OP: What's your view of the progressive movement in Missouri?
JB: There are still some true progressives in the Missouri legislature, but they have a tough time in the partisan atmosphere and a tough time with a conservative Democratic governor. And yet, they still go to Jefferson City every week and say what needs to be said, against some overwhelming odds. Unfortunately, their impact has been diminished, because there's so little respect for progressive values in Missouri. And, you know, that befuddles me. When national polls show that 72 percent of voters believe that taxes should be raised on the rich, is Missouri an island on that subject? Our legislature and governor tend to operate on the idea that taxes are a forbidden topic.
OP: Is there a disconnect between political posturing and what people really want in their personal lives?
JB: Yes. The bombardment of sound bites has made it hard for people to do any critical thinking. Add to that 140-character messaging and our 30-second attention span, and people just repeat what they've heard. I think that, if you can pin people down and talk to them about what really matters--if people stop and think, and translate policies into their lives and their families' lives, they are not mean and selfish. At the gut level, people actually favor progressive stuff.
OP: What advice would you give someone contemplating running for a legislative office?
JB: Go in with your eyes wide open. Talk to lots of people. I wouldn't want anyone to go into this all dewy-eyed. Get your feet wet by serving on a school board, or as a citizen activist lobbying in the state capitol. You need to know what you're getting into, because it's not for everyone.
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