Many years ago working on a construction project it came time to perform an unpleasant but necessary task a reduction of force in the field craft workers. I was consulted as to whom was least productive as I worked in the field as an engineer next to the craft all day long.
When my opinion was asked the response was easy. The person I had in mind was an African American lady about 35 years of age. I don't remember her name so for purposes of this blog we will call her Shirley.
When I walked by Shirley always appeared to be talking and the work she was assigned to seemed to drag on and ended up always get finished up by others.
There was a big guy who for purposes of this story we will call Bo. Bo was the general foreman on the job and he responded to my suggestion " We can't lay her off Shirley's bullet proof."
By bullet proof he meant that not only was she a woman and an African American one at that but also she served on every committee that the union had. She had friends in high places at the union hall and as such could not be let go.
Several weeks passed along with several more reductions in force. Every week I was asked my opinion and every week I suggested Shirley and was given the same response " Sorry she's bulletproof"
Finally one week Bo walked in with a big smile on his face and said " Shirley has not paid her union dues in three months. She's delinquent and no longer bullet proof."
Last week Congressman Charlie Rangle stood before the house ethics committee charged with 13 violations of breaking house rules. Mr. Rangle who has served 20 terms in the House of Representatives is also an African American and a Korean War Veteran. He had also served as chairman of the powerful house ways and means committee.
Mr. Rangle pleaded for more time to present his defense with his main defense being he had no defense attorney despite knowing the hearing date for months. The committee did not allow Mr. Rangle more time and went on to convict him of ethics charges and suggested that he be censured by the full Congress. Mr. Rangle was no longer bullet proof.
It will be interesting to see with the new GOP Congress how many politicians will lose their bullet proof status. Only time will tell.
A Voice In the Wilderness
PS: To all my fans please accept my apologies for not posting more often. Election and Tea Party responsibilities have sucked up what little free time I have over the last couple of months. Life is getting a little more back to normal now. Stay tuned more postings to come.
