Editor’s note: This commentary is by H. Brooke Paige, a historian, writer and Gov. Peter Shumlin’s 2014 Democratic primary election opponent. He lives in Washington, Vermont.
[S]adly, Gov. Shumlin’s ineptitude has claimed yet another victim – this time it was Sergeant-at-Arms Francis Brooks.
Francis Brooks’ long and storied career at the Statehouse is rich with deeds that made him a beloved and respected guardian of our capitol building. Beyond his exemplary service as sergeant-at-arms, Brooks served in the Vermont House of Representatives for over 20 years, including a term as majority leader. Before serving in government, Francis was a dedicated Montpelier High School chemistry teacher.
Through my volunteer work at the Statehouse, I have worked with Francis for many years, I found him to be a congenial fellow, always helpful and accommodating, with a professional and dignified polish consistent with his office. I believe the formality and dignity he brought to his office may have been misinterpreted, by some, as aloofness – he was not. He is a fellow of deep compassion and a robust sense of humor – a person you would be proud to call friend.
The one incident in which his actions are questioned was his handling of the “health care protesters” at the gubernatorial election and inaugural event this January. I attended the event and having arrived early was seated near the entrance. In short order I was surrounded by the protesters with their “leader,” a clinical psychologist from Colchester, seated next to me. The protesters were an ad hoc collection of “professional activists” and hangers-on, whose leader seemed unable to affect any discipline over her wards.
It was well understood that the protesters were present to address Mr. Shumlin with their grievances over his failure to deliver on his “single payer” promises. Despite inferences to the contrary, the protesters were not violent and for the most part were compliant when given direct orders. While I found the protesters activity distracting, I believed that they had a right to be present and express their concerns.
Those who believe Brooks’ decision was unwise have failed to consider the alternative – over a hundred protesters arrested, handcuffed and hauled from the Statehouse by the state and capitol police before the cameras of the state and national press.
Brooks certainly had the authority and the resources to have them removed had they presented a clear and present danger to the legislators, officials or guests. The Capitol Police, state police and National Guard were all present at the event. In the best traditions of Vermont’s Statehouse, which many think of as the “People’s House,” Brooks decided to allow them to remain – as one protester informed me “(sometimes) this is what democracy looks like!” In my view it looked a little more like anarchy than democracy; regardless, nobody was threatened or injured, no property was damaged and the only effect was to “ruffle the feathers” of those who lacked a sense of humor (or an understanding of our freedom of speech).
It was Shumlin, not Brooks, who possessed the ability to quell the protest by agreeing to address their concerns. Shumlin could have agreed to meet with the protesters’ representatives before or after the event OR could have ordered them removed, if he believed it was necessary – which it was not! What appeared to infuriate the protesters most was his refusal to recognize them and after the event deciding to “sneak out the back door” rather than leaving in dignity through the entrance to the hall.
For his part in all of this, Francis Brooks should have been commended for his Solomon-like judgment in weighing all of the facts and making the best of a bad situation. Those who believe Brooks’ decision was unwise have failed to consider the alternative – over a hundred protesters arrested, handcuffed and hauled from the Statehouse by the state and capitol police before the cameras of the state and national press. This spectacle would have been the crowning moment of a day filled with absurdities which had included: the legislative election of a governor who failed to receive a majority vote, a eulogy comparing the governor to the biblical Moses, and a disjointed inaugural speech presented by Shumlin, the Legislature’s selection.
As to the gun rights rally, these folks were nothing but respectful and well mannered. Only those who oppose their position could have felt threatened by this eclectic collection of “real” Vermonters. It was most probably the flatlanders who felt threatened. Personally, I felt very secure in the presence of so many patriots!
Rep. Alice Emmons, D-Springfield, who nominated Brooks’ replacement told the press: “Francis did a lot of good in this building,” (Times Argus) and “I have a lot of respect for Francis. It’s a sad day.” (Burlington Free Press). On one point she is correct, “it (was) a sad day,” not so much for Francis who will leave his post confident of a job well done, but for Emmons (and her counterparts), who in her zeal to deflect blame from Shumlin, seems content with their decision to throw Brooks under the bus. You’ve got to love the Democrat’s inherent gift for eating their
own!
Thank you, Francis Brooks, for your years of service to Montpelier and Vermont, your efforts are greatly appreciated and will long be remembered by your fellow Vermonters.
