I went to the "People's House" our State Capitol today for the first time since the shutdown. I became aware of a press conference that Governor Dayton was to have. It was to be on the front steps or the south front of the Capitol.
As I walked to the Capitol from downtown I did not know what to expect to see. Was there going to be fences to prevent people from going on the steps, jersey barriers, or what? To my amazement I did not see any of that out right, but did see steel barriers in various places. Also physical appearances can be deceiving. Do not kid yourself the Capitol is locked up, and tight as a drum. It is like a cocoon.
Cocoon used as a noun is a "silky case spun by the larvae of many insects for protection as pupae."
As I waited for the Governor to step out of the "Capitol Cocoon" for the press conference I noticed a lot of people coming from the west end of the "Cocoon." It was members of the press. I asked why they did not come out of the other exits. Told by media folks can only go in one way, and generally out one way. If you are are not a member of the news media, and a member of the public, tough luck, you cannot even go into the "People's House."
Several legislator's have told me that even constituents escorted by their Representative or Senator cannot even come in.
The Governor arrived. I got a press release stating he was"launching a week long discussion with Minnesotans on what's at stake in the ongoing budget debate." I commend him for that. He is also going to major areas of the state during the week. He answered a number of questions from the media and back into the "Cocoon" he went.
Like after all press conferences in the political scheme of things, the other side will want their say and press conference. I was looking forward to the GOP Leadership emerging from the "Cocoon" to meet the media, say a statement, hand out a press release, and answer questions. But to no avail it did not happen.
I asked a GOP Senate media person if the leaders were going to do an outside press conference. No, he said they were going to remain inside and do it. In other words, they were to stay in the "Cocoon."
Many things are happening with the shutdown, but what I see and hear is that there is more cynicism about Minnesota government than ever before from my experience.
With little or no opportunity for public input, during the negotiations before July 1, and now with the Capitol being in a "silky case". The elected officials are taking up to the sorry beliefs that the public has about their legislative and administrative processes of government.
What can the Governor and the GOP Leadership do as a public service to engage Minnesotans in the budget process/debate and to advance a greater recognition about the tough choices we need to make?
I suggest the following:
1.Offer the opportunity for the people to ask questions about Governor and GOP budget differences and proposals in public and also to get answers in a immediate way. This to be done together.
2.The Governor and GOP Legislative Leadership together engage in several open forum to discuss their approaches to specific parts of the budget.
The Governor is stepping outside the "Cocoon" for the next week to engage Minnesotans. GOP Leadership should do the same with the Governor. Would it not be refreshing to see the GOP Leadership and the Governor on the same platform discussing solutions for our state?
Excuse me, just woke up, I must be dreaming.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A secret at the Minnesota Supreme Court
I drove past the Best Buy World Headquarters recently. It reminded me of a stain on the transparency and accountability of our Minnesota Supreme Court.
The Minnesota State Supreme Court made a decision which dealt with what standards could be used for a government entity to take private property for eminent domain in 2002. The case came out of the City of Richfield actions against Walser, an auto dealer.
It was a big story because Richfield was a taking through the power of government, private property from one owner and giving it to another private person. Intervention of government to buy property for public purpose has always been a hot button issue. A major issue of the case was this an appropriate taking of property using the public purpose concept, with other factors such as blight, or was this an appropriate economic development or not.
The case went through the judicial process and ended up at our state's big court. Our high court is made up of 7 people. On this case, one justice did not participate in it. So it left six to hear it and decide the case.
The guts of the case, to decide, a Court of Appeals decision whether or not it is ok for Richfield to take a flourishing business and its property and give it to a growing business who wants property for their headquarters.
The case was decided on tie vote with the Court of Appeals decision being held and the taking of Walser went through.
For the transparency and accountability of this Court decision, I and others went to see who voted on what sides in the opinion. To my amazement there were no justice's names assigned to the tie votes and a statement saying they were evenly divided.
Then and now I contend that the names of the justices and their votes on the case should have been made public.
The Minnesota State Supreme Court made a decision which dealt with what standards could be used for a government entity to take private property for eminent domain in 2002. The case came out of the City of Richfield actions against Walser, an auto dealer.
It was a big story because Richfield was a taking through the power of government, private property from one owner and giving it to another private person. Intervention of government to buy property for public purpose has always been a hot button issue. A major issue of the case was this an appropriate taking of property using the public purpose concept, with other factors such as blight, or was this an appropriate economic development or not.
