By Joe Carbonari
We should take our state Legislature seriously. It is a citizen Legislature. It is very part-time. It is quaint generally, colorful often. It is not, however, a representation of our best and our brightest. It is chosen from those with the inclination, and financial ability, to serve. Fortunately, as may be considered true in many places, our own delegation is well-above average.
It will be interesting to see how Keith Regier does as Majority Leader. The Republican leadership team, led by Speaker Austin Knudsen, could use some leavening. Early actions suggest their enthusiasm may outpace their experience. Their dress code intentions were good, but the understanding of human nature shown was limited. Over the years one learns not to tell a woman how to dress. Grown men don’t like it either.
Additionally, their “we’re in charge here” attitude does not facilitate cooperation. It sets up confrontation. The committee assignments made, in the House especially, together with the attempted rules changes, suggest a ram-it-through approach.
Sarah Laszloffy, 23 years old, was appointed chair of the education committee. She was home schooled and then attended the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Her father heads a group some consider unfriendly to our public school system. Might public money for private schools be on the agenda?
Issues are complex. Outcomes are serious. Let’s pay attention.
By Tim Baldwin
“Democracy” is a word used to describe a political system whereby political power resides in the people. There are various forms of democracy. America’s state and federal Founders instituted republican forms of democracy whereby the people ratify a constitution as the fundamental law and elect leaders to carry out the people’s will limited by our constitutions. Naturally, the larger and more complex the society, the less able people are to monitor their leaders. So, how can people know who are good leaders in our political system?
Montana started its 2015 legislative session. Not only are those we elected leading us, but also those leaders elect leaders among themselves. How much power do those leaders have to control agenda? Most people have little to no idea, including those who want to stay informed. Practically speaking, how can we? So, most people have a few pet issues and if a legislator supports those issue, their good. But this does not define a good political leader.
Political leadership requires many skills, but if our leaders do not believe the people know what their doing and why, their power can be corrupted. Democracy requires an involved, informed and active people. Let’s not give decent people an opportunity to do indecent things. Of course, if the form and rules of the political system do not work for the people, they can redress them through our constitutions (e.g. amending constitution, Article V, USC).