Keep Secret Ballots in the Nebraska Unicameral

     

     In school we learned about our Unicameral and how Nebraska’s political system is unique. As one of only two states to divide their Electoral College Votes, Nebraska voters are afforded a louder voice in Presidential elections. And arguably affords Nebraska voters the most empowered voice of any state legislature. As governor, Bob Kerry worked with Unicameral Senators. Kerry also served 12 years in the U.S. Senate. When asked, he shared that in creating the Unicameral, Norris “led the successful effort to terminate both of these institutions with a constitutional amendment that abolished one of the legislative bodies and ended the practice of identifying a candidate’s political party on the ballot. Together, these two have given Nebraskans the most efficient and responsive legislature in the Country.”

Nebraskan George Norris served in the U.S. Senate from 1913 to 1933. His legacy includes the creation of our Unicameral. Norris’ ‘Rubber & Glass Campaign’ fought for the Unicameral because it made elected officials more accountable to voters, tamped down party influence, held the governor’s office in check, and thwarted special interest groups.

Today, the vast majority of Americans view our political system as untrustworthy. PEW Research finds only 7% of conservatives and 32% of Centrist Democrats trust government.

After Watergate, Congress responded with efforts to make governance more transparent. Research found that that elected officials motivations and behaviors changed but not for the better (Zelizer). Officials took positions based upon polls, media attention, and manipulating the appearance of their actions to appease voters (Heclo). Cross-aisle engagement and compromise went down as partisan rhetoric demonizing the opposition went up and divides got deeper (Fiorina). Supporting and passing legislation was bogged down as partisans punished officials for deviations from the party line. Instead of governing, elected officials focused on reelection in lieu of tackling tough issues and making hard choices.  Statesmen morphed into politicians as Political Action Committees (PACs) and special interest groups successfully drowned out the voice of voters with big donations by funding campaigns of compliant candidates, and, as we saw in 2022, let the wealthy exploit anonymous Dark Money campaigns to run brutally negative ads against others such as those ran against Brett Linstrom and Tony Vargas.

Since its inception, 85 years ago, the nonpartisan Unicameral has voted secretly for the body’s leadership. Next week a motion is expected that will make these votes public.  This would be the culmination of an effort pushed by the Nebraska First PAC. Nebraska First was founded and funded by Trump endorsed, unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Charles W. Herbster.

Lead by Rod Edwards, Nebraska First argues, “Electing leadership by a secret and unrecorded ballot deprives everyday Nebraskans of information they could use when deciding who to elect as their state senator. Additionally, keeping the leadership votes a secret gives even more power and influence to lobbyists, special interests, and Capitol insiders. Most citizens are not aware of this practice and most would not support the secrecy if they knew.”

Sounds reasonable, or does it?

When the nation’s founders met to write the U.S. Constitution, they cloaked the windows and forbid transcripts of the process so that participants could act and speak freely. Those who participated-in composing the Constitution, a document written and debated in secret, include George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Sherman. Of the 55 that participated, 40 had or would serve in a legislative body.

Along with Maine, Nebraska is the most moderate state in the Union. Certainly the officially nonpartisan Unicameral and the diminished role of political parties factors in to the calm and uniquely rational nature of Nebraska politics.

Today, officials bemoan the ‘brain drain’ as young Nebraskan’s move for work to other states. Over the last four years I have read approximately 1000 essays that asked students to describe America in 25 years. By very large numbers, their essays describe a failed political system, inequality, and an unhealthy cynicism of ever achieving the American Dream. Nationally, those under 40 prefer socialism to capitalism. If we’re serious about slowing Nebraska’s brain drain, elevating vitriolic partisanship is exactly the wrong thing to do.

Today, I doubt most Nebraska could name the Unicameral Speaker: Mike Hilgers steps down to become State Attorney General in January. And yet, despite the fact Nebraska voters are 49% Republican, 28% Democrats, and 23% Other, the system has worked according to Norris’ plan since 1937. Unnecessary transparency will, as we’ve all seen in the U.S. Senate and Congress, strengthen political party control, increase partisan extremism, and gag voters.

Students of our model of self-governance know that the system was designed to be slow and inefficient: thereby forcing the political debate, negotiation, and compromise. By doing so, it gives voice to those in the minority and stops political extremism.