The case went through the judicial process and ended up at our state's big court. Our high court is made up of 7 people. On this case, one justice did not participate in it. So it left six to hear it and decide the case.
The guts of the case, to decide, a Court of Appeals decision whether or not it is ok for Richfield to take a flourishing business and its property and give it to a growing business who wants property for their headquarters.
The case was decided on tie vote with the Court of Appeals decision being held and the taking of Walser went through.
For the transparency and accountability of this Court decision, I and others went to see who voted on what sides in the opinion. To my amazement there were no justice's names assigned to the tie votes and a statement saying they were evenly divided.
Then and now I contend that the names of the justices and their votes on the case should have been made public.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Last Open Day at the "People's House"
I have been going to the Capitol since 1964. I lived in the neighborhood. I would play in the tunnels, go to the Historical Society Building, of course, say Hi, to Mr. Graham, who served as the Governor's reception person. My ma knew him from the old neighborhood. I introduced myself to him.
The Capitol has always stood for me as the symbol of the people, the "People's House. It is where people go to see government in action, to assert their 1st Amendment Rights, and to participate in the making of law. I have done this for nearly 35 years.
In those decades of voluntary public service I strive for accountability, transparency, and openness in our government. Many of bills I have helped become law. I have helped make the law through lobbying, research, and just being there.
Now with shutdown the "People's House" will be closed. Only essential personnel and the news media will be allowed in the building.
I decided to spend the last two hours of the people's accessibility to it's building. When I came to the Capitol today the security was beefed up. One of the first things I saw were 5 Minnesota State Troopers in front of the Senate Chamber doors. I asked myself, why? I even made a statement to them, Is there a need for all of ya in front of the doors. or something to that effect.
There were demonstrations throughout the Capitol today. I have to give credit to Capitol Security and Senate Sargent of Arms for the professionalism they showed during the time I was there and what I saw.
But to close the Capitol and sweep out all non essential people out the door at 5, and then not to be open to the public until the shutdown is over with top elected leaders in the State discussing our fate is incredulous and not in the ways and spirit of our open government traditions.
I started tweeting about what was happening at the Capitol. Knowing practically everyone there, spoke with Capitol Security, said hi to the staff and elected people, and small talk with reporters. Observed how the public were asserting their First Amendment Rights when the GOP Leaders went by.
But what stuck in my craw and what I saw as sad was this building which is such a great place for me and the public to do our work in as citizens, and to observe the political process will be only open for the selected few while the people's business is being done behind close doors. I understand that because of the shutdown. My core principle of accountability, transparency, and openness of government opposes the reality.
As I saw the last protesters be asked nicely to leave by the Troopers, I knew I was next. I could not blend in. I am too well known. Plus my handle bar moustache gives me away pretty quick. The Trooper said it is time to go, closing time. Well I turned off the lap top, and my core principles hit me hard. As I was gathering my stuff, I said to the media who were in front of the Governor's office, keep the public informed. I then said something like, as I was going towards the south front door of the Capitol. Accountability, transparency, and openness sacrificed because of the shutdown. The People's House closed to the public.
Last time I actively said something in a sense of demonstration like this was in the early seventies when I would go to stores in support of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.
I have to thank Captain Mock, and the professionalism of his crew. As I was told they are only following the orders of the Department of Administration.
It is a sad commentary on our political process and where we stand as to the state of Minnesota politics today
The Capitol has always stood for me as the symbol of the people, the "People's House. It is where people go to see government in action, to assert their 1st Amendment Rights, and to participate in the making of law. I have done this for nearly 35 years.
In those decades of voluntary public service I strive for accountability, transparency, and openness in our government. Many of bills I have helped become law. I have helped make the law through lobbying, research, and just being there.
Now with shutdown the "People's House" will be closed. Only essential personnel and the news media will be allowed in the building.
I decided to spend the last two hours of the people's accessibility to it's building. When I came to the Capitol today the security was beefed up. One of the first things I saw were 5 Minnesota State Troopers in front of the Senate Chamber doors. I asked myself, why? I even made a statement to them, Is there a need for all of ya in front of the doors. or something to that effect.
There were demonstrations throughout the Capitol today. I have to give credit to Capitol Security and Senate Sargent of Arms for the professionalism they showed during the time I was there and what I saw.
But to close the Capitol and sweep out all non essential people out the door at 5, and then not to be open to the public until the shutdown is over with top elected leaders in the State discussing our fate is incredulous and not in the ways and spirit of our open government traditions.
