(October 8, 2000) The news from Yugoslavia is a triumph of democracy. Police fled as ordinary citizens, indignant over the abuses of government, flooded into their parliament building and seized control from a regime that was bent on illegally holding power at all costs. No matter what you call the building, control of the people's house is important. All politicians know this, which is why in places like Yugoslavia thugs who could no longer hold power by force of reason tried to hold their parliament by reason of force. Protestors restored rule of law by reminding the world that true power comes from the people. They quite literally cleaned house.
That's an interesting backdrop for the latest proposal in Annapolis. Leadership is apparently moving forward with a plan to implement new security measures in the Statehouse. Ordinary citizens' open access to the legislature may be replaced by screening, with State Troopers regulating who will have access to government and when they have it. Officials privately admit some of the appeal for this proposal stems from frustration with protestors who flood the buildings when legislation affecting them is considered. Apparently noisy throngs of gun owners, union members and anti-abortion activists are intimidating to legislators, and make it difficult to carry on business as usual. Mobs won't "get out of hand" when police can limit access -- for "safety," of course. If that's a bother, then we ordinary citizens are assured that the public can always monitor legislative proceedings from afar via state-approved broadcasts.