“Nebraskans should listen to Mr. Herbster and ask themselves this question: Do you like what you seen in our Nation’s Capitol? Do you want our legislature to behave like the Congress” asks Bob Kerry.

Protect your vote and contact your State Senator today: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_find.php

Unicameral Politics, Signs, Symbols, and Morfeld

 

Since COVID, I’ve taken to walking. One neighbor proudly displays his Trump / Pence campaign sign from 2016. I noticed duct tape over ‘2016’ during the 2020 election cycle. More recently, ‘Pence’ got the duct tape treatment. One sign, three messages.

Traffic came to a stop behind a pick-up truck flying a profanity-laced flag, (proving PT Barnum’s point, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the masses”). To my right was a mini-van of kids heading to school. I noticed mom’s awkward moment dealing with the political vulgarity.

Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that. Can't you read the sign? (Five Man Electric Band).

In his book, Man and His Symbols, Carl Jung, a student of Freud and founder of Jungian Psychology wrote, “Man uses the spoken or written word to express the meaning of what he wants to convey.”  We love our symbols and signs by sharing them on our cars, in our yards, and on social media. Why?

Now, hey you, mister, can't you read? You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat inside. You've got to have a membership card to get inside."

One theory is as respected members of a group, we are more secure and assured of our place in society. Almost every characteristic you use to define you, (gender, religion, ethnicity, race, age, politics, education, city, state, et, al) comes with a group imposing expectations that judge the legitimacy of your membership in the group.

However, sometimes groupthink goes too far. Senator Krysten Sinema publicly revoked partisan affiliation because she claimed, party demands compromised her integrity. Similar concerns over unhealthy partisanship have been signaled by Paul Ryan, John Boehner, George Will, Liz Cheney, Jeff Flake, Mitt Romney, and the congressional bipartisan Problem Solvers (including Don Bacon).

And the sign said, "Anybody caught trespassin' will be shot on sight. So I jumped on the fence and I yelled at the house, "Hey! What gives you the right? If God was here, he'd tell you to your face, 'Man, you're some kind of sinner”

One neighbor erected more than a dozen flagpoles. Most commemorated NASCAR drivers but included in the mix was the Gadsden ‘don’t tread on me’ flag. Created by Benjamin Franklin, the Gadsden flag signaled a warning against the authoritarian rule of England’s King George III. What was a patriotic message against government overreach recently became starkly unpatriotic. This ideology was commandeered by those seeking to “terminate” the Constitution including a former authoritarian President and Congressman Paul Gosar. In addition, The Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), recently awarded Hungary’s illiberal Prime Minister, Viktor Orban’ with two addresses. Why are those claiming patriotism giving a platform to an authoritarian dictator? What sign are they sending?

A report by International IDEA (*1) finds that authoritarianism is rising worldwide and affecting long-stable democracies including 17 European nations, as well as 7 nations in the Americans, along with, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and the United States.

Today, the greatest danger to our model of self-governance is those who lie and conspire to deceive others by perpetuating false claims of election fraud. The foundation of American self-governance rests upon our trust and faith to rule ourselves through free and fair elections. By undermining the legitimacy of those elected, and thereby our faith in self-governance, election deniers promote authoritarian nationalism. These are the ideas that drove your forefathers to emigrate to these shores for freedom and that brave Americans “gave their last full measure of devotion” fighting against in the 1770s, 1812, 1860s, throughout the 20^th century, and in the war against terrorism. 

Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that. Can't you read the sign?

Over the last year, four unicameral senators spoke to the Omaha Free Speech Society. Their depth of knowledge and lack of partisan point-taking was refreshing. George Norris got it right when he removed partisanship from Nebraska’s unicameral. Thankfully, Nebraska Senator Adam Morfeld has launched a group to fight extremism and misinformation in Nebraska. Godspeed Mr. Morfeld. (*2)

And the sign said, "Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray. So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign, I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine"

 

For link:

(*1) Omaha World Herald, 12/7/2022, Jan M Olson

Report: Authoritarianism on rise as democracy weakens

 

(*2) Omaha World Herald, 12/7/2022, Martha Stoddard

Senator launches group to fight extremism and misinformation

On Such a Night - interviewing the Night Tripper, New Orleans Dr. John.