I started tweeting about what was happening at the Capitol. Knowing practically everyone there, spoke with Capitol Security, said hi to the staff and elected people, and small talk with reporters. Observed how the public were asserting their First Amendment Rights when the GOP Leaders went by.
But what stuck in my craw and what I saw as sad was this building which is such a great place for me and the public to do our work in as citizens, and to observe the political process will be only open for the selected few while the people's business is being done behind close doors. I understand that because of the shutdown. My core principle of accountability, transparency, and openness of government opposes the reality.
As I saw the last protesters be asked nicely to leave by the Troopers, I knew I was next. I could not blend in. I am too well known. Plus my handle bar moustache gives me away pretty quick. The Trooper said it is time to go, closing time. Well I turned off the lap top, and my core principles hit me hard. As I was gathering my stuff, I said to the media who were in front of the Governor's office, keep the public informed. I then said something like, as I was going towards the south front door of the Capitol. Accountability, transparency, and openness sacrificed because of the shutdown. The People's House closed to the public.
Last time I actively said something in a sense of demonstration like this was in the early seventies when I would go to stores in support of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.
I have to thank Captain Mock, and the professionalism of his crew. As I was told they are only following the orders of the Department of Administration.
It is a sad commentary on our political process and where we stand as to the state of Minnesota politics today
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cone of Silence: What it is and how to use it
The "Cone of Silence" has been placed on the budget negotiations at the Capitol.
More info on this equipment can found be here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eUIK9CihA.
Tips for how it is used for Governor and Legislative Leaders are as follows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcSWI6Ppk
Here is an illustration as an example of a Cone of Silence----
More info on this equipment can found be here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eUIK9CihA.
Tips for how it is used for Governor and Legislative Leaders are as follows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcSWI6Ppk
Here is an illustration as an example of a Cone of Silence----
Monday, June 27, 2011
Room 237 State Capitol--Has the "turn" happened on budget
Before I went to the Capitol today I went to the court hearing on the Judicial branch budget plea. The question, whether part or all of the Judicial branch will be open if shutdown occurs. I listened, and learned a bit about Roman History, heard about the Gideon decision which is about the right to counsel, informed about how our State Constitution reads. Fine and dandy, but the question in my mind was what were the Governor and GOP Leaders doing to avert the shutdown.
I would find out at 3pm this afternoon in the hallway where Room 237 is. I set my self up as an observer, watching the press, and the staff, and of course, the Speaker, Majority Leader, and the Governor.
I was there a hour ahead of time, talking to the TV station cameraman, bs'ing, with some of the media and political people, even explained to a visitor from South Carolina what the difference between DFL and a Democrat is.
The press were mostly in front of the door which leads to the hallway to Room 237. The GOP Leaders came first with staff, not many. The Governor then came with notebook in hand by himself. Going towards the Room 237. As I saw the Governor go towards the end of the hallway I thought he is determined, he knows his stuff, and he is centered as to what is views are for compromise. He may have answers to questions from previous meetings.
The GOP Leaders who came in before him were confident, projecting an air that they can get this done to avert a shutdown. The Speaker I think realizes even though there is forty years of pent up energy of GOP not having full sway over the Legislature and many new first time elected people want to get tons of action on those forty years of so-called DFL influenced programs and policy in one year, it is not going to happen.
To the best of my knowledge it was only the three of them in Room 237. As I stated in previous post, the meetings may have been an atmosphere of advocating their positions, or inquiring of each other of their positions, but the turn has happened.
The three are now discussing their interests, not their positions, which are two separate concepts. The Governor, the Speaker and Majority Leader are trying to create solutions, then decide if those solutions work for them. It's just plain problem solving.
They are acting with a purpose and knowledge which has carried them to where they stand today. Each side is also realizing that the eyes of Minnesotans are on our State Capitol.
Speaker Zeller and Majority Leader Koch know they can only go full steam ahead so far on the GOP's agenda of 2011 because what is in the back of history. That is the GOP loss of the Minnesota House in 1986 when they took over in 1985 and went full steam ahead and with it alienating many independent voters.
Governor Dayton knows there is change in the air on some aspects of the Minnesota experience over the past forty years. This is evident by several of the bills he has signed which surprised some interest groups.
Now for the last thing, where does transparency and accountability come into this process? Frankly, at this point there is none, in the immediate sense, because the public does not have access or are not given access to documents, memos, working paper, ie.
