Good writers don’t just tell you something is absurd, they actually point out why it is so. But I’m so flustered by the most recent “controversy” over Glenn Grothman’s “secret” TABOR meeting, I can’t help but just say that we have all lost our minds.

I know I should be the last one telling anyone to be serious, but come on. As reported in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, State Senator Glenn Grothman held a meeting with some local officials to get their input on the proposed Taxpayer Protection Amendment. And apparently Grothman had the gall to (gasp!) not call the press and invite them! And he didn’t let all of his constituents know! I will take a moment to let you catch your breath, because I care about you, dear reader.

After I saw the article, I rolled my eyes as any thinking person should have done. But then I watched in horror as Democrats actually tried to make this an issue. Unable to argue against TPA on the merits, suddenly Democrats have tried to gin up some completely phony argument that the public is being “shut out” of the process. Most galling are other legislators criticizing Grothman for holding this meeting.

Let’s back up here for a minute. Grothman was trying to get input from people that oppose the TPA. He was listening to an opposing viewpoint, and decided he could have a productive meeting with those that care about it the most, local officials. He made an honest attempt to take input on the bill, and suddenly he gets whacked for it. The article even concedes nobody was kept from attending. Local officials were likely much more willing to show candor without the media there, as they know they are on the losing side of a popular public issue. What’s wrong with an honest conversation?

And for legislators like Mark Pocan and Russ (the human breathalyzer) Decker to come out and criticize him for the “secret” meeting is absolutely ridiculous beyond words. Certainly Pocan and Decker meet with constituents and local officials all the time, and never alert the media or the “general public.” A quick open records request of their office calendars will surely confirm that.

I mean, Democrats, I’m on your side on the TPA for the most part. But if you’re going to argue against the TPA, argue against the bill and not the process. The people that are trying to drum this smokescreen up as a legitimate issue are showing that they have no interest in a legitimate debate on the effects of this massive constitutional amendment.

Who is it that’s afraid of public debate on the TPA again?

SIDE NOTE: Owen did a good job of covering this today, but I don’t think he was nearly outraged enough. I am outraged by his lack of outrage.

On Tuesday of this week, lefty blogger Xoff was having hot flashes because gubernatorial candidate Mark Green had the audacity to not rattle off his entire campaign platform at a press conference. Said Xoff:

I’ve often marveled, and sometimes commented here, about Mark Green’s ability to avoid talking about issues when he doesn’t want to, which seems to be a good deal of the time…

This guy’s running for governor. When he has a rare news conference, any question a reporter wants to ask should be fair game. Do you think Jim Doyle could get away with saying he’ll tell you about his political positions later?

As it turns out, Green was downright chatty compared to 9th State Senate District Democratic candidate Jamie Aulik. Aulik, a 26 year old Iraq war veteran, gave the following answers to these questions when posed to him by the Sheboygan Press:

However, Aulik avoided indicating how he would have voted on a few contentious matters resolved in the current legislative session or currently under debate. He wasn’t prepared to say how he would have voted on the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, the right of citizens to carry concealed weapons, or reviving the death penalty. “Those issues are divisive. They make people turn against each other,” said Aulik…

Concealed Carry…

Aulik declined to take a position. He said state legislators should be more concerned about creating an affordable health care system.

Same sex marriage ban…

Aulik is concerned opposite sex unmarried partners might not be able to exercise medical decisions for the other individual. He would not say how he would have voted on the amendment, which will be on the November ballot.

Mandating ethanol for the lowest grade of gasoline…

“It is an issue I should study further … in general, I support consumer choice,” Aulik said.

So who deserves the blame here? The media or Aulik? I will anxiously await Xoff’s response.

Also, notice Leibham called Aulik “an honorable young man … who should serve as an example to all of us.” Aulik then turned right around and trashed him. At least someone in this race is showing the class befitting a State Senator.