Our Opinion: Secrecy sad, but authority issue clarified

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The induction of Rush Limbaugh into the Hall of Famous Missourians proved the exception to the rule.

As a rule, induction ceremonies are public celebrations.

Monday’s induction of Limbaugh, a conservative radio commentator, was not. It was stealthy and secretive.

The timing of the ceremony was not revealed until shortly before it started, and notification was limited to Republican lawmakers, invited guests and the media. Conspicuously absent were Democratic legislators, who have criticized the addition of Limbaugh to the gallery.

The controversy, in our view, is not about Limbaugh, personally.

A contentious selection was inevitable, given that it is the sole prerogative of a partisan officer-holder, the speaker of the House of Representatives. The office now is held by Rep. Steve Tilley, R-Perryville.

Tilley’s decision to cloak the induction ceremony in secrecy is disappointing and timid.

His Democratic colleague — House Minority Leader Mike Talboy of Kansas City — said: “The secrecy and exclusion of the public demonstrates that even Republicans are embarrassed ...”

An upside of this episode is it has raised the more important issue of who or what controls the space in the third-floor Capitol Rotunda where the Hall of Famous Missourians is located.

We believe, and Gov. Jay Nixon agrees, that authority is vested in the Missouri State Capitol Commission, an 11-member panel that includes lawmakers from both political parties and citizens with an interest in history.

The governor’s office has released a three-page memo detailing a review of applicable laws and policies. Nixon spokesman Scott Holste said: “Based on the findings of the Office of Administration review, the governor looks forward to working with the Board of Public Buildings and the State Capitol Commission to review the purpose and governance of the Hall of Famous Missourians and to develop a comprehensive strategy regarding where all busts, statues and other monuments are displayed in the Capitol.”

The commission, ultimately, is empowered to determine whether Limbaugh’s bust joins others in the Hall of Famous Missourians.

And future House speakers would be wise to consult the panel to determine whether nominees are eligible to be enshrined.

More like this story

director 1 year ago

Please tell me that all Missourians are happy that Rush Limbaugh is safe and sound, the Missouri Speaker of the House is safe and sound, and all elected officials and support staff who helped with Limbaugh's induction into the Hall of Famous Missourians are also all safe and sound, thanks to the security staff who assisted. In spite of many threats to many people, the Rush enjoyed a beautiful ceremony with family, friends and supporters, at our Capitol, without interruption and most importantly, without violence. Some complain that they were robbed of a chance to disrupt the ceremony, but the main thing is that the "main thing" was accomplished: safety for all involved. Nobody invites people who have made threats to a party. Democrat Rep. Mike Talboy's complaints about "secrecy" are careless and childish and so is the message of this News Tribune editorial. If the event hadn't been guarded in spite of known threats, and some terrible thing had taken place, THAT would have been the lame editor's complaint, saying that it was irresponsible that more precautions weren't taken. Good news: they were careful. The Speaker organized a very successful event. Congratulations to the Speaker and to Rush and his family. Everyone is safe and sound and a man of incredible accomplishment is honored. Those opposed are making Rush's bust the most famous bust of all.**

tonto_goldberg 1 year ago

Known threats? Do we need to call in the FBI?

As I have said before, I wouldn't waste the required little dribble of spit if I had the chance to spit on Rush Limbaugh's bust - or the image of any other person that may or may not ever be "enshrined" in the so-called Hall of Famous Missourians. I have some respect for the janitors at the Capitol, although not much for the legislators.

However - I am sure there are many, many persons who do not have the manners nor the sense of proportion that I have, and surely without adequate secrecy and security there are hundreds (dozens?) (several?) of such rabble who would have stormed the Capitol with torches and pitchforks, hot tar and feathers, and a rail for riding their chosen villains out of town. Am I right? Of course I am!

The rabble would have probably been shouting their hideous rabble-slogans as they did so, and I can only imagine the horrendous obscenities they would have chanted, like "Evolution is real!" "More taxes!" and "Bigger government!"

Thank goodness we were spared all that.

PatsyDecline 1 year ago

"If the event hadn't been guarded in spite of known threats..."

Care to elaborate on that statement?

What "known threats" are you referring to?