We do not know what is going behind the closed doors. Even though most information would be public under current law for the Executive branch and not public under the Legislature, there is no willingness to share because of the "negotiations" and to build trust. I did make a comment to legislative staff person today that after these meetings and agreement reached the Legislature should make public all their documents, memos, working papers, ie. The person said they will "take it under advisement." Bottom line, public wants to know how we came to this point and how it was solved.
As I have stated before it is a political reality that there is secrecy in these kinds of situations. The question is why?
If there is any kind of comments as to what is being discussed it can raise anticipation, apprehension and disapproval among interest groups and the people before the t's are crossed. If there is revelation on legislative issues and policies not resolved, it could make it more tough to negotiate.
In other words, the Governor, the Speaker, and Majority Leader are trying to do the best to resolve the budget crisis and serve the State of Minnesota without being "ping pongs" in the political game. For that I salute them.
One thing though, I am not comfortable in not knowing the details of the agreement without the opportunity of seeing and knowing the details before it goes to the Legislature as I think many Minnesotans are of the same ilk.
If that means a special session on the Fourth of July so be it. What a neat way to celebrate our 235th Birthday, Representative Democracy in action.
I would find out at 3pm this afternoon in the hallway where Room 237 is. I set my self up as an observer, watching the press, and the staff, and of course, the Speaker, Majority Leader, and the Governor.
I was there a hour ahead of time, talking to the TV station cameraman, bs'ing, with some of the media and political people, even explained to a visitor from South Carolina what the difference between DFL and a Democrat is.
The press were mostly in front of the door which leads to the hallway to Room 237. The GOP Leaders came first with staff, not many. The Governor then came with notebook in hand by himself. Going towards the Room 237. As I saw the Governor go towards the end of the hallway I thought he is determined, he knows his stuff, and he is centered as to what is views are for compromise. He may have answers to questions from previous meetings.
The GOP Leaders who came in before him were confident, projecting an air that they can get this done to avert a shutdown. The Speaker I think realizes even though there is forty years of pent up energy of GOP not having full sway over the Legislature and many new first time elected people want to get tons of action on those forty years of so-called DFL influenced programs and policy in one year, it is not going to happen.
To the best of my knowledge it was only the three of them in Room 237. As I stated in previous post, the meetings may have been an atmosphere of advocating their positions, or inquiring of each other of their positions, but the turn has happened.
The three are now discussing their interests, not their positions, which are two separate concepts. The Governor, the Speaker and Majority Leader are trying to create solutions, then decide if those solutions work for them. It's just plain problem solving.
They are acting with a purpose and knowledge which has carried them to where they stand today. Each side is also realizing that the eyes of Minnesotans are on our State Capitol.
Speaker Zeller and Majority Leader Koch know they can only go full steam ahead so far on the GOP's agenda of 2011 because what is in the back of history. That is the GOP loss of the Minnesota House in 1986 when they took over in 1985 and went full steam ahead and with it alienating many independent voters.
Governor Dayton knows there is change in the air on some aspects of the Minnesota experience over the past forty years. This is evident by several of the bills he has signed which surprised some interest groups.
Now for the last thing, where does transparency and accountability come into this process? Frankly, at this point there is none, in the immediate sense, because the public does not have access or are not given access to documents, memos, working paper, ie.
We do not know what is going behind the closed doors. Even though most information would be public under current law for the Executive branch and not public under the Legislature, there is no willingness to share because of the "negotiations" and to build trust. I did make a comment to legislative staff person today that after these meetings and agreement reached the Legislature should make public all their documents, memos, working papers, ie. The person said they will "take it under advisement." Bottom line, public wants to know how we came to this point and how it was solved.
As I have stated before it is a political reality that there is secrecy in these kinds of situations. The question is why?
If there is any kind of comments as to what is being discussed it can raise anticipation, apprehension and disapproval among interest groups and the people before the t's are crossed. If there is revelation on legislative issues and policies not resolved, it could make it more tough to negotiate.
In other words, the Governor, the Speaker, and Majority Leader are trying to do the best to resolve the budget crisis and serve the State of Minnesota without being "ping pongs" in the political game. For that I salute them.
One thing though, I am not comfortable in not knowing the details of the agreement without the opportunity of seeing and knowing the details before it goes to the Legislature as I think many Minnesotans are of the same ilk.