For years I tried to interview Dr. John. There were three artists I desperately wanted to interview, Dr. John, Gary Moore, and Mark Knopfler. In pursuit of an interview, someone gave me a number in New Orleans where he "hung out." If memory serves, it was Tsaint Recording Studios. I called the number and spoke to a guy named Allen. After I had hung-up the phone I realized I'd been speaking to Allen Toussaint. That was an opportunity missed.

In the early years of the Indigenous Jam, we had a very close working relationship with Joe Bonamassa and his manager, Roy. Pacific St Blues was one of the first two radio programs to play Joe's music. Today he’s a superstar and rightfully so. While some continue to lob criticism at Bonamassa, he earned his place as the top touring blues guitarist by being on-the-road and, this is important, helping open the door for others by producing their albums, letting them open shows, or appearing on their records. Bonamassa is nothing if not a faithful servant of the blues and those that play it. Several times over the early years we discussed putting together a music festival called, Joemaha.

Once when Joe was in town and I took him to the guitar shop in downtown Papillion. I don’t remember the name of the store but I think the owner’s name was Derek. There was a Robert Johnson era Gibson guitar on the wall that immediately attracted Joe’s discerning eye. Later we ate at Danny's on 72nd & Blondo. It was at Danny’s that we bumped into "Mouse" Strauss, the boxer and former bodyguard for Bob Dylan. 'Mouse' told us Dylan stories for about an hour including meeting the mysterious sage the first time while hitchhiking and picked up by Dylan’s bus. If nothing, it was a memorable story.

After eating we then headed over to 7777 Cass Streets to see Dr. John at The Music Box. Having met Mac several times by then, we were invited backstage where I introduced Joe to Mac. That was the first time I was able to introduce Joe to someone he wanted to meet. Years later, having interviewed the brother of the late Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher, Donal, on the phone, I arranged with Joe's manager for Donal to meet-up with Joe at Bonamassa's show at the Royal Albert Hall. The meeting was captured, albeit briefly, in the DVD of the sold-out concert.

The first time I met Mac Rebennack, a/k/a Dr. John was at a BB King show at the Devaney Center in Lincoln. As I recall, the line-up was The Muddy Waters Tribute Band, Dr. John, Little Feat, and BB King. The interview was in person and occurred in the men's locker room. Mac has just gotten out of rehab for a long term narcotics addiction. He seemed nervous and not really into being interviewed. Over in the corner, what I've always figured was BB's band, someone was smoking pot. The smell wafted over to our area and I assumed it was making Mac uncomfortable. In fact, probably having been interviewed by hundreds of unprepared college radio hosts, Dr. John was in guarded and bored interview mode. And, as the interview wore on, it was clear I was bombing...the interview was not going well.

I learned over the years you have to do your homework to conduct an interview. You have to get the artist into a conversation rather than a rote Q&A. By asking questions that the interviewee had not been asked a million times previously and, ideally, bringing up a topic of interest to them (which is NEVER their latest album, the tour, or who they'd screwed in the past).

I asked Mac how he got Red Tyler to tour again. "Motherfucker, how do YOU know about Red Tyler?" he shot back in an aggressive tone? As quick as I could, I listed the members in his band that I  had recognized and discussed some of their recordings. I shifted into discussions about Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, and Art Neville. "Man, you are one cool cat" said Mac as he draped his arm over my shoulders. I adore Dr. John. Reluctantly, he discussed the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street  sessions although it was clear he didn’t want to discuss it. After that, he talked and shared as though we were life-long friends. Oh, and if they have a book, bring the book. 

Catch a Wave & we’re Sitting on Top of the World

“If I say it’s safe to surf this beach Captain, it’s safe to surf this beach” Lt Colonel Bill Kilgore, Apocalypse Now (Robert Duval).

Political pundits are dissecting the red wave that wasn’t. At a time when the pendulum of political change seemed destine to swing right, voters chose gridlock. Polls indicate that 66% of voters don’t want Biden to run again, 77% are concerned about the economy, and like the current and former President, both parties hover around a 40% approval rating. What message did voters send?

“Charlie don’t surf!”

Exit polling by National Election Pool (NEP) found Democrats reported voting to protect abortion rights while Republicans reported voting on inflation. CNN credited swinging-Independents with determining the outcome. Harvard polling found that not only did more voters under 30 voters show up, but that this is the 3^rd election in a row where younger demographics determined election outcomes. In essence, voters currently under 40 are strong Democrats while blue collar Boomers shifted toward Republicans. National Public Radio reported that mortality rates among Trump voters were 2.3% per year (or 9.2% over four years). On top of this, voters across all age groups want younger candidates like Maxwell Frost – the first GenZ elected to Congress.

