As a Minnesota voter I would like to say to the Gang of Ten Democratic women Senators who led the effort to do in Senator Al Franken:
You are guilty of political tyranny and you should be the ones to resign.
Recently I heard Joe Biden say that he learned never to question people’s motives, but to focus on their actions.
With that in mind, I won’t speculate on why these women did what they did, though their motives do seem more than a little suspicious.
But I can and will call their actions totally un-American and reprehensible.
Why such a strong reaction?
Because they usurped the right of the people of Minnesota to determine Franken’s future.
It was a stunning show of arrogant elitism that has brought dishonor to the very Senate whose integrity these women claim they were protecting.
The people of Minnesota elected Al Franken to the Senate, and we should have been the ones to decide his future.
No one else, period.
The Gang of Ten justified their actions with the claim that they needed to say NO to a toxic culture that exploits women.
Minnesotans agree with the need to make women’s grievances public as part of the process of changing that culture.
What we reject is the right of anyone to usurp our right to elect whoever we damn well please to represent us in Congress.
You may hate our choice, even hate us for making it, but this country survives by a respect for the laws that govern us.
The actions of the Gang of Ten, as well as the support they later received from some of their colleagues, showed utter disrespect for that principle.
Someone might argue that what I am saying makes the case for Roy Moore having the right to represent the state of Alabama in the U.S. Senate.
I would agree 100% with that suggestion.
If the voters of Alabama do the morally unthinkable and elect Moore, they will have exercised their constitutional right to do so without interference from you or me or anyone else.
That is the price we all pay for being American citizens.
The Gang of Ten chose not to pay it.
Based on the widespread negative reactions of Minnesotans I have heard and read, this display of utter political tone deafness will not be soon forgotten, a fact that significantly diminishes the hopes Democrats may have had for winning back the Senate in 2018.
Can Democrats ever stop shooting themselves in the foot?
linnposts.com 
RIGHT ON! The legislative bodies of this nation need to take a long and hard look as to how to most appropriately and justly address sexual abuse accusations. The issue has too long been swept under the carpet and left to dangle in limbo until situations like the current barrage of accusations come to the surface. In the absence of a thoughtful way to address accusations of sexual abuse by members of the legislature, we are sadly left with little more than blind reactionary responses, where justice for both the accusers and the accused is in jeopardy.
Thanks, Bob. You are exactly right. This is a very complicated and serious issue. Sadly, in this instance the Gang of Ten, as I call them, misused it by usurping the right of Minnesota voters decide Franken’s fate. I don’t know if he would have survived here or not, but it should have been up to us, not anyone else.
While zero tolerance of sexual harassment is a worthy goal, there is the taint of mob rule as Franken’s Democratic colleagues essentially run him out of the Senate. While some of Franken’s shenanigans were shameful if the accusations are true, it would have been better to have those behaviors scrutinized by the Senate Ethics Committee and corrective action taken, if necessary, after the conclusions were made public. It is obvious that whatever Franken did, those acts did not rise to the level of the misconduct of other politicians who have recently been accused of sexual harassment. The “Gang of Ten’s” calls for Franken to resign smack of political opportunism. Making Franken the sacrificial lamb in the cause of elevating the perception of the Democratic Party as the party of virtue is of questionable benefit.
Steve, your point goes beyond mine and I could not agree with you more. The Senate Ethics Committee should have been used, but the people of MN should have had the final word. Thanks.
The Dem Mob was naïve to think that their actions might influence or shame the evangelical right and defeat Moore or Dump Trump. The Christian right
sold out to power over principle long ago. Although Franken’s rather crass history concerned me when he first ran for the Senate, I think he cleaned up his act and did us proud as a senator. The Evangelical Right? Not so much.
Christians telling the truth about other Christians may be the hope Christianity in America has. Thanks for doing so, Loren.
Jan,
You are my best friend and one of the wisest, finest people I have ever known. You make a legitimate point here about the right of any state’s voters to choose who will represent them. Yet, I feel this issue goes beyond that.
