Session: Show ponies, work horses
As the 2011 regular session of the Mississippi Legislature convenes today, it would be good for everyone to remember the difference between show ponies and work horses.
Show ponies are good for momentary entertainment and a few moments of escape from the cares of everyday life. But when the show’s over and there hard work to be done, the show ponies are retired to their stalls and the work horses are brought out.
Show ponies barely break a sweat. Work horses work themselves into a lather. Show ponies only perform in a spotlight. Work horses begin their labors early and continue them past daylight – day after day until the job is done.
As an institution, the Mississippi Legislature has some show ponies and some work horses among the 174 senators and representatives. The lobbyists and special interests know that. The press knows that. Legislative colleagues know that about their members.
Clarion Ledger
1/3/10
Magnolia Tribune