In his races, President Obama effectively used Identity Politics to discuss policies and issues concerning voters. For good or bad, this heightened awareness of changing racial and ethnic demographics.

"You either surf or fight. That clear?"

In 2016, older voters expressed concerned about losing their place amid demographic changes. At that time, 58% of self-identified Conservatives defined higher education as a threat to American society. In a society based on merit, these working class men and women sensed that “elites” including the wealthy, the educated, and the powerful were looking down their noses at tradesmen and hourly workers.

This sense of being marginalized lingers among older voters. In a KPTM interview, Governor-Elect Pillen, said, “we need to get rid of this nonsense” that people need a [college] degree to have merit. A TV ad by Iowa Democrat Congresswoman Cindy Axne showed two farmers declaring she would protect the benefits “we earned.”

However, voters are fed up with divisive politics. This election demonstrates a strategic shift from right versus left to middle versus extremes. According to voters, the GOP has an extremism problem: election deniers & conspiracy peddlers, the hallmark of Trumpism, were throttled in the midterm.

While Republicans reported voting on inflation worries, the results suggest something else. Described as Trump fatigue and I think this is the underlying message of the Midterm, although the future of Conservative Populism remains uncertain, GOP voters are abandoning the former president. One elected official shared a vision where conservatives could re-emerge without kowtowing to MAGA toxicity and return the nation to a healthy, functioning, two-party system.

“I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.”

Regardless of the outcome in the House, Americans are looking at two more years of political gridlock. Our system of self-governance is, by design, slow moving, intentionally inefficient, and prone to forcing moderation. It is not a democracy, nor was it ever intended to be one.

With razor thin margins and a nearby veto pen, Washington will be forced to relearn compromise and moderation. This may be the environment where Don Bacon can be most effective.

"What the hell do you know about surfing? You're from New Jersey!"

Speculation suggests Pillen will genuflect the soon-to-be former Governor into the U.S. Senate. Does the heir apparent have the visionary thinking expected by modern voters or disposition to be one among 100? Pillen would signal independence and respect to voters by opening the process to interviews.

A recent PBS Frontline episode showed how House Speaker Pelosi shut down the radical left in her party and kept the Democrats together. John Boehner, Paul Ryan, and Kevin McCarthy struggled mightily with the divisions in the GOP. The misnamed Freedom Caucus has already declared themselves against McCarthy and the GOP majority.

Recently Mitt Romney (R) shared he hopes the GOP acts to, “better for the American people” rather than “pointless investigations, messaging bills, threats, and government shutdowns." The voters have spoken: there are no victory laps this time. Voters neither support the Republican nor Biden agendas. Voters want healthy governance that addresses real world concerns over the fluff and bluff of the last six years. The party that hears voters and acts accordingly will fare best in 2024.

Charlie don't surf and we think he should
Charlie don't surf and you know that it ain't no good (The Clash)

 

Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

On Tuesday, dutiful Americans re-up their voting journey towards a better America. Nebraska’s 2d District is blessed politically. Regardless of the midterm outcome, our Representative will be credible, intelligent, and honest. Contrary to outsider PACS, neither candidate is a fascist or socialist.  

More than usual, voters seem undecided. Research indicates most voters choose their candidate on shared party identification or a candidate’s perceived friendliness. Voters then construct policy arguments to support their choice.  Nebraska’s 2d is among the most flippable Congressional seats. Simply, we are moderates whose thumbprint rests on the nation’s pulse.  

 

"Let us be lovers, we'll marry our fortunes together. I've got some real estate here in my bag" (Simon & Garfunkel, America) 

 

Nebraska’s Secretary of State reports 37.8% of 2d District voters are Republicans, 35.7% Democrats, and 26.5% ‘others.’ We can count on (approximately) ~45% voting Republican, ~44% voting Democrat, and the swinging middle determining the outcome. Former DCRP Chair Jon Tucker suggests the middle will be only 3%...well within the margin of error such that harsh weather could affect the outcome.  

 

“So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies. And walked off to look for America” 

 

These days, voters usually sweep a party into power giving them the White House, Senate, and House, then, at the first midterm, giving back the House and/or the Senate. Politico finds the Bacon v Vargas race a “toss up.”