While Franken and any U.S. Senator represents their state, they are also part of a 100-person body that attends to legislative matters affecting all Americans. In that context, what Franken does (and I like him a lot as a fine Democrat) personally reflects on his party and the Senate, thus demeaning both if he elects not to step-down.
By stepping-down, he and the revered Democratic Congressman John Conyers are taking the moral high road — in the process contrasting their party’s integrity to the lack of same in the Republican party. I believe that if the sleazy Roy Moore is elected, with the full support of President Trump, this contrast will resonate in Congress and with voters going forward, accruing to us Dems!
The “states rights” position that you echo in part here has proven to be a barrier to our federal government’s efforts to do the fair and just thing in a variety of social, religious and economic matters.
With much respect, Bill
Bill, I agree that a Senator’s actions affect the whole of our nation, but a state’s right to elect its own representatives without that decision being controverted by a small group of people in or outside that state lies at the heart of democracy. Franken resigned only because his colleagues turned against him without the opportunity for him and the people in Minnesota deciding that for ourselves. It is true that protecting states rights can be a cover for all manner of sin, but in this instance I am appealing to it as a protection of the very federalism you are talking about. Jefferson himself worried about federalists overriding matters legitimately left to the states. The Gang of Ten confirmed his worries were real, not imagined. One of the reasons so many people feel alienated from Washington is because of stunts like this. It is a losing position for Democrats to take, and in this instance, I think it cost us any chance we had to take control of the Senate in 2018. Here in MN Democrats will now have to defend two Senator seats and the governor’s chair. The chances of winning all three races are 50-50 at best, especially if Dayton appoints any one of several people whose names are being floated. This was a losing proposition from the get-go for Democrats. I just happened to believe it was also an attack on the Constitution. It’s good that friends can disagree.
I yield to the Pastor from Minnesota, especially at this time of night 🙂
I think I know what might have led you to that decision. Just relax with each sip.
Women’s rights have long been subjugated to men’s rights, state’s rights, and others. I liked Franken. I’m deeply disappointed in him. Losing him from the Senate is a loss for the whole country in my view. However, I note, he is choosing to resign, Under pressure, yes. But choosing. This is a pressure cooker of his own, and powerful men for generations’ making. Jann, this may be a time for men of honor, like you, to be quiet for awhile and just take stock of how deeply, deeply offended women have been since the nation elected the “— grabber in chief.” He, too, was duly elected, but it wasn’t right. I read your blog just after reading yet another smart, wise, capable woman’s story of her #metoo moments. I’m angry enough to spit. The election of 45 brought to the front of my memory a painful litany of degrading moments in my life. Individually, they recessed far back in my memory, but with the election in the fall their full combined weight hit me and sent me reeling. Only two weeks ago, I remembered again what was probably the most dangerous inappropriate action against me. I buried it after it happened, but now I can’t. All of the bad memories have coalesced. I am so far from alone it’s astounding. It’s time. It’s past time for women to claim power over these injustices. It’s too bad Minnesotans didn’t know of Franken’s penchant for giving women unwanted “attention” before you voted for him. It’s too bad he had that penchant, because he is a damn fine senator. But, please, don’t blame the women who’ve had it up to here with men abusing their power. Please don’t name them, “the gang of ten.” Your timing is off. Waaaaaay off. Way, way off. The democrats, (and republicans) apparently, are not the only ones who don’t yet get it.
I fully agree with your thoughtful and well stated comment about how women have been treated and the righteous anger you feel about it. But I think your passion ignored my point. I can agree with what you said and still stand by what I wrote, not least because my point was a simple one. The Gang of Ten – an intentional label because I think they acted like a gang – usurped the right of MN voters to decide Franken’s fate.
He had no plans to resign until they spoke against him. He wanted the Ethics Committee to do investigate. These women also short circuited that process. How he would have fared in MN is anybody’s guess, but my only point – only point – was that voters like me should have had the chance to make that decision. Your anger, justified as it is, is not a reason to abandon the democratic system of government we have. I truly believe that is what these women did. I also believe they killed any chance Democrats had to take control of the Senate, something that was critical to limiting the damage of the Trump presidency. You may not believe that was important enough for them to have made their point in a different way, but I did and still do.
