Dick Palmer: Whining Democrat legislators have lost their marbles

Webster defines "expert" as thoroughly skilled or a specialist. And Webster refers to "facade" as false, superficial or artificial appearing.

The latter definition fits too many politicians and kingmakers here in the great state of Minnesota. Of course, our state isn't anywhere near as bad off as California, where the citizens are screaming bloody murder over runaway debt and obvious abuses of power that could lead to anarchy in the "Golden" state before things calm down.

Here in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has drawn a line in the sand and, before Budgeteer readers take an all-too-often-political stance without looking in the mirror, the storm clouds could unload a blizzard of debt on an already-weak economy.

The inability of the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature to define parameters and work with the executive branch of state government is typical of a legislative process out of control.

Power breeds contempt and, here in Minnesota, our legislative process has lost its way and continues to shortchange the citizens of this state.

True, the Legislative majorities in the Senate and the House are controlled by the DFL, but, in fairness, there are also too many Republican lawmakers who also need their feathers clipped.

It didn't show in the tax and spend votes because party line support or rejection was obvious with large DFL majorities in the Senate and the House.

I keep repeating this time and time again: The single mission of odd-year legislative sessions is to appropriate funds to run the state of Minnesota for two years (beginning on July 1 of the odd-numbered year). The second part of that equation is to pass a tax bill to support those appropriations.

During the even-year sessions, the legislative effort is supposed to be directed at cleaning up or eliminating outdated laws, passing housekeeping bills and mostly listening to their constituents and local government entities. The point is, when the Legislature is not in session, legislators are still paid and they can spend time with local governments, community clubs and other neighborhood entities to find out just what local needs require addressing.

I know it sounds all too simple, but that is the way a citizen legislature is structured and Minnesota, historically, has been a positive showcase.

So now we are again at a crossroads. Our budget is out of balance, and there are only two ways to fix things: raise taxes or cut programs. And neither is popular.

So, what are we doing about it?

Pawlenty has drawn a line in the sand. It's not his fault; he didn't pass the legislation, our elected officials in the legislature did. The DFL majority is fighting back now by condemning the governor, but that isn't the answer.

The Minnesota legislative leaders simply don't get it; they refuse to accept the reality of their mission and they continue to put political philosophies ahead of logical planning and implementation.

Minnesota citizens deserve better and are certainly paying the price for ineffective leadership.

As a former legislator, I scorn the "crybaby" antics of our returning friends from St. Paul who know better -- but covering one's own behind is the name of the game and it won't change until the citizens of this state take back control and elect citizen legislators who have no plans for a lifetime career.

We need to support a government that is cost effective and dedicated to people, not political entrenchment.

The truth is, friends, too many politicians today have simply forgotten their mission.

Representing people has become a gesture, not to be confused with the real mission: having control and using a right- or left-wing stance to shield the serious importance of government for the people and by the people.

I rest my case.

And on the lighter side

Lena had taken the family car on a trip to the grocery store. A half-hour later she called home. Ole answered the phone.

Lena: "Hello, Ole ... it's about the car. I got some good news and some bad news."

Ole: "Vell, tell me da good news first."

Lena: "Da air bag vorks."

Dick Palmer is a former editor and publisher of the Budgeteer who writes a column when he wants to. He may be reached by e-mail at rpalmer341@aol.com .