 

As of late September, Bacon outspent Vargas 3 1/2:1 while PAC spending more than tripled both candidates. Interestingly, Bacon used his military title, General, in ads. As conflicts heat up in Ukraine and Taiwan, highlighting military experience makes sense. Vargas experiences in the Unicameral and School Board provides a knowledge base of statewide and K-12 Education issues.  

 

"Kathy, I'm lost", I said, though I knew she was sleeping. I'm empty and aching and I don't know why.” 

 

Gallup reports that there is wide support among the four major racial/ethnic groups for access to abortion. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, women’s reproductive healthcare recently became a top five voting issue. National Public Radio reports sporadic increases among women registering to vote. Politico’s examination of voter registration shows significant shifts from Republicans to Democrats since the Dobb’s decision. Whether abortion brings out voters is yet to be determined. 

 

While Vargas advocates letting women decide their own reproductive health issues, Bacon supports a federal abortion ban “on principle” after 15 weeks (about 3 and a half months). Becka’s Beat noted 17 Unicameral Democrats successfully prevented legislation outlawing abortion. Should Vargas and Pillen both win, it is unlikely the Governor would replace Vargas with a Democrat – thus potentially opening a pathway to outlawing abortion in Nebraska.  

 

“It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw. I've gone to look for America” 

 

Bacon is the 12^th most bipartisan member of Congress and the most likely to work across the aisle on legislation. These are prized attributes. However, a consistent criticism of Bacon is that his voting record does not sufficiently distinguish claims of moderation versus the MAGA agenda. Bacon recently vowed to not support a Trump candidacy in 2024. And he was among 35 GOP Representatives who voted to form the January 6^th commission.  

 

Other factors to consider include voter’s willingness to cross party lines as exhibited by voting Biden and Bacon (2020), or Obama & Terry (2008). The railroading of Liz Cheney, election denial, and tolerance of buffoonery by Greene, Bobbitt, Cruz, Abbott, and DeSantis, and the recent shift by the Nebraska GOP towards more strident Republicanism, might push voters leftward. 

 

A significant factor is changing demographics. A co-worker shared that neither of her sons plans to vote. Although Democrats appeal strongly to younger voters, historically older turnout is much higher. Younger voters will weigh an older, white Bacon against Vargas’ youth and first generation, Hispanic immigrant roots. 

 

“Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike. They've all come to look for America” 

 

Both candidates were well received when they spoke at the Free Speech Society. National politics will affect this race. Some will vote against Bacon and for Vargas as a stopgap against a possible 2024 Trump run.  Some will weigh ‘The devil you know’ strategy. If Bacon were to lose, who might step up in 2024? While Brett Linstrom demonstrated strong appeal among 2d District voters, a less moderate Republican could appear.  

 

Finally, midyear 2023, expect signaling from Biden to opt out of a second term. Simultaneously, despite twerking at allusions of running again, with a low approval rating, a Trump run seems unlikely. With no incumbents, expect herds of candidates from both parties to vie for the White House.  

 

“And the moon rose over an open field. All come to look for America.” 

Just Gimme Some R-E-S-P-E-C-T

 

In a world seemingly gone awry, Nebraska’s 2d District voters are predictably moderate. While the report, Hidden Tribes of America, found that 26% of voters are disgusted with hyper-partisanship and have virtually dropped out of the process, 2d District voters split Electoral College votes in 2008 and 2020. Then they voted for right-leaning gubernatorial candidate Brett Lindstrom (R) in large numbers. 

When Kansas defied the polls and voted in a landslide against abortion restrictions, most sighed in relief. Not because they like abortion but because we all know real world problems demand complex solutions. And in an era defined by elected officials changing their ideological strips for political advantage, we admired Wyoming’s Liz Chaney choosing country and character. In the eyes of many, Chaney’s ethical leadership under stress transcended her from mere politician to statesman. 

“What you want, Baby, I got it. What you need, do you know I got it?” (Respect, Aretha Franklin). 

When then Douglas County Republican Party Chair Theresa Thibodeau spoke at the Omaha Free Speech Society, she spoke of a larger party tent and reincorporating moderate conservatives that had been marginalized by a narrowing view of conservativism. Thibodeau’s willingness to thwart imposed ideological conformity was an act of individual courage that echoed previous party leaders including Lincoln, Eisenhower, and H.W. Bush. Until her presentation, it had been a while since I’d heard a political message with more depth than ‘Democrats evil: Republicans good’ (or vice-a-versa). 

