Idaho Statesman's View on the Nullification Vote in the Idaho Senate Committee on State Affairs

Our View: Doing the right thing, not the easy thing  www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/02/1547997/doing-th....html

While I disagree with their opinion, there are two good points to the editorial.

First, the fact that some gave the Statesman ammo to paint the entire group as "ugly" after the vote is saddening. Those that go that direction do a disservice and great harm to this issue. Passion over an issue is good as long as it is channeled correctly. Some of the comments I heard at the hearing were better left to be said in private among similar thinking individuals. Save the anger and frustration for the ballot box and election time. You can let it be known that you are angry and frustrated about how a legislator voted but do it in a respectful and rational way. Taking out that frustration and anger in a disrespectful and irrational manner on legislators only cause them to dig their heels in and oppose your position harder. Just think of how you feel when someone gets in your face over something, you only resist harder.

This is something that the teachers need to learn over the reform proposals put forth by Superintendent Luna. Rein in the emotional and irrational outbursts (especially the ones who are acting out publicly) and engage in civil dialogue and when dealing privately with someone who supports the proposals. It would take them a lot further on the issue and possibly open an avenue to improving the proposals rather than face an all or nothing proposition. All this type of behavior is doing is driving public perception and opinion away and entrenching their opponents deeper to the point that no one will be willing to negotiate and compromise on this issue like was originally intended by the Founders. And some of those who are railing on the teachers for their behavior have acted the same way over issues they hold dear, so it is not just a one sided problem.

Second, is that the Statesman is right about the bill being nothing more than symbolic. Passing the bill will really not do anything major in changing or removing the onerous Obamacare. However, if enough states make the same symbolic gesture then MAYBE those in D.C. will actually start listening to the states and voters when they say something. There are times when joint resolutions coming out of the states are not enough and there needs to be a middle ground to getting the attention of the Federal Government outside of public disobedience and civil strife which can lead to nothing good in the end (just look at Egypt, Palestine, and Libya).

Overall, while I have issues with the logic behind many of the points of the Statesman's editorial piece, there were some good points to take away from it and at least one lesson to be learned.
http://chum.ly/n/7258b2