The more I think about this standoff between the Legislature and the governor on the energy bill, the more moronic it seems. The posturing is a la seventh grade.
Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin puts out a news release announcing his willingness to compromise rather than just telling the governor. He cites as a reason for this that that's how he learned of the governor's plan. Seventh-grader: "He hit me first."
Gov. Jim Douglas cancels a meeting with Shumlin because he doesn't like Shumlin's behavior. Shumlin may have told some members of the media the location of the meeting, according to Douglas' staff, and you know what that means, right? No, I don't quite know what that means. That media might be standing outside the meeting place seeking comment afterward? Heavens no! Plus I can't find a single member of the media who was going to go to Woodstock and stalk the meeting.
There's something about these two people - Douglas and Shumlin - that they just set each other off. Yes, they have substantive differences on policy, but what really seems to be getting in the way here is their utter dislike for each other. Neither can stand to see the other one gain an edge.
What we need in these negotiations is for the vice principal to step in, sit both of them down, threaten to call their parents and knock their heads together.
- Terri Hallenbeck