When given a chance to run with gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, Thibodeau left the ticket: only to re-surface in her own race for governor with a campaign harkening back to traditional Republican issues rather than the divisiveness of contemporary campaigning. 

“Ooh, your kisses, sweeter than honey. And guess what? So is my money!” 

Recently we found out that Democrats spent $44 million dollars funding races by MAGA-Republicans.  Their strategy was to force voters towards more progressive candidates. The strategy failed and with it came a taint upon Democratic claims on the moral high ground. 

Illinois Governor Pritzker (D) spent $35 million on the Republican state Primary for similar reasons. Among much needed, reasonable Republican incumbents targeted by Democrat expenditures were Peter Meijer (Michigan) and Joe O’Dea (Colorado). Apparently appreciation for good governance is now losing on both sides of the aisle. 

Functional self-governance requires a healthy debate between reality based parties embracing the truth, supported by voters who understand the importance of compromise, respect others rights, and value character. New York Mayor Ed Koch is credited with having said, “If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12, see a psychiatrist.” 

“I ain't gonna do you wrong, while you're gone. Ain't gonna do you wrong, ‘cause I don't wanna.” 

As Nebraska’s 2d District knows, sometimes choosing the best candidates means crossing party lines. Earlier this year, reports indicate that an estimated 8,600 Nebraska voters changed party affiliation to vote in this year’s Midterm Primary. Technically this is called strategic voting but it’s just a practical approach to todays, “mixed up, muddled up, shook up world…”  

I admire Liz Chaney and Theresa Thibodeau. They took the high road and their choices reverberated across the Nebraska and the nation. Nope, you don’t have to align with all their policy views but if voters choose character and honesty, we’ll see less division, greater integrity, and more candidates leading our nation because of the examples set by these brave women. 

“All I'm askin' is for a little respect, when you come home.”

There are a few things that seem apparent in the modern political landscape: character matters more than policy, among the “exhausted majority” there a number of principled Republicans and Democrats that want a healthy two party system, and political divides are shifting from ‘right versus left’ to ‘middle versus extremes.’ 

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me. 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Take care, TCB!” (Taking Care of Business). 

The Devil Made Me Do It

 

African American comedian Flip Wilson’s tv show aired in the early 1970s. We laughed as Wilson’s characters shirked personal responsibility with the excuse, “The devil made me do it.”

As mindful, Constitutional patriots know, self-governance is reliant upon choosing orderly self-restrain. Buried among the lofty ideals the nation aspired to, is the assumption that free people would act reasonably.

“Please allow me to introduce myself; I'm a man of wealth and taste” (The Rolling Stones, Sympathy for the Devil). 

Historically, Conservatives advocated smaller government. President Reagan said the most terrifying words were, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” Senator Rand Paul claimed, “I want a government so small I can hardly see it.” At the heart of this philosophy is the idea that one is freer under smaller government. Berlin called this ‘negative liberty.’

At the heart of Conservative politics is the idea that if we accept our individual responsibility we’ll need fewer laws curtailing bad behavior and, thereby, have smaller government, and thus more individual freedom.

“Pleased to meet you, Hope you guess my name. What’s puzzling you is the nature of my game.”

But like fiscal responsibility, individual responsibility seems to have gotten lost in post-Reagan America.

Despite resigning from office, Unicameral Senator Grone now claims that although he surreptitiously took photos of a female staffer under his direct supervision “I did nothing wrong…” “I’m not gonna let the Democrats attack me and embarrass my family and my wife.” Reading this, I heard Wilson’s character Geraldine claim, “The devil made me do it.”

Testifying before the January 6th Committee, White House aide Sarah Matthews explained the moments that lead to her resignation. Pointing towards the televised insurrection, Matthews argued for the President to intercede. “A colleague suggested that the president shouldn't condemn the violence because it would be ‘handing a win’ to the media…”It’s wasn’t about doing the right thing: the devil made me do it.

In the groping accusations against Charles Herbster, his lawyer, “… pointed out that if it did (happen), the incident would have only lasted seconds, which he argued was not worthy of a two-day deposition.” Ah, the devil made me do it.

