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* By now, you’ve seen Rep. Mike Bost’s rant on the House floor the other day. Profanity alert…
* From the Southern Illinoisan…
State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said colleague reaction Wednesday, a day after he erupted at the onset of a discussion to overhaul state pensions, was generally empathetic.
“I think they understand. I don’t normally do that,” Bost said late Wednesday afternoon while legislators worked to get a state budget passed and continued work on pension reform.
Bost’s tirade, directed at Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, was shown on state and national media outlets Wednesday morning.
It began, “Again, total power in one person’s hands — NOT the American way” shortly before Bost tossed a handful of papers up and gave them a midair swat.
Bost tore into Madigan for purportedly making rules that bind legislators and pervert the idea of representative democracy. “Enough,” Bost said during his outburst. “I feel like somebody trying to be released from Egypt. Let my people go. My God, they sent me here to vote for them.”
Bost said he thought no differently Wednesday.
“One good thing about this is people in the media understand the tyranny we’re under with this leader,” Bost said.
He said he was contacted all day by national media. Additionally, websites such as The Drudge Report, The Huffington Post and YouTube carried clips. The state lawmaker said he received so many emails, his cellphone quit working.
As I mentioned the other day, Bost voted for pretty much all of the rules that he complained about.
* Aaron Blake at the Washington Post…
Illinois state Rep. Mike Bost’s (R) explosion on the floor of the Illinois state House may go down in history as one of the great political rants of all time.
Bost manages to swing and miss at a stack of papers, offer an awkward rallying cry of “let my people go,” and even attempts the vaunted mike drop — with a microphone that is attached to a podium.
Phil Davison , you’ve met your match.
* The Question: Was Rep. Bost’s outburst justified? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:33 pm
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This was clearly attention-seeking. He voted for the rules that are bothering him today. And if he wants to know more about pensions and budgets, he can attend hearings, talk to staff, read analyses — the options are endless. (Maybe Owen could put together a news digest for him?)
Comment by soccermom Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:38 pm
House Republicans and republican staff had been working on the bill for weeks. They had copies before it was filed. His rants was ridiculous and self serving.
Comment by Anon Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:41 pm
Don’t think it was justified. I too think it appeared selfserving.
Sure could have used his rant when they were voting to pass on making the state’s contribution to the pension fund.
Comment by Sunshine Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:46 pm
Although it was self serving and a little over the top I wish that we saw more of this. The more people that make statements about Speaker Madigan the more newspapers pick it up. The Speaker doesn’t care about their rants but what he does care about is his legacy, in fact that is the only thing that he cares about.
Comment by Political junkie Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:48 pm
It’s not a beer league softball field, it’s the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives. Members should comport themselves as such.
Plenty of Republicans and Democrats alike have registered their discontent within the decorum and rules of the House and Senate. Even last night, several representatives slowed down the process by proposing motions to table amendments, motions to adjourn, motions to reconsider…all doomed to fail, but –as Rep. Rose repeatedly pointed out– all within the House rules.
Someone yesterday, on this message board or another, I don’t recall, compared Bost’s news coverage to that of a water skiing squirrel - an amusing distraction with little message value.
Comment by Bill F. Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:49 pm
You remove the clips from the papers first. He’s no Frank Watson!
Comment by Highland, Il Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:50 pm
Seems to be enjoying his celebrity status since his “Made for Youtube and Cable TV” tirade. Temper tantrums for attention are expected at age 3 or 4; now they’re popular at age 34 and up thanks to the Tea Party? Sheesh!
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 12:50 pm
Frustration at being in the perpetual minority is understandable.
Hypocrisy is not justified. Neither is profanity.
When Republicans controlled the House during Bost’s first term, they treated the minority every bit as unfairly as Madigan does to them. Bost never complained about unfairness back then.
Comment by reformer Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:06 pm
Mike Bost’s basic complaint was to the virtual absolute power that Mike Madigan exerts over the process.
I have seen extreme decentralization under the second term of Bill Blair go to extreme concentration of power under Madigan.
Any member of the GA should prefer decentralization of power.
Comment by Cal Skinner Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:08 pm
A “Howard Beale moment” or two is certainly understandable in a place like the GA
Comment by titan Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:08 pm
I’d spank my little kids if they acted like that! Didn’t surprise me when I read he was a fireman.
