Earlier today we learned Conrad Burns, the Republican Senator from Montana, had publicly insulted firefighters several days ago in Billings Montana. The outrageous behavior was quickly attacked in several blogs on Dkos (
here, and
here, and
here.)
It was also dropped into the news stream where it got even better circulation.
Shortly after people started calling Conrad Burns for his outrageous behavior, he did what all bullies do when confronted. He folded. Shortly before 10pm local time, he issued an apology... something he should have done days ago. There is a lesson to be learned here...
Conrad Burns is a three term senator, cozy with Abramoff and the other Republican power players. But like The Hammer, Newt, Rove, and the rest, he is basically a bully.
The same thing we learned in grade school is still true in the world of adults. Bullies cave when you call them on their outrageous and inappropriate behavior.
He is all tough and manly when chewing out public employees. Never mind the fact they are highly trained professionals who risk their lives doing their jobs. Never mind the fact they are poorly paid for the service they provide. Never mind the fact they have traveled long distances and worked long hours to help total strangers. No... to a bully it's all about APPEARING tough. It's all about SOUNDING tough.
But bullies are as bullies have always been. When you unmask them and call them on it, they wilt like hothouse flowers. Look at how Kristol wilted under Colbert's withering assault. Look at how Novak dodges and weaves and flails. Look at how Bush can't look the families of the fallen in the eye.
The lesson here is simple. Bullies need to be called on their nonsense. Quickly, clearly, and very publicly. We don't need to wait for the talking heads on TV to tell us what to think. We can't wait for someone else to do it for us. The fact is they are the ones who are scared. The bullies in power know they are the ones who will be ridiculed and scorned if they are unmasked. For the first time in years, they are afraid because they know people are waking up to their con game. They won't disappear by themselves. They need our help, and we should give it with all enthusiasm of firefighters helping strangers.
It is time to stop being impressed by the trappings of power and to remember these people work for us. They only have the power we give them. It's time to take the bullies down.
The message is clear:
Clean air, Clean environment, Clean politics, Clean House!