Rep. David Baria: Militaristic GOP leadership gutted state budget
If a member of the House dares challenge leadership by voting consistent with his conscience or the needs of his district, it is immediately apparent due to the large screen for displaying votes called “the Board” now having been separated into two columns, organized by party affiliation. Thus, if a Republican member strays to vote “no,” he may be the sole red light appearing in a sea of Republican green on “the Board.” Retributionis certain and swift. Your bills won’t be considered, your district gets shorted in the budget or in a bond bill, or you may lose membership on a key committee.
What is described above is totalitarian rule, and this is how the Republican leadership currently controls the Mississippi Legislature. However, this is not the way voters expect their government to work. Opposing opinions need to be considered in order for the best policy decisions to be made. The people of Mississippi deserve and expect the legislative process to be inclusive of all ideas and opinions. The question is what can Mississippians do about this government they elected?
Clarion Ledger
5/12/16
