AFTER THE DEBATE

Throughout the Maine Legislature’s long deliberations on an anti-war resolution (or, in its latest incarnation, a pro-diplomacy, pro-troops if diplomacy fails resolution), opponents have held that the question of Iraq was too complex, too divisive, too far removed from the Maine Legislature’s jurisdiction. Supporters countered that the question was of the highest interest to Maine citizens and it deserved vigorous debate in the state’s highest forum.

Both sides won. The several days of angry argument and amending that eventually led to party-line passage in the House, the Senate’s reversal Tuesday – party-line plus one Democrat – of its previous vote backing the resolution proved the opponents’ claim of complexity and divisiveness. Supporters got the vigorous debate they desired, if not the outcome.

What now? The matter is thrown back to the House, which either can concede stalemate and let it drop, or it can try to amend their version to address the Senate’s concerns. Since the primary Senate concern is of jurisdiction, it is hard to imagine what that amendment could be. Letting it drop is the wise choice, and it is not the cowardly or politically expedient choice. Lawmakers have had their say and have had it under great public scrutiny. Sometimes, that is all that can be expected of vigorous debate.

The public also has had its say and one thing it has said quite clearly is that Maine lawmakers, as citizens, have a right to express their opinions on matters beyond the scope of their direct decision-making authority. The public also has made it clear that Maine citizens who serve as lawmakers have an obligation to attend to matters under their authority and it is time to focus their attention in that direction.

The entire Legislature now faces a crucial decision, one that will be made not by a single vote but by its overall conduct the remainder of this session. The debate on this resolution inflamed passions; harsh words were spoken on both sides. If lawmakers can respectfully agree that they have disagreed and can refuse to let this charged debate color the debates to come, they will demonstrate the greatest strength of democracy.