Cal said, “I propose a rally free, ad free, state budget lobbying week. Like a sales tax free weekend to get shoppers to the store -- Let’s have a week where there are no rallies around the state, on the steps of the capitol or on TV and radio about the state budget.”
“All those people have a right to speak,” Marie said. “That’s what this country’s all about.”
“Of course it is,” said Cal. “But it’s giving me a headache. Besides, so often you hear about the poor recipients of the aide when it’s really about the workers wanting more money.”
“Not in the case of the state workers who will be paid minimum wage if the governor’s executive order goes through. They make bones that’s its about them,” said Marie.
“And what about the taxpayers who pay the bills -- do we ever hear from them?” asked Grady.
“Actually, yes we do,” said Marie. “The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has started a radio ad campaign saying: “Enough is Enough!”
“See what I’m saying,” said Cal. “We need a break from all this chatter. Just one free week is all I ask. Legislators would have to check their Blackberries at the door like cowboys used to check their guns before entering Dodge City. Phones and faxes would be turned off. No contact from interest groups. The legislators could still go home at night or go to the store but they cannot converse with any special interest.”
“I don’t know,” said Marie, “that’s pretty drastic. Taking a Blackberry from a legislator is like taking a lung patient off a respirator.”
“But think what might happen,” Cal insisted. “If the noise stops, maybe the legislators and governor can get something done. They could have serious deliberations without allies and opponents pulling them in different directions and solve this budget crisis once and for all.”
“But the people who run the ads are trying to speak to the average citizen. Make them aware of the problem.”
“They pretend to speak to the public, but they are only speaking to the legislators,” said Grady. “That’s why Cal’s idea of a lobbying holiday makes some sense. You know that old expression: When a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it make a sound? Well, believe me, when everyone is talking all at once about the budget, the public doesn’t hear.”
