* The Pantagraph had one of the best analyses of the Rep. Mike Bost tirade this week.

Unlike most news outlets, the editorial page reported that Bost voted for the very House rules that he complained had been “forced down our throats.” The paper also admitted the obvious that House Speaker Michael Madigan has too much control over the chamber and criticized Republicans for their stance against the cost-shifting plan that would gradually put more responsibility for pension costs in the hands of local school boards. Here’s the end…

The ultimate solution is for Republicans to win more elections and become more of a force in the General Assembly. Until that happens, outbursts may garner some attention, but won’t have any real effect.

The ultimate cure for the woes of being in the minority is more members. Also, if the Republicans had nominated a more electable candidate in 2010 (and they didn’t need much in a year like that), then they would’ve had a legit shot at drawing the new district map.

* Also missed in the coverage is that Rep. Bost is a Republican floor leader. It’s his job to create trouble during debate. If you watch the video closely, you won’t see Republicans around him jumping up and down with anger like Bost was. They sit quietly during the show. And that’s what it was. A show. But what a show it was. When pressed, Bost refused to back down…

A day after the episode, state Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, called for decorum to be restored to the House.

“Folks. Enough is enough,” Acevedo said.

Bost would not apologize. “My job is to represent my people. The people I represent in the 115th District have been slapped enough. I do not apologize for saying or raising my voice.”

Slapped? Really?

Meh.

* Like the late Rep. Zeke Giorgi always used to say when things got out of hand in the House: “It’s the greatest show in Illinois.” Sneed…

A GOP source tells Sneed the Bost rant was rehearsed and based on the antics of another retired Southern Illinoisan: former Senate GOP Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville), who tossed a red faced diatribe a few years ago. Both men are pals and once threw hundreds of unstapled pages of bills up in the air while screaming at the opposing party. Rumor has it Bost even weighed the bill in his office and practiced punching it!”

* And it still is a show. David Letterman showcased the outburst this week…

* Bost has appeared on several national news programs since his tirade. And there have been more than a few tribute videos made. Here’s my favorite. “Mike Bost is Furious for SPARTA!!!…

* And wannabe YouTube star HeyLovellie had a weird little take…

Discuss.