The man behind the decision to place a target depicting Premier Rachel Notley on the fairway of a golf course in Brooks says his act of political dissension was not an endorsement of violence against women.
On Friday, a likeness of the premier was placed on the Brooks Golf Club during the Big Country Oilmen’s annual golf tournament.
"I want to apologize for what I did,” said tournament organizer Ernie Bothi. “It was my idea and I take full responsibility."
Twitter user Ken Fleury’s posted a photograph of the target on Saturday with an accompanying message applauding the tournament’s decision. Fleury’s tweet drew the ire of many, including members of Premier Notley’s caucus, and was subsequently removed. Fleury issued an apology for the post.
Calgary-Varsity MLA Stephanie McLean was among those who criticized the Notley target. The NDP MLA questioned the alleged endorsement of violence against a female politician mere days after Jo Cox, a British MP, was murdered.
Bothi says the economic downturn has impacted residents of Brooks with a number of people unable to find work. The target was a result of frustrations with the current provincial government and not anti-women.
"It was never an attempt to create violence against a woman,” explained Bothi. “It wasn't a gender issue. If our premier was a guy named Richard Notley his picture would've been there."
Late Saturday afternoon, a video surfaced on Facebook showing a golf cart crashing through the Notley depiction. The video has been removed.
Bothi is disappointed with the reaction his gag received. "It's sad that we live in a society where we can't have freedom of speech without being attacked"
Representatives of the Brooks Golf Club state they were not aware the target was placed during the private tournament.