Comment by Anon Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:10 pm
It got played on Hannity and looked great for the party nationally that finally some Republican down there had a few and was willing to take on the system. Well done, Sir.
Comment by Shore Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:11 pm
It got played on Hannity and looked great for the party nationally that finally some Republican down there had a few and was willing to take on the system. Well done, Sir.
Comment by Shore Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:11 pm
Those who applaud Bost’s tantrum are approving of incivility. Of an official losing his temper. Of utter hypocrisy, since Bost voted for the same rule he now denounces as un-American.
I’d love to hear Bost take the floor and admit he and Cross and all the other Republicans were wrong in 1995 when they imported Pate’s rules into the House for the first time. That the rule was un-American back then. That mistreating the minority was wrong then. I won’t hold my breath.
Comment by reformer Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:12 pm
“It got played on Hannity…”
And, it seems we’ve found the real reason for the tantrum.
Comment by Bill F. Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:13 pm
A few more rants like that and who knows, Democracy may come to the Illinois House!
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:13 pm
Any Republican who tries to defend what was nothing short of a crazy tirade is truly part of what’s wrong with Illinois.
It’s sad we all have to pay the salary and pension for an out of control clown who doesn’t even have the common decency to watch his mouth when children can be expected to be watching or listening.
Mike Bost should apologize to the people of Illinois and then resign. He’s gone from worthless to active embarrassment.
Comment by just sayin' Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:17 pm
I think the HGOP got their point about Madigan’s power during last night’s pension debate better than when Bost did his “Bill Black on Crack” impression. I’m somewhat surprised the Sean Hannitys of the world haven’t plastered the GOP’s JDRF claim everywhere.
Comment by Dirty Red Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:18 pm
All I am saying is…. Did my first visit to the house since my 8th grade trip this past fall veto session. I’m in my 30’s… They get their shoes shined on the floor of the house… A rant, power hungry, whatever…. My kids are straddled with all this mess.
Comment by Firstvisitsince 8th grade Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:21 pm
So when people from left misbehave we are told they are heroes for fighting the bad (insert policy here)
Why should I fault someone from a frustrated minority when they get angry?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:22 pm
That outburst is a reflection of what many Illinois residents have been feeling for some time. Mike Bost is a representative in my district. I for one welcome at least one legislator in this state standing up and saying enough is enough. My livelihood is being debated and voted on as we speak - they SHOULD care about the PEOPLE their decisions are affecting. That’s why we sent them there.
Comment by Michele Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:23 pm
Everyone is getting hung up on his reference to the rules (which he did vote for), and not the central complaint of the outburst: Total power in the hands of one person. Do you really think those rules are what enable Madigan to keep a death grip on power in Illinois? And @ soccermom, you obviously don’t understand how this place really works.
Comment by Anon Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:23 pm
I miss the days of Bill Black and his rants/speeches. Replace Bost with Black and this would have been one of the greatest moments in the history of the House. Instead Bost looked like a screaming child at a restaurant.
Comment by Publius Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:27 pm
What do you mean justified? Was the complaint about Madigan justified? Yes. Was there logical consistency to his position? No. Was it all, or almost all, about getting the press that he got? Probably. Since he got the press, does he think it was justified?
You betcha.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:33 pm
I miss the days of Bill Black and his rants/speech
When I first heard Boast’s rant I too thought immediately of Bill Black. Wonder how Black would
be responding to Madigan’s current actions as Speaker. Bost and the other GOP leadership only have themselves to thank for their current situation, since they failed to win control of the House.
Comment by D Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:41 pm
Bill Black wannabee. The master will never be equaled.
Comment by Quiet Sage Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:42 pm
We are taking a gigantic out of proportion hit down here in the facility closings, decreasing public employee head counts, funding for public schools, social services, mental health, hospitals, not for profits and now the public employee pensions including pensions of those retired. With the hardscrabble economy and very limited public employment opportunities down here the impact will be much more severe than if this was happening in an urban area. Take it from a Yellow Dog Democrat in Mike’s district. He expressed just a little of what we feel and what he is hearing from throughout the area. Due to the State budget providing the only economic engine of note in the area we have been preaching State fiscal responsibility for many years past because we knew the damage that would occur by kicking the can down the road. GO Rep MIKE
Comment by SalukiForever Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:50 pm
Mike Bost should apologize to the people of Illinois and then resign. He’s gone from worthless to active embarrassment.