If that means a special session on the Fourth of July so be it. What a neat way to celebrate our 235th Birthday, Representative Democracy in action.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Days til Midnite Shutdown, So What's Happening at Meetings?
Viewing the takes of the short press conferences on the budget yesterday I came away with the feeling there is realness and genuineness in the Governor and the GOP Leadership wanting to avoid the midnight deadline.
Governor Dayton is quoted as saying reasons why not to share information about the budget talks, our agreement is "not to discuss in details our discussions really is crucial to build trust necessary--that we can really exchange candid ideas and talk things over."
So if the public cannot get details, and more than likely there is no tape or video camera, the public will never know the meat and potatoes of the meetings. So what is the next best thing. An idea of what is happening.
I am not a writer with experience in dialogue, so that is not the approach I am to take. I will try it this way.
In the Lock-In meetings as they have been characterized, are two sides of different views and approaches, where there is a certainty for them to achieve an agreement to avoid the shutdown. Each side has some control over the other, the Governor who signs the bills, and the Legislature who passes the bills. Either side does not have absolute control over the other.
So the Governor and the Leaders sit in the big conference room on the 5th floor in the State Office Building. They make some discussion about how our choices are real and they will have real consequences if we cannot agree or do not agree to the people of Minnesota. There is an exchange of views on the differences between the two sides.
The Governor and the GOP Legislative Leaders on key elements to funding and policy matters more than likely advocate for their views, to try to change the others views. But another part of the conciliatory meeting is the inquiry part which is to acquaint and familiarize the other side of their views and to bring to light facts.
The effecting and examination of the differences between Governor and the Leaders are the crucial elements if there will be an agreement or not. If the Governor and Leaders do this with trustworthiness there can and will be an agreement. If there is an honest and open exchange as to how they view each others budget and policy proposals this is positive.
Now let's say there is an agreement, there will be discussion as to how to tell the public what they did, but also how to tell the rest of the legislature who will have to vote on it. Will it be a joint announcement or separate? The public can tell a lot by that.
A final take which is a very important one.
Will the public have enough time to view the bills and the agreement without it being shot out of a greased cannon and passed without us knowing what it really does? Will the public be able to review all the documents and data that was used to come to the conclusions of the agreement? How will this be done?
The public has a right to know, the process used to come to an agreement in secret is a fact of political life, but it does not mean the information or how you came to the conclusions are to remain secret after the fact.
Per my previous post I hope both sides can come out as All-Star Wrestlers and us Minnesotans will cheer em both on.
Governor Dayton is quoted as saying reasons why not to share information about the budget talks, our agreement is "not to discuss in details our discussions really is crucial to build trust necessary--that we can really exchange candid ideas and talk things over."
So if the public cannot get details, and more than likely there is no tape or video camera, the public will never know the meat and potatoes of the meetings. So what is the next best thing. An idea of what is happening.
I am not a writer with experience in dialogue, so that is not the approach I am to take. I will try it this way.
In the Lock-In meetings as they have been characterized, are two sides of different views and approaches, where there is a certainty for them to achieve an agreement to avoid the shutdown. Each side has some control over the other, the Governor who signs the bills, and the Legislature who passes the bills. Either side does not have absolute control over the other.
So the Governor and the Leaders sit in the big conference room on the 5th floor in the State Office Building. They make some discussion about how our choices are real and they will have real consequences if we cannot agree or do not agree to the people of Minnesota. There is an exchange of views on the differences between the two sides.
The Governor and the GOP Legislative Leaders on key elements to funding and policy matters more than likely advocate for their views, to try to change the others views. But another part of the conciliatory meeting is the inquiry part which is to acquaint and familiarize the other side of their views and to bring to light facts.
The effecting and examination of the differences between Governor and the Leaders are the crucial elements if there will be an agreement or not. If the Governor and Leaders do this with trustworthiness there can and will be an agreement. If there is an honest and open exchange as to how they view each others budget and policy proposals this is positive.
Now let's say there is an agreement, there will be discussion as to how to tell the public what they did, but also how to tell the rest of the legislature who will have to vote on it. Will it be a joint announcement or separate? The public can tell a lot by that.
A final take which is a very important one.
Will the public have enough time to view the bills and the agreement without it being shot out of a greased cannon and passed without us knowing what it really does? Will the public be able to review all the documents and data that was used to come to the conclusions of the agreement? How will this be done?
