The Wally Principle
2023-04-14
Dear friend,
If you don't like today's newsletter, blame it on "Dilbert" creator Scott Adams. Adams was recently canceled, so he can take it.
As far as I know, it was Adams who noticed what I'll call the "Wally Principle." Wally is a character in Dilbert who always has a different take on something.
Dilbert - Camping Opportunity
The Wally Principle is that about 25% of the public on any given issue, has a really different take on things. You can look for it in any major poll.
For example, trust in government. Pew tells us that trust in the government has declined somewhat since last year, and that only 2% of Americans trust the government “just about always.” Altogether, 24% trust our government “most of the time."
I grew up in the shadow of the Vietnam War. It was a constant wake of events that eroded trust in government.
I grew up assuming every day that the government is lying to us, shading the truth, or trying to lead the public in a certain direction based on special interests and structural power. Not all the time, not everywhere, but it turns up a lot.
The Pentagon Papers, Watergate, the Iran hostage crisis, Sandanistas, Iran-Contra. The S&L crisis. War for oil. I can keep typing as long as you can keep reading.
I also read history and talk to people. Did you know that Vermont had a “breed a better Vermonter” eugenics program, by law? It doesn't make me love our brave little state any less, but damn, our government can get really off track and cause lasting damage.
I serve in government, on our Halifax Selectboard and as a Stat Representative, because government is also how we humans living in Vermont today come together and solve collective problems. I believe in it, and I am sworn by oath to uphold the documents that constitute our state and nation.
But do I trust "it" to have my family's interests at heart, especially at a national level? No. And we shouldn't trust it. We should ask questions of it. That's what each of us does every day in House Corrections & Institutions. That's what you do as citizens who vote and reach out with your thoughts and opinions.
House Corrections & Institutions hears from Rep. Brian Cina on a proposal.
Back to the Pew poll and the 24% of the public who trust our government -- that's a really different take from where I stand. And I'm curious about those folks. If you mostly trust our government, I'd like to talk to you and understand your viewpoint. Every time I talk to someone, I want to learn something new.
Please don't construe this essay to mean that I'm "a skeptic" and have a specific stand on a specific issue, like public health or foreign policy or housing, or something. I'm simply a believer in discerning between the role of the government and the role of the individual. It's a non-partisan principle that helps me think about who I'm here in Montpelier serving -- you.
Look for the Wally Principle -- the 25% or so in major surveys who seem to have a really different take. Are they the same 25% every time? Are "they" always someone else? They can't be. Sometimes, we are Wally.
This is one of the reasons I read a variety of news sources, and especially look for opposing viewpoints.
Here's a news roundup with some quick thoughts from your Windham-6 Representative.
--Legislature’s housing bill advances, and hopes for Act 250 reform wane further -- My take: I'm disappointed with the vote of the Housing & General committee. I voiced to the committee my support for common-sense Act 250 reforms that would support landowners in towns like Halifax, Whitingham, and Wilmington to build housing, especially in already-developed areas.
--Dem Senator slams journalistic integrity of True North -- My take: Read what you want. The more the better. Be curious about different viewpoints. Think for yourself.
--Groundworks to close shelters for four weeks in wake of slaying -- My take: This is a horrible tragedy and my heart is with every member of the Groundworks community, and the greater Brattleboro area that is affected. I was interviewed by the Reformer for an article on how this relates to State capital construction. In light of this and other events and worrisome trends, I've been working to understand the criminal justice, mental health, and substance use landscapes of Vermont.
If you have a view on these or other topics, please let me know.
Another way to look at the Wally Principle is that you can't get agreement. Don't try. And not having 100% agreement doesn't mean we shouldn't make a choice and move forward with our best plan.
The House has done lots of work in committee this week, not a lot on the House floor. Things will change on that by the end of next week as we aim to end the session on May 12.
I will be in touch with more updates. However, I can't report back on every bill so keep an eye on your Legislature and keep letting me know where you stand!
P.S. Don't get any ideas about the Wally Principle being a "rule" that's always true. It comes up more on some issues.
Most votes taken in the House are unanimous. No one (I hope!) is against H.C.R. 87 - House concurrent resolution congratulating Mikaela Shiffrin on her exceptional and historic 2022–2023 world record-setting accomplishments in World Cup Alpine ski racing. (Or are they? Lmk.)