It is ironic that you and I – and so many others like us – find ourselves in disagreement on something that stands in the way of the fact that we agree on the primary issue of changing a culture that has allowed women to be used, exploited, and assaulted by men who have not been held accountable for their actions. If what these women did advances women’s rights, I will be glad for it. At this point, though, everything I am reading and hearing tells me what they did is having the opposite effect.
Jan. who made the decision to resign? Not your so called, “Gang of Ten.” Senator Franken made that decision. If Minnesotan’s rights have been usurped, take it up with him. Twenty eight of his senate colleagues urged the Senator to step down. It was not only the ten women you have labeled a gang. Your senator is not being forced to resign. He is choosing to resign. You are blaming a group of women for the choice a powerful man is making. He could choose to uncomfortably stick it out and remain in offfice. It’s a sad situation, but I have not missed your point. I simply wholeheartedly disagree with you and find your opinion on this matter to be woefully and uncaracteristically tone deaf.
I cannot think of anything constructive to add in response to your criticism of my views except to say that open and honest disagreement is something we need more than ever in this country. Other than that, you get the last word. Thanks for the exchange.
Jan,
You system your point clearly, soundly and eloquently. I Agee completely. The only thing I would add is that the pressure exerted on Sen. Franken allowed no due process. Former Gov. Arne Carlson’s piece in this morning!s Mel’s Star Tribune adresses this issue well..
Cheerz!
Gene
Gene, thank you for mentioning Carlson’s piece. Everyone should read it. It adds another reason why Minnesotans are so upset about what has happened.
Jan, Doug Jone’s encouraging win last night makes it seem like it’s time for a new post from you but I’ll respond to this current one. My first reaction was expressed rather succinctly by Bill. But I found “Everydaystories” response most important. At your urging I read Govenor Carlson’s piece. Like you, he is persuasive. But also like you and me, he gives another male perspective. Maybe there is an injustice being committed against Senator Franken, maybe even against the people of Minnesota. But in light of the fact that it’s not clearly an injustice, as evidenced by this discussion, maybe for a change it’s good that women get the benefit of the doubt.
I agree with what you said, Wilbur, but I do so because my blog was not pro or con Al Franken, nor did I address whether or not the accusations against him were true or false. All I was – and still am – saying is that Franken’s fate should have been left to the voters of Minnesota, something I honestly believe the Senate women usurped. Otherwise people’s votes ultimately don’t matter, nor does our democracy. That was and remains the reason I wrote the blog.
I deeply respect your intellect and share your progressive views. The issue is just not so clear to me this time.
I knew when I wrote my piece that it would probably elicit negative responses, but my own sense of integrity told me that a threat to our democracy was too important not to take the risk. One of the reasons people are disillusioned with Washington is the perception that politicians have little respect for the views of the people they claim to represent. The widespread anger being expressed openly here on Facebook and newspaper letters tells me that is how most Minnesotans are feeling right now, and this is a Democratic state. They are not defending Franken. They are upset about how this situation was handled. I confess I am confused about why that is so difficult for people outside the state to understand. I guess we have to leave it at that.
Hi Jan. Well, I guess before we “leave it at that”, I would like to weigh in on this. I am not a “registered Democrat”, but all my current sentiments and support goes to most of their causes and interests. I don’t feel that Democrats “shot themselves in the foot” on this one. I feel they helped their overall position in today’s “battle of the sexes” and battle of politics. First, I know you as a friend, and agree with bblackandnan’s opening response sentence regarding your wisdom, integrity and credibility. And, I would like to refer the readers of this blog to your blog dated October 25, concerning your book: “Evangelicalism and the Decline of American Politics”. In my response to that blog (which you stated you hoped all readers of your blogs would read), I speak to the incredible factual, research based, and truthful (my view) presentation of your case concerning the connection between Evangelicalism and the Republican Party.
