“When the rabble hiss, well may patriots tremble” In 1861, when Sen. James Throckmorton made an unpopular but courageous vote against secession on the floor of the Texas Senate in Austin he was met with boos and hisses from the gallery. His quote captures the moment we saw last night in the Senate. I am here to say that Texas patriots must not tremble and will not be quieted by the hate-filled cries of those who wish to silence us. Late last night, a bill supported by a majority of the Texas Legislature and a majority of Texans, was shouted down by a rude, unruly mob who decided that the legislative process is only worthwhile when it produces something they support. Democracy took a hit last night in the Texas Senate. Who is to blame for this breakdown of decorum and procedure in the state’s highest legislative chamber? Everybody is pointing fingers this morning, but in the end, the responsibility for the Texas Senate falls on one man. The Lieutenant Governor of Texas is solely responsible for the Senate. The Lieutenant Governor is the captain of this ship of state. He is in ultimate control of the flow of debate, and the tone in which the Senate conducts that debate. At the very least, the Lieutenant Governor is expected to maintain order so the members can conduct the business of the people. To a larger extent, the Lieutenant Governor is expected to lead. Lead the Senators, regardless of party, in the knowledge that a firm defense of the ability of the Senators to debate in a respectful way only strengthens the Senate and serves the people. A Lieutenant Governor should lead those who agree with him, and be respected by those who oppose him. I’ve often called upon the memory of former Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock as the kind of leader that was able to get things done for Texas, while maintaining the respect of his opponents. Bob Bullock passed away years ago, but his spirit died in the Senate Chamber last night. He would have never allowed the state’s highest and most respected legislative body to have been the scene of such a disgraceful and embarrassing breakdown of democracy. What can be done to avoid this kind of mob rule in the future? The answer is clear. We must have a change in leadership in the Texas Senate. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst must go.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:19:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015