We finally, if not unexpectedly, have come to this. The Legislature is facing a special session because since October of last year both parties haven’t been able to move off their talking points.

Even before the 2010 election in which the DFL lost control of both houses, the party was already talking about “tax parity” (read that to mean “increase taxes on the wealthy”) as a budget solution. It tactfully avoided calling it a tax increase at that time. But the subsequent sweep emboldened the freshman GOP who emerged with the cocksure confidence of conquerors.

The talk from the leadership at that time was about jobs, about how the number one priority would be to put people back to work. Unfortunately, that’s not what is blocking today’s budget from being approved.

It’s partisan bluster on one side fomented by GOP newbies who pride themselves as the best bullies in the playground. It’s also the DFL dropping the notion of tax parity which arguably could have led to a discussion of revamping the tax code. Instead, it decided to launch into class warfare rhetoric.

We have witnessed the equivalent of political trench warfare without the casualties — for now.

I grew up during a time when compromise wasn’t a dirty word as it is today. It meant each side had the ability to make convincing arguments for what they wanted or needed and all parties found a way to make that happen.

The greatest of statesmen had that ability even while donning a partisan public face. People like Henry Clay, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale, David Durenberger, Ted Kennedy, John McCain and Arthur Vandenberg to name a few.  

I was weaned on politicians like Republican Sen. Everett Dirksen from Illinois who is famously quoted for saying, “I am a man of fixed and unbending principles, the first of which is to be flexible at all times.”

Who today is aspiring to join these ranks? Or do we today perceive these lawmakers as nothing more than “old fogies” with outdated ideas?

Unfortunately, the whispers in St. Paul are how the freshmen GOP are having an inordinate influence on the direction the party is going. And the loss of so many incumbents last year now has other GOP representatives looking over their shoulders.

They walk and talk very carefully as to not upset their new watchers who seem hell-bent on conflict rather than resolution.

This isn’t leadership; it’s capitulation. And to the freshmen, there is a synonym for “anti-government;” it’s called anarchy. You don’t join the Legislature to tear down government, you join to ensure it does its job of service better for the people, not the party.  

Personally, I don’t recall any great leader who consistently said no without offering acceptable alternatives and then convincing others they are right.

I have great fear for the Republican Party today — both in the state and nationally. Leadership is not about blockage but offering a smarter, more reasonable alternative that people can agree upon. If no new taxes are really what’s on the table, then tell the people which services will be cut. Convince us we all have to make sacrifices and let’s get to work on doing that. It’s ownership not only for your ideas but the consequences as well.

I have great respect not only for Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who started the hard talk on entitlements like Medicare, but also Newt Gingrich, who riled his potential supporters by disavowing Ryan’s plan. That took courage, which is something sorely missing from the GOP leadership in Minnesota right now. They are being painted by the DFL into a corner as protectors of the rich. And it’s starting to resonate with more reasonable people who are asking why.

 It is time for the GOP leaders to lead by courage and example. If they truly believe in their stance, convince the people it’s the right thing and seek the sacrifice it will entail. And tell the incorrigible freshmen to get behind thee. If you can’t or won’t do that, follow Dirksen — be flexible and work toward compromise.