Come on, resign? Seriously? This is about a 4 on the Representative Bill Black scale.
If Mike Bost was from Iowa or Georgia and did this, I would laugh. I’m not going to be a hypocrite and get all indignant about it because he represents Illinois. Maybe I’d feel different if he was my State Representative - but I doubt it, cause it’s pretty funny.
And no, I do not believe his rant was justified. Madigan has way too much power, yes - but his majority gives him that power. If Mike Bost has a problem with what bills are called for a vote at what time, his party should recruit better candidates and win more races.
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:53 pm
Every attempt to reign in the power of the speaker and the money controlled by the majority leaders to keep their caucuses in line has been killed or otherwise relegated to a subcommittee or other committee to die a quiet death. Until the current structure changes to take the concentrated power away from the majorities in both chambers, nothing substantive will change at the Statehouse.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 1:57 pm
I voted no. He was playing to the camera.
Comment by olddog Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:00 pm
Where’s the poetry? The sense of History? I remember when the unofficial motto was “I smell the meat a cookin”.
Comment by LongGone Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:02 pm
I think it was. someone had to say what no one else wanted to.
Plus it was very entertaining.
Comment by ah HA Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:09 pm
Thought for the day. one useless man is a shame
two uesless men is a law firm, three or more usless men is the Genaral Assembly.
Have a nice day if possible.
Comment by The Moderate, (really not a bad word) Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:09 pm
No. Maybe if the Republicans were a little more strategic (or smarter) they wouldn’t be in the perennial minority. It still takes 70 votes to pass legislation. Just because someone can get votes better than someone else doesn’t mean you act like a 13 year old getting grounded.
Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:11 pm
The voters keeping and defending Mike Bost deserve Mike Bost. And downstaters wonder why they get no respect. Sheesh.
Comment by too obvious Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:15 pm
It sure must be frustrating to be treated like a slub, the leadership just rolls over these guys.
More of the legislators probly feel the same way.
Comment by mokenavince Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:17 pm
No. Embarrassing rant. Petulant, childish, undignified.
Comment by Ray del Camino Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:20 pm
Theater. Bad acting. Censure would seem to appropriate. Children were in the building
Comment by Das Man Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:25 pm
A lighthearted moment like this can certainly ease the tension in the building right? I voted yes because I’m just so impressed by the national coverage its receiving.
Comment by heet101 Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:40 pm
I voted yes, as did the majority I guess.
He spoke truth. It’s about time someone spoke plainly down there.
Comment by JustaJoe Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:41 pm
I thought it was a breath of fresh air.
Comment by John A Logan Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:43 pm
I think it is most telling to look at the reactions of those around him. Durkin’s reaction to this over the top performance is priceless. His own compatriots seem to be doing their best to not laugh at him. He is a self serving joke.
Comment by anonymouse Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:52 pm
Did King MJM have any thoughts on Bost’s explosion?
Comment by Dan Shields, Springfield, IL Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:53 pm
If only he’d show the same passion against a tax hike.
Comment by Bets Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:56 pm
Yes. A very small few have led a number of partisans down this path, and there’s no sign of any real improvement in the near future. “Elect more Republicans” is a great idea, except the map HEAVILY favors Democrats, and, combined with substantial fundraising advantages and nearly bottomless campaign funds of the service unions, Republicans have little chance of taking over a chamber without a minor miracle. Anyone who can accomplish this should be able to count it as two miracles toward nomination for sainthood.
Comment by Amuzing Myself Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 2:58 pm
Aw, “That’s just Rickey being Rickey”
Comment by Responsa Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:07 pm
It was a decent attempt at Bill Black-style political theater. Roger Eddy was good, but he never got up to that full head of steam the person in that spot needs to invoke occasionally. I enjoy seeing a little passion on the floor. In a few years with some mentoring from Black, Bost will much better.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:18 pm
Boss Toss is slated for CNN today—could someone dial up the dude from WAPO and tell a few Bill Black stories. Black’s weekly rants — timed to get him regular radio air play over long weekends and his annual “resignation” eruption show Boss Toss in the minor leagues. Plus Black was a much better hurler. Rule books, paper towels, 2 for 1 coupons to Danville massage parlors. The guy was a n ace
The only better toss was Doug Kane and a hardcover rule book that bounced off the podium from about six rows deep.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:20 pm
What’s the downside, staining the august image of the freaking Illinois statehouse? State legislatures remain the best process for villages to rid themselves of idiots. It was a fine display and no sillier than anything else that goes on in the chamber.
