When discussing the merits of democracy, the quote from Winston Churchill is often invoked: “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.”
As another 60-day regular session of the West Virginia Legislature winds down–it ends Saturday at midnight–it’s worthwhile noting what has happened here. By that, I do not mean a review of bills that passed or failed, what was accomplished or ignored, but rather the process by which all this has happened.
It is essential to remember that West Virginia has a citizen legislature. The 100 members of the House of Delegates and 34 Senators are not professional lawmakers with large staffs (or any staff at all for many). They are a true cross-section of our state with differing backgrounds and core values.
They are us.
The actions of the legislature can feel chaotic, but the rules are strictly adhered to. The parliamentary procedures create a kind of rule of law that helps ensure a reasonable amount of order and fairness.
The public debates and discussions are nearly always courteous and respectful. It’s common for a lawmaker, when arguing on the floor, to begin with, “to my friend…”. That civility stands out especially at a time when the national political discussion has coarsened.
The sessions and committee meetings are all open to the public. People from across the state can and do come to the Capitol, talk with their lawmakers and follow the proceedings closely.
True, committee meetings and floor sessions can, and do, drone on, sometimes becoming hopelessly bogged down in minutiae and side issues. It seems particularly wasteful of precious time when, after an extended debate, a bill passes overwhelmingly. What was the point of all those speeches?
Connie Lewis of the West Virginia Environmental Council, who is retiring after lobbying the legislature for the last 26 years, has probably lost more fights than she’s won, but she leaves with a positive view of lawmakers.
“It’s always been my experience that all of the people down here want to make West Virginia a better place… their image of what a better place would be,” she told me on Talkline Wednesday. “I’m always appreciative of the people who come down here as legislators, even those I disagree with.”
That speaks well of the legislators, but Lewis is also a fan of the process, though acknowledging that it cuts both ways.
“When it’s good it’s really remarkable,” Lewis said, “and when it’s bad, it’s also very remarkable.”
The West Virginia Legislature may be an easy target, especially during a time when we have come to hold many of our institutions in such low regard. Democracy is rarely going to be high art, but as Churchill reminded us, it remains far superior to the alternatives.