“I shouted out, ‘Who Killed the Kennedy’s’ when after all, it was you and me.” 

When President Clinton was dealing with fallout from his liaisons with an office intern, liberal friends rushed to his defense. A prominent local Democrat wondered aloud, “I don’t understand the fuss; it was only (oral sex).”

Too often office seeking officials act just like us. The difference is they’ve asked to lead us. Officials live in a fish bowl of scrutiny, distrust, and hyper-partisan paranoia. The public cheers as gotcha-media pushes them off the pedestal of public trust and then bemoan they can’t be trusted. Conveniently, amnesia creeps in when “their team” acts the same way.

Perhaps the devil makes us do it? 

If the law is broken, regardless of party affiliation, officials need to be held accountable.

But elected officials should be held to a higher standard of behavior. It’s not about laws as much as about doing the right thing under pressure.

 “Just as every cop is a criminal. And all the sinners saints. As heads is tails, just call me Lucifer, cause I’m in need of some restraint.”

Policy ebbs and flows, character is more important than policy. Simply NOT breaking a law is too low a standard. Although one may have a right to do something, it does not mean it is the right thing to do. Accountability and personal responsibility need to come back into style.

Inevitably, like me and you, everyone will stumble. How we respond defines our character.

While praying with Clinton during his struggles, Jesse Jackson fathered a child out of wedlock. "I fully accept responsibility and I am truly sorry for my actions," Jackson said. "This is no time for evasions, denials or alibis. No doubt, many close friends and supporters will be disappointed in me. I ask for their forgiveness, understanding and prayers."

 “So if you meet me, have some courtesy, Have some sympathy, and some taste. Use all your well-learned politesse…Or I'll lay your soul to waste.”

North Omaha, a Cardboard Box, and the celebrity...

It’s probably been two decades now, but for one reason or another; three of us started an infrequent lunch club. It probably began at some civic function when someone said, “We should go to lunch sometime” and I said, “I’ll put it together.”

Our mission was to find out-of-the-way restaurants for lunch. Our group consisted of Curt the architect, Ann the politician, and me. We’d been doing the lunch and talk-thing for a while. If someone couldn’t make it, the other two would go. This particular tale revolves around a North Omaha joint called E.P.’s Soul Bowl.

The Soul Bowl was located at 24th and Grant Streets.

Curt and I took off on our culinary adventure for some authentic soul food. When we spied our destination we parked along the curb, or kerb for our English friends. When we walked into the restaurant, there was no sitting area. Instead it was a 16’ square. There was a traditional counter all the way around the three sides of the area. On top of the counter was fencing from counter-top to ceiling. “Looks like its takeout only” we said with a laugh. I asked the woman behind the counter if there was anywhere to sit down and eat.

“You can sit in the field next door. I’ll give you a couple of folding chairs.”

We quickly ordered our fried catfish, greens, and a strawberry soda. Grabbing the chairs we went out to enjoy the spring sunshine.

Curt and I sat down and began talking. Pretty quickly the gal behind the counter came out with a big cardboard box. “You can use it for a table.” We hadn't reached the grumpy old man phase in our lives yet so, okay!

There we sat, in the grassy field on north 24th street; two folding chairs, a really big cardboard box, and the sort of sunshine and low humidity that lasts only a few weeks in the Midwest. It was a glorious day: what could go wrong?

Well, we were in a low socio-economic area and didn't exactly fit in. Having grown up on 24th & Kansas Avenue, it wasn't much of an issue. But I'd be lying if I said the absurdity of the situation never crossed my mind.

A huge black car slowly passed by on 24th street. It paused and then continued slowly down the road. “Hmmm,” I thought.

The car slowed even more and turned slowly into an alley and circled back, parking in our field.

“Hmmm, not good” I thought. Very slowly a massive African-American man got out of the car. Curt and I watched the man as he opened the back door. Abrownish man dressed like someone caught between a Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keefe painting, bedecked in silver and turquoise got out of the car. He paused to help a very attractive woman get out of the car.

“What in the world? This is pretty strange.”

“Dude thinks he’s Doc Severinson” said Curt.

I sssshed Curt.

Slowly a bit smile emerged from under Curt's busy mustache. He began to laugh.

“Man, be cool.”

“It is Doc Severinson” said Curt.

"What? No way.”