The public has a right to know, the process used to come to an agreement in secret is a fact of political life, but it does not mean the information or how you came to the conclusions are to remain secret after the fact.
Per my previous post I hope both sides can come out as All-Star Wrestlers and us Minnesotans will cheer em both on.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Cage Match at the Capitol Sans the Public
The media reported a "lock-in" for the Governor and Legislative Leaders for Friday and Saturday to wrestle with the state budget. To the public it may be more of a cage match. What is the definition of "cage match."
An event in which wrestlers battle in an enclosed location escaping over the top to win.
In this corner we will have the GOP Legislature, full of vigor, after a swift move to power last year. Full of volcanic pressure ready to burst with energy to deliver the knock out hold for what they ambitiously want. It has been more than forty years since the GOP grappler has had full sway and strength at the Capitol.
In the other corner, the DFL Governor, no newcomer as a matman who has gone through several tough matches and has been able to pull through all right. It has been over twenty years since there has been a DFL tangler in the ring as Governor. The DFL contender with other DFL grizzled veteran wrestlers will try with the dragon sleeper choke to preserve their standing with an ambivalent public of what they have won in other grueling matches.
Where the event may take place is the Reception Room of the Governor's Office. This is a large room with soft and plush carpets. One could get a rug burn. This has been the sight of previous wreck matches over the past four years. It is ironic if this is the sight for the rassling event because there are scenes of battles facing down on this ring, battle scenes of the Civil War.
One thing though will be absent from this historic match. There will be no public/audience in the stands watching the grapplers in action. No referee either. Will there be sly moves and pins by the participants which the public would not tolerate if they were in the stands?
Will there be a fly cross armbar to the Dayton budget push or can there be an octopus hold stretch to partially to do away with the GOP no tax pull? The public will not know.
I do not expect this match to be public because the wrestlers are not interested to have the public see their holds, pins, and moves. The wrestling ways the Governor and Legislative Leaders do to immobilize or lead to a submission of their respective ideas and proposals are not for public view.
So what is the next best thing?, as a woman said to me today, as we were going past the Capitol, "maybe I need to be in that room and straighten them out with a stick" to make sure they come out with a compromise.
A compromise that the opponents can come out of the match, not as a loser or winner, but both as ALL-STAR wrestlers.
The public may not be in the direct stands of the match, so when the cage match is over there will not be the boos or cheers. But when the doors are "lock-out" from the lock-in, we all will be in the grandstand, and in our own way we will be the referee.
An event in which wrestlers battle in an enclosed location escaping over the top to win.
In this corner we will have the GOP Legislature, full of vigor, after a swift move to power last year. Full of volcanic pressure ready to burst with energy to deliver the knock out hold for what they ambitiously want. It has been more than forty years since the GOP grappler has had full sway and strength at the Capitol.
In the other corner, the DFL Governor, no newcomer as a matman who has gone through several tough matches and has been able to pull through all right. It has been over twenty years since there has been a DFL tangler in the ring as Governor. The DFL contender with other DFL grizzled veteran wrestlers will try with the dragon sleeper choke to preserve their standing with an ambivalent public of what they have won in other grueling matches.
Where the event may take place is the Reception Room of the Governor's Office. This is a large room with soft and plush carpets. One could get a rug burn. This has been the sight of previous wreck matches over the past four years. It is ironic if this is the sight for the rassling event because there are scenes of battles facing down on this ring, battle scenes of the Civil War.
One thing though will be absent from this historic match. There will be no public/audience in the stands watching the grapplers in action. No referee either. Will there be sly moves and pins by the participants which the public would not tolerate if they were in the stands?
Will there be a fly cross armbar to the Dayton budget push or can there be an octopus hold stretch to partially to do away with the GOP no tax pull? The public will not know.
I do not expect this match to be public because the wrestlers are not interested to have the public see their holds, pins, and moves. The wrestling ways the Governor and Legislative Leaders do to immobilize or lead to a submission of their respective ideas and proposals are not for public view.
So what is the next best thing?, as a woman said to me today, as we were going past the Capitol, "maybe I need to be in that room and straighten them out with a stick" to make sure they come out with a compromise.
A compromise that the opponents can come out of the match, not as a loser or winner, but both as ALL-STAR wrestlers.
The public may not be in the direct stands of the match, so when the cage match is over there will not be the boos or cheers. But when the doors are "lock-out" from the lock-in, we all will be in the grandstand, and in our own way we will be the referee.
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