The tragedy of ethics legislation
You know, sometimes you have to feel sorry for those poor legislators trying to make the hard decision. Her name escapes me at the moment, but one legislator up in Baton Rouge feels that the $50 provision is far too restrictive and that she will be limited to eating *gasp* FAST FOOD when people are trying to convince her to vote in a certain way. The horror of it all!
How about this. We should just enact the “no coffee” law that Florida has. That way, people can do the business of the people in their offices (imagine that). And IF they want to discuss things over lunch, perhaps (and call me crazy for this one) but just perhaps the legislator could pay for their own meals. I don’t think it is too much to ask, and any legislator who thinks otherwise needs to be thrown out of office (I don’t care what party you belong to). The only way progressives will be able to get any sort of PROGRESS is to get out all those people who serve themselves instead of serving the people who elected them.
When I remember the name, I will update the blog later. But how much fast food does this woman eat? I mean seriously, I am a larger man, but even I find it hard to top $10 at most fast food joints.
Update: Charmaine Marchand (D-New Orleans) is the person who uttered this nonsense:
“At $50, we’re going to be eating at Taco Bell,”
Do you know how much food you can get at Taco Bell for $50? She is just being absurd. Again, the limit should be $0. No coffee, no crackers, no cookies, not even a crumb. The ONLY time I think that anyone should be able to provide a meal to a legislator is if that legislator is a speaker at some function where a meal is served. These types of events would not be to lobby the legislator, but for the legislator to be speaking on some specific subject matter. The wording of the legislation would have to be strict enough to not count dinner for two as a speaking engagement. Other than that, legislators need to get over themselves and their feelings of entitlement.
I suggest that it may be a good idea for people to contact her and inform her that many of us progressive people find her to be absolutely ridiculous.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
“Fast food” for legislators probably means the City Club instead of Ruth’s Chris.
You know, you can get a decent lunch even at Ruth’s Chris for $50/person, probably with a glass of house wine. Dinner, now that’s another story.
Of course, I lived in Baton Rouge for 44 of my 45 years, and I probably got to eat there 10 times or less. On my own dime almost (thanks Gary McKenzie) every time.
Dang, makes me want a steak. But I’d probably go to the Outback in Bossier City. $25 or less.
I like Forgotston’s question– why is a dinner at Ruth’s Chris any more influential than dinner at the Governor’s Mansion?
February 19th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
The last time I went to Outback I was not impressed. The quality went way down hill. Of course, when I went to Ruth’s it was outstanding. I think I have been to Ruth’s about 4 or 5 times in my life. I am not a legislator and guess what, I was able to pay for it myself.
I just find legislators who complain that they are losing the ability to have someone else buy them lunch to be quite pathetic.
Forgotston is asking some very good questions. I just wish more people asked the hard questions BEFORE the election.
February 19th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I had to weigh in on this issue on my own blog.