“Go see”

As the threesome walked into the Soul Bowl, I followed them and introduced myself. Sure enough, it was Doc Severinson (the noted bandleader for Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show). Pleasantry's were exchanged.

“Nice to meet you. What are you doing in town?” I asked. He was in town playin with the Symphony.”

Come to find out, when Doc traveled, he liked to get out of the celebrity bubble and do his own version of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, long before it became a show.

Satisfied with the brief celebrity encounter, Curt and I returned to our box and folding chairs in the sunny field to wait for lunch. Pretty soon the catfish arrived. The restaurant-woman brought out a bottle of hot sauce. “Good thinking” I thought.

Except, she didn’t bring the sauce for us.

 Behind her came Doc and his entourage, each with a folding chair. And that was how Curt and I ate soul food on a cardboard box table one sunny spring afternoon in a north Omaha grass field with one of tv’s most famous trumpet players.

 (For younger readers, insert the name Questlove, drummer for The Roots, and producer of the film A Great Day in Harlem, who appears on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, and you'll understand the story better).

 

Winning at all costs has made a loser out of you & me

 Play the video as you read the Editorial

                                                     Bob Seger, Beautiful Loser 

As Americans begin to grasp the possibility of the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturning Roe v Wade, now is a good time to discuss making laws through "venue shopping."

While all three branches of government have ways to create laws and enforced policies, the traditional method is passing legislation through both congressional houses and being signed into law by the President.

Our form of government was designed to be slow and dependent upon informed political discourse. Civil debate forces compromise and moderation. When the courts create law through decree, the parties are not forced to work together: thus becoming increasingly extreme. Many mistakenly believe America is a (direct) democracy. Our model of self-governance is a Constitutional Republic; also known as an indirect democracy.

He wants to dream like a young man. With the wisdom of an old man. (Beautiful Loser, Bob Seger)

Proposals to eliminate the mechanisms that force moderation, such as lowering the vote for Federal judges to 51, eliminating the filibuster, or ending the Electoral College are pernicious proposals in an era of dysfunctional hyper-partisanship.

In the traditional method of creating laws, up to 536 elected officials are involved (436 Congress, 100 Senators, and the President).

As Americans gained greater access to the courts, 'venue shopping' became an easier method to change or create laws. This was helpful during the civil rights era when, often, Southern States skirted Federal laws.

He wants his home and security. He wants to live like a sailor at sea.

Venue shopping is choosing to pursue or instigate a case in a Federal Court District where the plaintiff will likely lose. This allows those bringing the suit to appeal to SCOTUS.

An example most are familiar with is the landmark civil rights case, Brown v The Board of Education. In this example, the plaintiff, the NAACP, and their attorney Thurgood Marshall wanted to end segregation. The previous policy, known as 'separate but equal' was decreed in the case Plessey v Ferguson. By losing initially, Marshall appealed the case to the Supreme Court. In this venue, Marshall needed only five judges to agree with his argument.

While reasonable Americans applaud the outcome in Brown, as we are seeing with Roe, although a judicial verdict has the effect of law, court precedence can be overturned by subsequent decisions. What was achieved by court decisions can be easily lost by a court decision. 

Polling indicates voters are fed up with bickering and acrimony.

Today, as parties become ideologically extreme the intended system of forced compromise and civil debate, resulting in moderation, declines.  We want to recognize that more direct democracy will not, over the long term, produce better governance or increased rights. Instead, our nation swings from one extreme to the other, then back again.

Beautiful loser. Where you gonna fall? When you realize, you just can't have it all

Ultimately, the legislative system needs to function as prescribed in the Constitution and pass laws. This cannot happen as long as voters encourage and reward partisan division, demonize the opposition, and tolerate half-truths and lies. 

He's your oldest and your best friend. If you need him, he'll be there again. He'll never make any enemies…He'll always ask, he'll always say please

In the end, voters need to choose between supporting candidates who pursue good governance, less polarization, and moderation. Or we could continue down a path that seemingly frustrates most, elevates distrust, and gives platforms to office-seekers who increasingly seem, according to Senator Romney, moronic.

One path leads back to good governance, greater trust, moderation, stability, and a healthy pluralism: the other leads to instability, the loss of individual rights, fiscal crisis, and the weakening of America. 

Winning at all costs has made a loser out of you and me.

Beautiful loser. Never take it all. 'Cause it's easier. And faster when you fall