Dems Crying over Spilled Milk - Theirs

Dems Crying over Spilled Milk – Theirs

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

January 8, 2013

Democratic legislators in Indiana who walked of the job in both 2011 and 2012 now suing to recoup their lost remuneration to fines should have their case tossed out of court by Chief Justice Brent Dickson on account of its frivolous nature.

Not only should the Democrats’ pay be forfeited and the fines stand, but they should also face recall and/or impeachment for dereliction of duty and failure to represent their constituents.

This is not about picking on the Democrats. The same treatment would befit Republicans who would behave in the same truculent and irresponsible manner as the Democrats. This is about the principle of elections having consequences. At present and in the years in question above, the Republican Party holds a majority. It is up to the Democrats to play the cards they are dealt, stay on the job, and fight for their stances on the issues before the legislature.

Walking off the job is the same as a strike. Strikers are not paid nor should the recalcitrant Democrats who, like a petulant six-year-old decided to take their ball and go home, or more importantly, flee the jurisdiction to the Land of Lincoln.

According to a Marion County judge “the House had the power to impose the fines, it could not ignore state law by seizing pay without due process.” (“Democrats trying to regain pay docked after walkout,” The Indianapolis Star 01/04/13)

Fair enough; give the Democrats their due process. Did they walk off the job? Yes. Does the House have the power to fine them? Yes. Case dismissed; fines stand. Next time, stay put and do your jobs. Otherwise come election day, the rank and file will find other, more responsible citizens to do them.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer and educator living in Westfield, IN.