Wednesday, November 22, 2006

When Will the Media Report the Truth About Mark Olson ?

As I've posted earlier, the media has not been doing a good job covering Mark Olson's arrest for assaulting his wife. They've failed to report facts that reveal Mark Olson's long history of violent behavior towards women.

In recent days this blog has received anonymous comments and tips that show another side of the supposedly pious and devout state representative from Big Lake.

One reader commented on Mark Olson's self-serving statements about his religion and "character" published without scrutiny by the media:

...Can’t believe the people who went to high school with the Olson brothers haven’t reflected on their bully behaviors towards younger and weaker students, drug and alcohol abuse, barely passing through high school if not for their Daddy’s influence (and you wonder why he appears functionally illiterate????


Here is a photo from 1973 that shows a long-haired Mark Olson on a senior class trip, perched on a piano like a hippie version of Marlene Dietrich:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

That aint milk and cookies sitting next to the Big Lake crooner:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

A reader in Sherburne County asked me to review the facts in the case:

November 12th, Rep, Olson was arrested for 5th degree assault after abusing his wife. The police were call by a friend of Mrs. Olson and when they responded to the Olson household they were told by Mrs. Olson that Mark had pushed her down 3 times and the police found bruises on her. Mark claimed he “placed her on the ground”.

Mark was arrested at a Christian school in Blaine by Sherburne County Sheriffs.

Mark entered a non plea at his hearing on Tuesday claiming “a guilty plea would be inappropriate” and a not guilty plea would suggest he was “avoiding responsibility”.
Mark was released without bail pending his hearing Dec. 12th and allowed 1 visit home under the supervision of police to retrieve his personal belongings. Mark is not allowed to have contact with his wife or her children. 5th degree assault is a gross misdemeanor and carries a maximum fine of $1000 and 90 days in jail.

#1 It is apparent that Rep. Olson has not come to grips with the fact that he abused and terrorized his wife and family. It is not the first time he has terrorized a woman and his history goes back to 1994. His rationalizing statements shows he is not prepared to make the changes necessary to qualify him to be our Representative.

#2 Mark ran on a platform of “traditional family values”. Mark is the co-author of the “defense of marriage” bill. Mark proudly proclaimed his support of the “Character education bill” which is intended to curb violence in schools. Marks personal actions show the hypocrisy of his positions.

#3 Mark is well known for cutting social programs and encouraging the poor to “pull them self’s up by the boot straps.” Why then did the he seek government aid in getting a court appointed lawyer paid for by the tax payers of Sherburne county. Certainly the Olson family could afford a lawyer. Once again Mark is not accepting the consequents of his actions. Why should the tax payers of Sherburne County pay for his actions?

#4 Mark is well known for always carrying a gun. Was he carrying a gun with him when the abuse occurred or when he was arrested at the school? If so then there are much more serious charges that need to be leveled.


Keep sending me comments and tips. Send letters and e-mails to the editors of the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune.

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