This past week brought more political tantrums between Indiana Democrats and Republicans.
Wisconsin was first, and now Indiana has followed and set off a domino effect that’s spread throughout the country with states like Ohio, Tennessee and New Jersey having similar problems.
In both Wisconsin and Indiana, Democrats fled to Illinois, a state with a democratic governor, in protest of Republicans not negotiating union labor bills and, according to an opinion article on CNN.com, to support their constituents.
Both Wisconsin and Indiana have Republican-controlled state governments, and both states are in budget shortfalls. This has lead Republican governors in these states having to do something drastic.
Are Democrats just jealous because a recent USA Today/Gallup poll indicated 42 percent of Americans surveyed believe Republicans are doing better job at balancing the budget?
In Wisconsin, a Republican-proposed budget bill would limit union protesting and raise union workers’ contributions to pensions and health coverage.
According to CNN.com, the 14 Wisconsin Democrats who fled said Republicans won’t negotiate, rejecting about 100 proposed amendments, but Republican Gov. Scott Walker told CNN if his budget bill isn’t passed, local government aid will be cut by $1 million.
Walker also has to consider the state’s $137 million deficit it will reach by the end of June.
Indiana Democrats are battling similar bills dealing with labor unions, collective bargaining and budget issues.
If Democrats don’t return to work, more than 25 bills might die, including important budget bills along with Gov. Mitch Daniels’ education reform bill.
When I first heard about Democrats leaving their jobs, I couldn’t believe it.
To me, these state Democrats are being wusses. They don’t like being the minority, and, when they don’t get their way, they throw a fit.
It reminds me when I was in fourth grade and gave my parents the silent treatment because I didn’t get what I wanted.
It’s these lawmakers’ job to sit and try to compromise. These Democrats are just running away instead of really tackling the issue head-on through quorum.
But are their efforts working? I don’t think so. This action has just continued to fuel the fire of nonpartisanship, and Republicans aren’t showing any mercy.
Daniels has pledged to call a special session if Democrats don’t return soon.
Walker even deployed state police to lawmakers’ houses to try to get them to return — something Daniel’s said he wouldn’t do but probably should’ve.
Did Democrats think of the consequences of their actions? Nope. Now they will have even a harder time getting their agendas passed. They have just hurt the public.
However, through this whole deal, there has come some good. There is one Indiana Democrat who stood by his own beliefs and stayed in Indianapolis. He is Rep. Steven Stemler, D-Jeffersonville.
Stemler decided to follow what he thought was right and has become a liaison between Democrats and Republicans.
Stemler decided not to be a sheep and told the Indianapolis Star he felt there is still more work to be done.
“I didn’t go to Indianapolis just to get along,” Stemler said to the Indianapolis Star.
Stemler has received two thumbs-up from me. This is what real politics are all about. When lawmakers think for themselves and stand up for what they really firmly believe is right, things get done that will benefit the public.
Playing politics is a tricky game, especially when the players act like fourth-graders.
My hope is, one day, the game will change and lawmakers will start thinking for themselves and for their constituents.
Politics has changed since Obama. However, I’ve continued to see bickering, tantrums, a lack of compromise and total unprofessionalism in the offices these lawmakers hold.
Democrats need to come back and do their job, passing laws and making compromises. Get it together, Democrats.
Stop being sheep and following your party. Think for yourself and do what is right.
By AMANDA FRENCH
Features Editor
aafrench@imail.iu.edu
