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* Kurt Erickson has a response for those who are upset at the General Assembly for doing next to nothing last week…
If you are a state retiree, the lack of action on pensions is a good thing. It means you will continue getting your current pension benefits.
If you are opposed to gay marriage or Emanuel’s tougher gun laws, the so-called “do-nothing state legislature” is perfectly OK. Gay marriage is still not legal. The controversial weapons law is not in effect.
The concept of gridlock, in other words, depends on your perspective.
Thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 2:32 pm
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Previous Post: “And something flickered for a minute, and then it vanished and was gone”
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Hard to disagree. “Doing nothing” to some means “Doing something” for others. Winners and losers - that’s the name of the game.
Comment by phocion Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 2:46 pm
Good point.
Comment by Logic not emotion Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 2:46 pm
Sounds like a page out of Senator John “there is no pension crisis” Cullerton’s playbook.
Comment by DuPage Moderate Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 2:47 pm
There is actually a large body of research on this. Gridlock indicates that the status quo is acceptable to at least a large minority of legislators.
Comment by Soccermom Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 2:51 pm
Wha wha? There were real live legislators in town last week??
Had no idea.
Comment by E Man Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:04 pm
Yea, lobbying 101. If you are playing offense, gridlock sucks. If you are playing defense, bring on the gridlock.
Comment by Jaded Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:06 pm
If keeping the status quo for the people is the goal, ok, fine.
If simply making sure the other party won’t get credit for doing something worthwhile, then a pox on the obstructers.
I’ve seen both.
Comment by walkinfool Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:10 pm
The best thing that could happen in Springfield.”nothing”
Comment by foster brooks Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:16 pm
Sometimes inaction (or a slower process) is good. It can lead to fewer mistakes and slows the fringes.
Comment by Under Influenced Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:19 pm
After reading Kurt’s comments, I immediately began to feel much better. The clouds went away and the sun came out. I had been looking at a 1/2 empty water glass instead of the much preferable 1/2 full one. Perspective, rationalization, and self-delusion can certainly change one’s outlook on life much for the better. Thank you, Kurt.
Comment by Henry Clay Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:21 pm
Speaking as a retiree I’m breathing a bit easier.
Comment by Calhoun Native Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:24 pm
Mark Twain is alleged to have said, “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” He had a point.
Comment by Joan P. Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:33 pm
“Don’t just do something, stand there”.
As much as it applies in medicine, also appears to be appropriate for legislative bodies.
Comment by Judgment Day Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:34 pm
Voters: What the heck is wrong with you guys down in Springfield? You can’t even do anything?
Legislators: Look, we’re going to level with you guys…. you hate everything we’ve done that you can name off the top of your head the past few years and we’re the cause of all the state’s woes, right?
Voters: …. yeah….?
Legislators: So, by doing nothing, we’re not breaking the state anymore.
Voters: …. carry on.
Comment by TJ Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:39 pm
the status quo isn’t always a bad thing. It’s a technical term — it means the way things are right now. I mean, right now murder is illegal. That’s the status quo. And I’m fine with that.
The problem arises when the status quo needs to be changed, but a vocal minority won’t let those changes take place.
Comment by Soccermom Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 3:56 pm
When the ship is ‘fiscally’ sinking, doing nothing is not a win.
That’s the status quo we’re living with.
The selective list of pensions, marriage equality, and gun laws doesn’t deal with the largest problem the state has. DEBT. Pensions are a scapegoat for excessive spending. We’ve been conditioned to associate the Illinois budget problems, debt, and bond rating with pension reform. But the most serious problem is government spending. It’s pretty obvious that the elected politicians have over spent/promised benefits to a great many voters.
The media in Illinois should be looking at the trends associated with state union contracts and elected officials. I think if that correlation was on display with Mr. Erikson’s comments about Status Quo, I think we would find that there are no winners with an ineffective/’do nothing’ General Assembly
Comment by Pete Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 4:08 pm
Always look on the bright side of life…
Who whistles best in the GA?
Comment by PolPal56 Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 4:22 pm
I was told this many times when it came to government;
Until the outcome is done….
If you are “for” something, or “against” something, you still have the chance to “do” something.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 4:24 pm
People unfamiliar with the process had too many expectations as to the veto session. Especially, the first week. If there is truly momentum to do something significant, it would most likely occur in week 2.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 4:43 pm
It’s true–nothing done means more of the same…!
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 5:25 pm
Nothing happens until the last day.
Comment by Fed up Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 5:48 pm
As the old saying goes “I know what I have” once politicians get involved who knows what we are going to get. Keep doing nothing, after all it was not legislators lack of action that got us in this boat.
Comment by live in Il and proud of it Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 8:09 pm
I don’t agree for pensioners, the more the GA delays action the worse off we are.
Comment by James the Intolerant Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 8:17 pm
James, please explain your position about retirees.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 8:37 pm
Oops. Anonymous 8:37 was me.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 8:39 pm
The logic behind that is beyond me, Rich. It truly is. I received my health insurance termination letter today so, along that same line of thought, I’m ok since it isn’t going to be terminated until Jan 1? I’m a bit touchy today, I guess. Apologies.
Comment by Ted Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 8:57 pm
Weather their in Springfield or at home the results are the same nothing.
Yes they will be paid, their pension’s are safe,
our legislator’s lead charmed lives.
Full time pay for part time work, WoW.
Comment by mokenavince Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 10:17 pm
To Joan P., I see the quote from Mark Twain, and I slightly modified and updated it to present day Illinois. “No public employee or retiree’s life, liberty, medical insurance or pension are safe while the Illinois legislature is in session”.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Oct 28, 13 @ 10:46 pm
Do nothing, do nothing wrong
Comment by Pacman Tuesday, Oct 29, 13 @ 9:18 am
Just like waiting for the other shoe to drop, uncertainty is the spice of legislative life. There is not much positive about indecision and uncertainty. Perhaps Mr. Erickson was just being snarky.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 29, 13 @ 9:39 am
On the pension, no news is good news.
Comment by pensioner Tuesday, Oct 29, 13 @ 9:39 am