https://pjmedia.com/rogerkimball/2011/02/23/the-petulant-child-form-of-democracy/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 10:26:31 -0400<![CDATA[So, Indiana House Democrats, inspired by Democratic senators in Wisconsin, have adopted the petulant child from of democracy.  One paper called their action an “exodus.” I call it a gross abdication of responsibility and a slap in the face of the people who entrusted them with the conduct of their public affairs. What lessons can we draw from the behavior of these truant lawmakers? One important lesson is this: that they view democracy as a game worth playing only when they get to call the shots.  They are happy to sit down and do business just so long as they get their way. If they do not get their way, their recourse is not the time-honored democratic strategies of debate, persuasion, and compromise. No, their response is to take their votes and go home — or to Illinois, whichever is safer.]]>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:00:15 -0500<![CDATA[Roger Kimball]]>https://pjmedia.com/roger-kimball/2011/02/23/the-petulant-child-form-of-democracy-n116535