Comment by Dirt Digger Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:22 pm
Well said Marine. This was patently more justified than Rep. Hoffman standing up on the House Floor during the Blagojevich impeachment proceedings and shouting Stop the [bovine excrement]
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:29 pm
No.
Mike likes to rant, and he does it too often to be clearly heard. We’ve seen this specific rant before on other bills. His message is often lost in the noise and fury, but he went over the top with physical theatrics on this one, and got national coverage.
As to the content: plays well to the uninformed, but not really accurate, and of little value in fixing anything.
Comment by mark walker Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:34 pm
It’s not necessarily the rules that are in place; it’s about the application or administration of the rules. In this case, Speaker Madigan crossed the line. Bost’s demonstration of frustation has obviously drawn great interest for a reason. Will it change anything? Probably not.
Comment by Foxfire Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:40 pm
Yes. About time someone called out Satan. Pretty funny reading the apologies from his libby imps.
Comment by Burning Down da House Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:45 pm
@soccermom: I don’t know who Anon 1:23 is , but I do know a lot about how the place works, and your comment was just fine.
Comment by mark walker Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:47 pm
What exactly is all the fuss about?
The House Rules have not changed significantly in a decade.
Bost’s real objection is to The Rule of Sixty.
Which basically goes something like this:
“If your Party can’t manage to take the Majority during a national landslide, you don’t deserve to be in charge.”
If Republicans are looking for someone to blame for the fact that they are in the minority, they should look in the mirror.
Or move to Michigan, where the Republicans are governing with near-tyranny…ignoring even the Constitution.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:55 pm
No. Behavior like that accomplishes no useful purpose in the context of making public policy. It makes me sad that it happened and even sadder that some people approve of it.
Comment by jake Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 3:58 pm
Face it. The Speaker has been in charge for more than a decade and screwed up the State’s finances. He keeps getting voted in as Speaker. I don’t care if it is a Rep or Dem if the guy can’t handle the job give it to someone else. This behavior got a lot of attention to the problem as well to Bost.
Comment by Hickory Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 4:13 pm
It was justified in the sense that he was exaggerating to make a point. Sort of like Leo Deorcher (sp) used to do when he was in the hated Astro Dome.
Comment by Cards Fan Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 4:22 pm
Lester Holt’s Mustache-that is a great name.
As for those of you knocking down Bost, I really think you don’t get how hated springfield, chicago, and cook county government are outside of the clique of special interests and politicians and underlings that work in them and use them.
what bost was saying is what most people in the state feel about you.
Comment by Shore Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 4:30 pm
In yesterday’s Blog, Rich noted: “But he does have a point that major legislation like this shouldn’t be unveiled at 7:50 in the morning and moved right away” concerning Bost’s rant. I seriously doubt that any of you would want to sign a contract that impacted the lives of thousands of people without having the opportunity to read it first. And that in essence is what this pension bill is - a contract - that is hundreds of pages long and expected to be read, digested, considered & voted on in an incredibly short time. Yes, Soccermom & Mark Walker, Bost could have gone to committee meetings & garnered information about it; and he probably did BUT we all know amendments and changes are made and often hidden in the fine print. And remember, this isn’t the ONLY bill they discussed yesterday.
As far as Bost’s outburst and whether or not it was civilized or should happen in the General Assembly. If you believe all the Legislators are “sitting quietly in class waiting, paying attention to the teacher, and raising their hand to ask to go to the bathroom” then YOU HAVE NEVER VISITED THE HOUSE OR SENATE!! I have been there many times and it has been my experience that they behave more like they have Attention Deficit Disorder, not listening, visiting (and not quietly) in small groups, leaving in the middle of a debate, all while business is supposed to be conducted. I’ve often wondered anything gets done! With that said, give me an impassioned Bill Black - even a wannabee (Bost) - any day! At least they have passion rather than follow the herd.
