"So that is our choice in Minnesota. Since Al does not have the stones nor the honor to resign, is it better for us to keep him or have him recalled? Interesting question with all things considered. Meanwhile, we will sit back and wait to see who the next Matt Lauer type person is to be canned."
Big, big news overnight. Totally unexpected by most. The beloved Matt Lauer (that is, beloved by those who watch the mostly unwatchable NBC), was fired on the spot. What? Why? Seems that Matt had some "inappropriate" contact with someone (him or her). Wait a minute! Hold on! What about due diligence? What about due process? What about forgiveness? A second chance? ANYTHING????
Here are the facts. Most people who work in the private industry, who are without a contract, are "at will" employees. An "at will" employee can be let go at any time for any reason. If that reason is an "inappropriate" contact, at most places I worked, that would be taps. Even if someone has a contract, most employment contracts have a clause regarding personal conduct. Violate that clause, and the next sound you hear is the door hitting you on the rear as you exit the building.
So what, some might ask. Well, here is the "so what". Let's for a minute compare the exit strategy of Matt Lauer with our junior senator. On he news yesterday, was a new poll out regarding Al Franken. Al, the man who cannot control his hands. In that poll, only 22% of Minnesotans believe Al is fit to stay in office. Let me put this a different way. Just like executive management at NBC let Lauer go in a New York minute, we are the executive managers for Al Franken. Eight out of ten of us in this poll have told Al it is time to go. Al's response? Giving us the finger (so to speak).
By the way, the other Democrat who seems to be on the hot seat right now is the ancient John Conyers (D-MI). Yesterday it was reported that Conyers said if he was thrown out of office (at the young age of 88), he was going to "expose the dirt on other Democrats - and there is a thousand of them". Whoa! Johnny boy - you will flip to make things right for a change? Now that - is newsworthy!
Back to our own cuddly Al. Rush said yesterday it might almost be better to have Al remain. Politically, he will have the testosterone of a eunuch. With no moral authority what so ever, he will be the laughing stock of the Senate chamber. For once in his life, Franken could actually be funny.
So that is our choice in Minnesota. Since Al does not have the stones nor the honor to resign, is it better for us to keep him or have him recalled? Interesting question with all things considered. Meanwhile, we will sit back and wait to see who the next Matt Lauer type person is to be canned.
I would agree that leaving Franken in office, to face the Ethics Committee hearings will probably benefit the GOP if he is censured, but only if he should decide to seek re-election, which he probably won't.
ReplyDeleteIn that case, the voters of MN will have to choose between a different set of candidates. MN seems to elect liberals, so the change will be minimal, other than the fact that the new senator will once again be on the bottom of the totem pole, with crappy committee assignments and no power. Whether GOP or Dem.
I'm concerned about the trend of letting accusations without due process becoming the norm. Bad precedent.
Have a great day, enjoy the lengthy fall weather, Winter Is Coming, but it will be shorter than usual. An effect of climate change no doubt.
David Gjerdingen
If this is climate change Dave, bring it!
DeleteGarrison Keillor? Give it a rest folks!
DeleteThe president of the United States wakes up some mornings seemingly determined to convince as many people as possible that he’s unsuited to high office.
ReplyDeleteFortunately for him, he has a Twitter account allowing him to act on this impulse immediately and without any filter.
But the tweets don’t constitute the sum total of the administration. It’s possible that 45 sees Twitter—and his other provocations—as a way to stir the pot, entertain himself, stoke his base, flog his enemies, and vent his frustrations separate and distinct from decisions of government, undertaken under the influence of, by and large, impressive, well-meaning advisers.
45’s presidency is much better than his Twitter feed. Although he stands ready and willing to convince you otherwise, 280 characters at a time.
I say leave Franken in place, a pariah among his own, and then tie him to every Democrat politician we can think of in the next election, particularly Amy Klobuchar, whose squeaky clean image cannot withstand the scrutiny.
ReplyDelete