But, I am actually “stunned” by what appears to me to be the exact opposite style of presentation that is displayed in this current presentation concerning Al Franken, ten Democratic women Senators (they are not a gang of ten!), and the rights of the voters of the State of Minnesota. From what I read, these are the issues you are raising in this blog. In my response to your book, I state that your presentation is so credible that it is a stunning comparison to what I call “Fan-Based Obsessiveness”. And, yet in this presentation about the “Gang of Ten”, that is exactly what I see and read.
To me, Fan-Based Obsessiveness describes titles such as “Tone Deaf Democrats At It Again”. It describes phrases like “I can call and will call their actions un-American and totally reprehensible”, and “It was a stunning show of arrogant elitism that has brought dishonor to the very Senate whose integrity they claim they were protecting”, and “The actions of the Gang of Ten, as well as the support they later received from some of their colleagues, showed utter disrespect for that principle.” But, most importantly, Fan-Based Obsessiveness is the kindest way I can describe your statement “You are guilty of political tyranny and you should be the ones to resign.”
I get your point and your passion “that Franken’s fate should have been left to the voters of Minnesota”. And, because my family is from Minnesota and I too wished that to be, I can be extremely empathetic to your point of view. But, that is not the way this situation played out. And, to me, and I presume many, it played out properly. I concur with the well articulated and tactful responses you received from bblackandnan, everydaystories, and Wilbur Ressler.
I have just read Jeff Flake’s book titled “The Consciousness of a Conservative. It is incredible reading about putting “principle” above all else. I think you have probably backdoored yourself into in to the issue of women’s rights that will definitely trump (not Trump) all other issues at the present time.
Jan, I hope you don’t consider this response to be offending in any way. But, I just couldn’t “leave it at that”.
John Hamerski
John, first let me say that the fact that your feeling free to write in disagreement with my last blog I will take as an affirmation of trust that I would receive it with the intentions with which it was written. I do.
My tone (deaf as it may be) in my blog is what I sense bothered you most of all. It is more clear to me today than it was when I wrote it that the degree of my anger at the Democratic women who called on Franken to resign showed itself more than I realized at the time. I knew that was a risk, but it seemed more constrained than you and others perceived. That raises the other issue related to this, which is the nature of a blog. It is very different writing than was the case with my book. The latter needed to be less passionate and more reasoned. I try to do the same with my blog, but with less restraint just because of the nature of the writing.When I write as I did on Monday I often alert readers to the fact that I am engaging in a rant in case they want to skip reading it. Perhaps I should have done that this time.
I would agree with your assessment that I have “backdoored” myself into an issue that is sensitive, volatile, and incredibly important. It was probably naive to think I could make the point I was making on this issue. Actually, that came close to leading me not to say anything, but avoiding controversy is not my nature, as I am sure you know. The irony for me is that I believe I am on the same page in wanting men who abuse, exploit, and assault women being exposed as those of you who disagree with me, but others will have to judge that for themselves.
As for how this will affect Democrats, all I can say is that I consider the Trump presidency to be so dangerous, reckless, and offensive that I hope your assessment is right and mine wrong. Living here in Minnesota, though, makes me think that it is not. In 2018 we will have to elect two women Senators and a governor on the same ballot. One of the women (Lt. Governor Smith) has never run for a state wide office on her own except as Governor Dayton’s running mate. She is also a former executive of Planned Parenthood. Potential Republican opponents being mentioned are level headed and not at all radical, and will run a strong race. Democratic as MN is, we have a habit if electing Republicans in state wide races so anything can happen. That means that what has happened to Franken has put the MN Senate race in play in 2018 that was not the case before now. How that helps Democrats or the country is beyond me. But, again, I hope we all live to see me having to admit that am wrong.
Thank you for taking the time to write your substantive reaction to my blog, John. I hope I have responded with similar thoughtfulness.
