Yesterday, a handful of Democratic legislators and candidates gathered at Flathead Valley Community College to “hear from industry leaders in the medical, education, business and information technology fields address the Montana State Democratic Party Legislative Leadership on Legislative policy and priorities.” As a dues paying member of the Democratic Party I was invited (I resigned my membership this morning).
It was part dog and pony show, part genuine listening tour, and part program to help local legislative candidates. Both political parties conduct these kind of events. They probably do no harm, and may improve the self-confidence of first-time candidates.
I arrived late. I left after a few moments. Why? Because I couldn’t hear. I’m hard of hearing, but with my hearing aid I can usually understand what’s being said if there’s a good sound system and sufficient amplification. There was a sound system — a microphone was on a stand at the front of the room — but it wasn’t being used. A woman in the front row was speaking softly to the listeners, but I couldn’t hear her. Was this conscious discrimination against the hard of hearing. Probably not. Most likely it was just not giving a damn.
I have some other observations:
If Democrats run campaigns like this, they’ll lose. And, deserve to lose.