Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal travelled to Shreveport, La. today, for a ceremonial signing of Sen. Shaw's bill which rolled back the Stelly tax brackets in the recent Legislative Session. Gov. Jindal seemed surprised by being greeted by sign carrying protester, as well as some vocal critics inside the Chamber of Commerce building. The protesters were upset over state lawmakers doubling their pay and the governor's decision not to veto it.
This morning, while broadcasting live from Alexandria, La., I heard Moon Griffon urging people to show up with their protest signs in Shreveport this morning. "Residents around the state want the governor to veto the pay raise bill. Jindal said he thinks the raise is a bad idea but he won't veto it, saying the Legislature should deal with the consequences of its actions." (See: "Protesters want legislative pay raises vetoed).
"The easiest thing for me would be veto it," Jindal said to cheers as he discussed the pay raise bill. "I would be the most popular governor in the state's history." He was heckled by one man when he added, "I don't want to give legislators or anybody else an excuse to slow down the reforms that are so important for our state." You promised to veto!" the heckler said." id. See this two video clips of the protest:
Additionally, and besides the requests for recall petitions pouring into the Secretary of State's office, Stephen Sabludowsky, of BayouBuzz, is:
- "will initiate a peaceful rally on the Capitol steps prior to the day the bill becomes law. It is the democratic way to let the people know that we mean business and we want this legislation vetoed. The Governor needs to see live bodies demanding change, not simply emails and phone calls. We will need the help of organizations, of individuals and yes, you--who feel left out in the cold by our Governor and by the legislature. It is time for Louisiana to take our state back from the power brokers seeking power for their own person gain while the people go broke. If you want to help in a large or small way, contact me and let us begin to become Citizen Can." (See: "Louisiana Rally: People Power For Gov. Jindal Veto").
A website will be up soon, which I will provide a link to, and the rally is tentatively set for July 7, 2008. More to come.
In my almost 52 years, I cannot recall seeing the people of Louisiana so outraged over an act of the Legislatiure. The heroic protesters of Shreveport should be copied at every appearance which Gov. Jindal makes.
|