I’m not sure, but I think the entire left (and some of the right) of the MT ’sphere has pointed out Mr. Lange’s tirade today (Shane has the video, linking to everyone else may melt down a server, no offense ya’ll), to which I will add my irrelevant but righteously indignant voice.
Hoping for a state legislature filled with statesman is a bit of a stretch, no matter how many (or few) we have to draw on. One would hope, however, that those who are not endowed with the gift of restrained and thoughtful oratory wouldn’t be placed in positions of leadership…but honestly, I’m not particularly surprised that that hope is nothing more than wishful thinking.
I don’t really care that Mr. Lange holds the opinions that he does, and my distaste for our Governor’s slithery nature leave me sympathetic to his point of view. That sympathy ends abruptly, however, when he gives voice to the contempt he holds for Mr. Schweitzer. Like it or not, sir, you are in the minority. You can throw a tantrum, point an accusing finger, and hyperventilate all you want, but doing so will not move an agenda, and it does not serve the interests of this state or your party. And just so you know, the former is more important than the latter, because it is apparent that you don’t grasp that.
This whole event encapsulates the public face I’ve seen of the Montana Republican party since I moved here. Every move the Democrats make, whether it be to increase spending, or to tie their shoes, receives the same indignant, breathless over-reaction. I’m not behind the scenes in the capital, so there may be some rotten things going on over and above what is displayed for public consumption. That doesn’t mean shrill screaming will expose the perpetrators. Quite the opposite. Well formed, intelligent, articulate opinion will. Don’t become a professional minority by rolling over, but don’t throw all your grenades at once either. You look childish and impotent. Clean it up, or your legacy will create a hole my kids will have to dig out of.
Comments 6
Well said and very thoughtful.
It is a bit much to expect that our citizen legislators all be statesmen of the highest caliber, but I know that there are plenty of descent republicans in the state house. It makes one wonder at their choice of leadership.
Again, I don’t care about left/right dem/republican in this argument: the state is far better served by having reasonable, sound leadership on both sides in Helena.
Posted 26 Apr 2007 at 1:49 am ¶Reminds me of last session that Sen Tester was in and was heard to say “the republicans can go to hell” at a DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS meeting. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Posted 26 Apr 2007 at 12:43 pm ¶You make a good point ayn, though I don’t remember the quote in question (which may be a lesson for this latest fiasco). I just don’t care for treating people that way, no matter who does it, let alone the political ramifications that may follow.
Posted 26 Apr 2007 at 1:27 pm ¶In fact, I don’t remember it either. Ayne doesn’t cite very often, which makes it difficult to take seriously.
Posted 26 Apr 2007 at 2:08 pm ¶You know, a big part of the problem/issue here is the open meeting law. Caucuses used to be closed door strategy sessions. And, like it or not, I don’t think Lange was that far out of line for a closed door strategy session. I know when my partners and I are discussing cases, the language can get pretty, shall we say, choppy. But the press insisted the caucuses be opened. And there you have it. You would think, though, that the media might have a little more institutional memory for comments like Tester’s (assuming he made it.)
Or is the amnesia self-imposed?
Posted 26 Apr 2007 at 6:09 pm ¶You also bring up a good point Gee Guy; as I said, I am sympathetic to his point of view, but he really wasn’t thinking, as far as I can tell, about the company he was with. More importantly, I’m just tired of the state GOP drama queens. There are plenty of ways he could have expressed himself much more effectively. I find little use for swearing, not because it offends me, but because it cheapens the ideas you’re trying to express. Intelligent rebuttal posited creatively seams to be a lost art, but it will convince and disarm much more effectively than any suggestion relating to placing something up another’s anus.
Posted 26 Apr 2007 at 7:23 pm ¶Trackbacks & Pingbacks 1
[…] The Montana Misanthrope: Like it or not, sir, you are in the minority. You can throw a tantrum, point an accusing finger, and hyperventilate all you want, but doing so will not move an agenda, and it does not serve the interests of this state or your party. And just so you know, the former is more important than the latter, because it is apparent that you don’t grasp that. […]
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