Amendment right to express their personal views on private online forums, but as public servants we are held by the public to a higher standard, and we should strive for civility,” the e-mail read.

IU students Cody LaBean and Cole Rice said they agreed and said although people may speak their minds openly, consequences may follow suit — especially if those people are public figures.

“I wouldn’t have a problem with an ordinary person expressing their opinion, but because he holds an important position, there’s a better chance it could turn into a reality,” LaBean said.

Rice added more. “People must always remember that the Internet is not a place to voice opinions freely without facing repercussions for their words,” he said.

IU freshman Billy Graddy said the use of deadly force should never be an option when dealing with a peaceful protest.

“If the protestors are peaceful and not using any force then you should never use deadly force against them,” Graddy said. “His opinion is in the wrong. There are better ways to get protestors to stop, even if it’s through negotiating.”