Friday, November 11, 2016

Tea and Crumpets, Senate Style

(Ed. Note: Yes, we are still vertical and taking nourishment, much to the chagrin of some, we suppose.)

Our recent submission to The Maine Wire appeared on line today.

Here’s a glimpse of the opening; we hope you’ll read the entire item as linked.

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Commentary

Tea and Crumpets in the Senate Cloakroom, Anyone?

“Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” -Barry Goldwater

On Saturday, October 29th, the Portland Press Herald ran an article that begins with these words:

“BANGOR — In a historic gathering of Maine political firepower, five current and former U.S. senators lamented Friday night the nation’s deep polarization but also expressed optimism – if measured – for eventually moving back toward compromise and cooperation.”

The participants were “Maine’s five living senators – former Sens. William Cohen, George Mitchell and Olympia Snowe and sitting Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King.”

We’ve been hearing for years about the “polarization” and “lack of civility” in Washington. In my view, our Washington types top the list of provocateurs in this story.

Why? There was a time when debates making news in our capitol were about speed limits on the interstates (should 70 be allowed?), or lowering the voting age to 18. These were relevant questions of policy, and could be debated from rational, civil points of view.

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Read the rest at http://www.themainewire.com/2016/11/tea-crumpets-senate-cloakroom-anyone/