Chasing Amy

The news this week that Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigned from her ledership position, followed by a press conference the following day that members of the leadership team had "confronted"  her with "allegations" of an "inapropriate relationship" with a male staffer must have the media cruising the Twin Cities chasing Amy for the real scoop. The media coverage and the talk in the political world warrants a word of caution for all.

If one reads the article at this link http://www.twincities.com/ci_19563701?source=most_viewed one will find there simply is more going on than meets the eye. Caution number 1:  There was no mention of a sexual relationship between Koch and the staffer therefore it behooves us all to be very careful how we characterize this matter. The media has succeeded in furthering the insinuation by citing the relationship was with a male staffer.  If it was not a sexual relationship why did the leadership identify the staffer as male? This was not only unnecessary but it was harmful to Senator Koch's reputation. The article says there was no mention anywhere of a sexual relationship but the way it was handled by leadership and carried by the press the average Minnesotan likely thinks it was just that, as the comments on Face Book and following online articles confirm. How unforunate, if that was not the case, that it was allowed to be portrayed as such!

Another burning question is why did the leadership team need to go to the press and make this a sensational story if there existed an inappropriate relationship of another sort? Could this have been handled internally? Did there need to be a live press conference? Would a simple statement have been sufficient? Caution number 2: When one hears news in the media remember one never knows the whole story. The right thing to do is to refrain from judging others and placing blame without being privy to all the facts. Some people are questioning the wisdom of the whole leadership team in the way the matter was handled. These are legitimate questions that should be handled internally. among the Senate and between constituents, BPOUs and their representatives.

In the next two weeks the Senate Republican Caucus will choose a new Majority Leader. The Freshman Class are a strong block of conservatives and have an opportunity here to elect a conservative Majority Leader if they stick together. The  Minnesota Senate needs leadership that is of good moral character and strong conservative principles. Republicans in Minnestoa can call their senators and encourage them to choose a strong conservative to lead the Senate. Senators may be pressured to elect the establishment favorite and citizens should not underestimate the impact their voice can have in keeping the conservative colaition united and strong. Caution number 3: the citizens must remain vigilant and engaged with their legislators.

Regardless of what really happened with the resignation from leadership of Senator Koch, the reason we are conservatives and Republicans is not because of the people who lead us but because of the prinicples in which we believe. Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, free markets and limited government are what define us and what unites us. These principles are true and right, a worthy and just cause, indeed. We will never give up the fight for them.  Caution number 4: remember to stick to your principles. It is not about personalities, but principles.

There are times when the events of the day are disheartening and discouraging. However, people of faith know that God is watching over our country and our state. If we witness the failings of humans who we elected to lead, may we never forget that we are all in God's hands and in His loving care.  Caution number 5: pray for your government leaders. Where there is money and power there will always be temptation, corruption and scoundrels. The honorable ones need our support and prayers for protection and the scoundrels, that they may see the light and not reject it..

While the media is chasing Amy, let us all chase after the truth.