3DMom 1 year ago

Who paid for the extra security that Mr. Tilley thought was required? Where is evidence of threats toward Limbaugh? What I saw in the days/months leading up to this was people exercising their right to free speech and protest. Pity Repubs seem to think this is so outlandish and threatening that they feel the need to hide from it.

spelchek 1 year ago

"Who paid for the extra security that Mr. Tilley thought was required?" -- You realize Rush is a multi-millionaire, right? You realize he travels nowhere without his own security team, right? You know he has to do this because people threaten his life over free speech and anonymous posters who would love to hurt him and his inanimate bust in the capitol right? Wake up.

tonto_goldberg 1 year ago

The most serious threat I have heard so far is from someone who wants to glue a rainbow-colored Afro wig to that brass head. That would be the brass head on a pedestal in the Capitol, not the one with the enormous ego and the private security team.

spelchek 12 months ago

Ego is schtick, security team is paid for out of pocket. What's the problem?

3DMom 1 year ago

I didn't say Limbaugh wasn't capable of paying for the security, I questioned who actually footed the bill. Where has it been stated that there were death threats specific to this event? Was the general public (ie:TAX PAYERS) kept from entering the Capitol because of this? You answer my questions with questions which leads me to believe you have no idea and just want to make a show of backing your man.

spelchek 12 months ago

I see, if he receives a death threat in say Florida, there's no way that threat can follow him to Missouri. Got it. Rush pays taxes, so yes he was allowed in the building. Happy?

MO4LIFE 1 year ago

Board of Public Buildings and the State Capitol Commission will remove the bust by the end of the year! Or it will mysteriously get broken!!!!!

spelchek 1 year ago

Nice tolerance. You're just upset that Rush did it with half his brain tied behind his back. Now, go break something quick before you hurt someone.

tonto_goldberg 1 year ago

There are dozens more name-calling wannabe radio personalities out there - there's a full day of "speakers" like him scheduled for a farm outside Holts Summit Saturday. You'd probably enjoy it. Most of the organizers are from outside the area, though.

tonto_goldberg 1 year ago

I know all the hate words, the slurs, the one-liners, and the divisive tactics, but I do not use them any more. I have spent a lifetime learning better manners and an inclusive approach to people who are different than me. I would not wish to fall back into hateful, mean-spirited thinking, let alone acting out all my base impulses.

RobertL 1 year ago

Rush is a hate monger. He spews vitriol every day and many of his "facts" are actually beliefs. They're either untrue or skewed to the point of being unrecognizable. He creates discord and is a shill for conservatives who are afraid to say what he does. Why the state of Missouri would honor such a person is beyond me.

MO4LIFE 1 year ago

@ GRACE If True Americans Are RACIST and OFFENSIVE to everyone but there OWN KIND!

eileen10 1 year ago

He talks a lot of do dah,knows how to push peoples buttons and he gets paid for it.I dont take the guy seriousley.The state of missouri is a laughing stock to a great many people for putting him into the hall of fame.Should be the hall of shame.

seeno 1 year ago

The secret, I think, is in understanding what matters. If 56% oppose Rush Bust and 44% want the Rush Bust and it winds up in the Missouri Hall of Fame it's not really that big of a deal. A hundred years from now no one is going to care and our great grand kids will have to Google(or whatever they do then) his name to find out who he was. What matters changes from time to time, but currently it's the economy and fill in the_. The people of Missouri have elected our Legislative Leaders and given them power. They can choose how they use their power, because once they are elected it's very difficult to undo. The voters put their faith and trust in them to help us, do whats best for us. Instinctually, they should want to do what is right because it's the right thing to do, such as giving state workers a raise. But, they choose to play politics and peoples lives are hanging in limbo. They can blame it on the far right or the far left. But, you know what? Each of them need to take responsiblity and use the power they have been given by the voters to do whats right.

director 1 year ago

There are "private" meetings and gatherings of groups and individuals in the Capitol all day long, each day that it is open. A private gathering is a ridiculous reason to complain. The busts are paid for with private funds. Why pretend to be miffed that YOU weren't invited if you don't like Rush anyhow? Rush speaks the facts/truth to a large audience daily, thank God. This is what bothers those who don't want the truth known. He is none of the nasty things he's been called, which you would know if you listened to him. While you're complaining, he's busy explaining why our country needs to get out of debt, and how to do it. His main theme is stop spending more than we have, to keep your hands off other people's money, and get the govt. out of the way of business and growth and jobs. He preaches hard work and unlimited success for all who are willing to earn it. NO WONDER HE IS HATED BY PEOPLE WHO WANT HANDOUTS AND LUXURY WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT THEMSELVES. Your greed will get you. Rush deserves all he has and you deserve all that you DON'T have.

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