The Artist Formally Known as Jindal (from http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20120325/OPINION02/203250319/The-artist-formally-known-Jindal) It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.

This was the advice handed down by Niccolo Machiavelli 500 years ago in “The Prince,” subtitled and translated from Latin to mean “How to Tyrannize for Dummies.” “The Prince” describes the crafty, shrewd and unprincipled methods by which an individual may acquire and maintain political power. Surveying the shredding of our representative democracy, otherwise known as the 2012 legislative session, it is clear Louisiana has obtained its very own prince. buy albion gold Consider the case of Rep. Harold Ritchie, D-Bogalusa, who was canned from his post as vice chairman of the House Committee on Insurance for voting against an education tax rebate plan pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. Nike Air Max 90 Men

cheap albion gold Never mind that Ritchie was the dissenting vote on a measure that passed overwhelmingly by a 12 to 4 margin. Never mind that Ritchie’s office received more calls from his constituents against than in support of the plan. Here’s the message: don’t vote your conscience, don’t vote your constituents; vote as the prince instructs. Our prince, the artist formerly known as Gov. albion silver Jindal, is utilizing tactics that are more Machiavelli than Madison, more Kingfish than Kennon.

James Madison wrote, “In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority.” The demotion of Ritchie is one such example of disrespecting the minority and silencing opposition. Nike Max Shoes UK Blocking access to committee meetings, scheduling an entire education package of three bills and 114 amendments into one 33-hour period, sending minions to hijack a press conference are all examples of a lack of tolerance for dissent. You know who else has no tolerance for opposition? North Korea, Syria and Iran. With respect to Madison, the present opposition may not actually constitute a minority. Yeezy Boost 350 V2

Most teachers, superintendents and school boards across the state are on record as being opposed to the prince’s so-called education reforms. adidas pas cher Nike Air Max 2017 Dames blauw Consider the case of Rep. John Bel Edwards, D-Amite. adidas superstar

albion gold His constituents are opposed to the so-called reform package by a two-to-one margin. For speaking out and challenging the governor, Edwards was served a public records request for all email correspondence between him and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers; his school district, Tangipahoa, was served a public records request for every teacher’s home address; and his district, District 72, has been blanketed with anti-Edwards mailers and robocalls. His only “crime” was opposing the governor and representing his constituents. hogan scarpes shop I know for a fact that many local legislators have received more calls expressing their opposition than support for the governor’s so-called education reform package. cheap albion gold I know for a fact that many legislators have expressed reservations, privately about the governor’s so-called education reform package in its present form. The reaction towards Edwards and Ritchie will undoubtedly cause many of these legislators to remain silent, even if it means voting against the will of their constituents. Effective representative democracy requires a balance between the demands of the general public, affected public, political victors (majority), and political losers (minority). buy albion gold Effective representation requires an open, public discussion over a period of time to ensure everyone’s best interest is being served and that the best approaches are being implemented. This has not happened in the education reform debate. Mike Trout Jersey buy albion silver We need reforms in Louisiana.

Cramming the entire debate into a 33-hour period during an 11 week session is not effective representative democracy. Retributive measures against your political opponents are not effective representative democracy. nike air max Alas, Jindal is not solely to blame. mochilas kanken no.2 We have 144 people who serve in the state legislature. Hogan Uomo Prezzi They’re supposed to elect their leadership and they’re supposed to schedule debates; however, they have ceded its power and authority. Our legislature allows Jindal to tells them what, when, how, and why to do their business. Our legislature allowed Jindal to demote Ritchie and allowed Jindal to make life miserable for Edwards. New Balance 420 damskie Our legislature needs to stand up to the governor, exercise independence, and practice representative — not princely — democracy. Andrew Luck Stanford Football Jerseys Joshua Stockley is a professor of political science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. ULTRA BOOST cheap albion silver Email him at stockley@ulm.edu.