Comment by Both Sides Now Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 4:57 pm
@Hickory -
We’ll see shortly what the world would have looked like if Republicans had been “in charge” for the last decade when the House votes on the pension bill.
Cross can only muster 30 votes for his own pension bill?
That’s sooooooome leadership!
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 5:03 pm
we haven’t had fist fights or soup throwing so far, so i would say about par for the course
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 5:06 pm
Rich,
Any chance of starting a petition on the blog for the Illinois Channel to do a weekend marathon of “greatest rants” in Illinois history? The marathon could be scheduled for election weekend of 2012 so that we don’t have to suffer by being subjected to last minute political adds that weekend.
Comment by PAD 24 Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 5:10 pm
WOW. Union-like behavior from a republican and union defections in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin membership in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees-the state’s second-largest public-sector union after the National Education Association, which represents teachers-fell to 28,745 in February from 62,818 in March 2011, according to a person who has viewed Afscme’s figures. A spokesman for Afscme declined to comment.
What is going on?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 5:33 pm
Sure it’s a performance,but anything that gets the spotlight on our pathetic state of the State is worth it.
Comment by earl Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 5:49 pm
Totally worth it. Anything that might shine a little more light and heat on this corrupt process is welcome.
Comment by dr. reason a. Goodwin Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 6:04 pm
Your darn tooten it was justified. How much longer is one person gonna control so many elected representatives. He has to much power and really they shouldn’t be allowed to hold that position longer than a few terms. Thats what I think. Rep Bost had ever right to express himself in whatever means he needed to, to get the point across. He represents the voters from his district and really all ppl of Southern Illinois. I live in Southern Illinois but not in his district. My district are Rep Bradley and Sen Forby. I wish they would make a public stand like that and let the ppl know they are fighting for the ppl. I would vote for Rep Mike Bost anyday. Thankful we have a man in public office that isn’t AFRAID TO MAKE A STAND!!
Comment by thunder Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 6:14 pm
Stunt
Comment by Rutherford B. Jayes Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 6:32 pm
This man and I will not call him a Representative, should be embarrassed… One thing to consider: YOU CANNOT FIX STUPID!
Comment by inker Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 8:17 pm
@ Mark walker: my comment to soccer mom meant that you can go to committees and get all the analyses available, but if the Speaker wants something, he will get it and there isn’t much anyone can do about it. Those who think otherwise are very naive.
Comment by Anonymous 1:23 pm Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 9:27 pm
Word has it that the Speaker went to Cross after this and put the hammer to the Repubs (again). More Repubs should call out the Speaker and maybe more Illinois citizens would lead a charge to unseat Madigan as Speaker at least.
Comment by Macoupin Observer Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 9:47 pm
He’s a typical right wing whack job
Comment by foster brooks Thursday, May 31, 12 @ 10:57 pm
Michael Madigan is the most powerful politician in Illinois. Illinois finances are the worst of any state.
Comment by Mark Friday, Jun 1, 12 @ 5:15 am
LOL…of course he was justified in being a J@ck@$$ ~ he really does need to review past tape of Rep. Black. At least Rep. Black had dignity in his rants, but also was very eloquent in his outbursts. And one could rest assure…Rep. Black knew every single item in a Bill…not just that Leader Cross’ name was associated with it. Rep. Black was a true leader amongst his colleagues and was held on a high level of respect as a legislator. Rep. Bost is just a bafoon. However…he did wake everyone up in the Chamber and gave everyone watching quite the “tantrum” show!
Comment by SouthernIL Friday, Jun 1, 12 @ 5:44 am
I believe that Mr. Bost had every right to do what he did. We need more individuals to stand up to Speaker Madigan who does have absolute power. What we really need are term limits so that no individual can have that much power and do the damage that Madigan has done to the state of Illinois.Speaker Madigan is an extremely arrogant person.
Comment by anonymous Friday, Jun 1, 12 @ 6:22 am
Clearly it was justified. You try making bricks without straw.
As Edward G. Robinson would say, “Where’s your messiah now?”
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 1, 12 @ 8:09 am