How dare the majority rule in favour of the will of the majority. This is surely the most shameless and hilarious attempt by Republicans so far to hold on to power and thwart the will of voters. I really don't know how these people are actually elected into office. I mean, I do, but damn. What's less amusing is their ominous threats and warnings.Eleven Republican senators from the state of Oregon are in hiding.
They walked out of Salem's Capitol building on Thursday and state police have been given authorisation to track them down.
This bizarre series of events has unfolded amid a deep rift between the state's rival parties.
Oregon's Democrats, who have a clear Senate majority, want to pass landmark climate change legislation. Local Republicans have fled to stop that happening.
This weekend, the state capitol had to shut down altogether amid apparent security threats from militia groups.
The Republicans released a statement explaining their walkout.
"Oregonians deserve better. It's time for the majority party to consider all Oregonians - not just the ones in Portland," Senate Republican Leader Herman Baerschiger Jr said regarding the rural-city divide.
Militias have also lined up to protect them (from doing their job, I guess?) creating a dangerous situation. My question is, does anyone think this is acceptable behaviour? Run away and threaten violence if democracy doesn't go your way? Surely we can all condemn these cowardly acts?One lawmaker, Brian Boquist, responded angrily. Speaking to a local news outlet on Wednesday, he said police should "send bachelors and come heavily armed" if they were to try to arrest him.
"I'm not going to be a political prisoner in the state of Oregon. It's just that simple," he said.
His comments were condemned by Democrats who said "threats like these are unacceptable".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-48737711