Jan, you for sure have responded with great thoughtfulness. It is what I have come to know from you from our association, dialogues and exchange of points of view. And, I hope you will continue in your attempt to educate America and hold many accountable for their actions, in pursuing a better future for America. Your passion and anger in this blog, (while possibly misdirected toward the ten Senators), stems from your conclusion that Your Vote was “taken away” from you. There can be no stronger or more important reason for passion, anger and action in a Democracy, any Democracy, than that. My comments to you were not meant to disagree with you in any way on this important right of all Americans – the right to vote and expect that our vote stands for something and will make a difference, in the context of “majority rules”.
Today, American Democracy is under attack. It is under attack by the effect of “The Citizens United Supreme Court Ruling”, by gerrymandering, by the NRA, by the Koch brothers (and others), by the Russians, by Republicans, by Donald Trump, by Steve Bannon, and by certain cultural elements of our society that are located mostly in the South and the Old West.
But, we are also witnessing “Democracy In Action” in response to these attacks. I am encouraged by the role that most of the traditional media (not social media) are playing in educating America on what is happening in America and what has happened to America. In the last 3-6 months, there have been over 50 new books on America’s dilemma (including yours) published and released. And they all say basically the same thing, with different twists or focus areas. I have bought 25 of these books so far, including Hillary’s “What Happened”, Donna Brazile’s “Hacks”, “Collusion” by Luke Harding, and Dan Rather’s “What Unites Us”‘. Many have concluded that Hillary Clinton became the sacrificial lamb to what now appears to be a movement of women all across America that started the very day of the Trump inauguration. And, if the recent elections in Virginia and Alabama are any indication, I am encouraged about our future. Just this morning a CNN report identified five states that could possibly follow the actions taken by Alabama voters. They are Arizona, Nevada, Mississippi, Wyoming and Nebraska. Notice where they are all located. Of course, the Mueller investigation will set the stage for our future, presuming it is not derailed by Republicans and/or Donald Trump.
I have concluded, so far, that wisdom, common sense, civility, values and principles, and most importantly “respect for the individual”, are traits that are predominantly showing themselves in the Democratic Party (maybe Independents and moderate conservatives too). And, I am optimistic that these traits will show up in the elections of 2018 and 2020. At least, that is my hope.
John Hamerski
John, I cannot add anything to what you have said except to say that I also believe the qualities you mention regarding the Democratic Party are the very qualities I have believed defined our country as well. I would lose all hope if I did not believe that even though they have been overshadowed by less noble traits lately, they are still there and are the driving force behind what happened in Virginia, New Jersey, Washington, and Alabama. Thanks, again, for taking the time to write such good thoughts.
John,
As Jan (my best friend) has said, you have summed-up Dem values very nicely. You are clearly well-informed.
You might add to your booklist “We Were Eight Years in Power,” by the estimable thinker/writer Ta-Nehisi Coates — a black man with a perspective on race in America that is quite different and very challenging to both blacks and whites.
His previous book (memoir), “Between the World and Me,” was a revelation and became a NYT best-seller. Enjoy……..
Bill Blackwell
Thank you Bill. I will get and read this book … and I will enjoy. Cheers.
John
After we talked on Thursday night, I went back and read your blog post plus all the comments. A couple of your detractors made the point that it was Franken’s decision to resign. He was not expelled. Some might say he was put into a position where he had no choice, but there are plenty of other elected officials who have refused to resign under pressure (and in some cases they were re-elected!). In his resignation speech Franken said he felt he could not represent the people of Minnesota effectively with the controversy (well-deserved or not) swirling around him. Though I am sorry to see him go, I respect his decision. Under the circumstances, I think it was a responsible decision to make. I suppose he could have made the argument that you make, that it should be Minnesota voters that make the decision and that he would not “usurp” that right. However, I do think he is in the best position to determine whether he can serve effectively.
As for the Democrats who called for his resignation (it was not just ten women), yes, they may have over-reacted, but calling them “tyrants” also seems to be a bit of an over-reaction.
Meanwhile, it was great to see you and Joy on Thursday and I look forward to future get-togethers. Merry Christmas!
P.S. Most of the time I agree with everything you say! (And I’m looking forward to reading your book.)
Well said, Judy. I look forward to the next time we get to visit with you and Sue.