Former governor doesn’t like fashion sense of new MN lawmakers
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There's some irony to former Gov. Arne Carlson's blast against freshman legislators at the Minnesota Capitol on the subject of how they should dress.
Carlson was apparently offended by the fashion sense of four DFL legislators in a Glen Stubbe photo, which accompanied a Star Tribune article on their crash-course on decorum at the Capitol.
Some might find that picture a little inspirational.
Not Carlson, whose letter to the editor in the Star Tribune over the weekend, took issue with the lawmakers.
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The Star Tribune had a delightful story (“Crash course for freshmen,” Nov. 29) on excited new legislators familiarizing themselves with their new environment at the State Capitol, which holds so much of our history and serves as a beacon of hope for good governance.
This occasion of public service and the majesty of the Capitol warrants a special dignity that should govern all activities, including dressing appropriately. Legislators are not raking leaves or preparing for a hay ride. They are in the business of setting high standards for others, and their apparel should reflect those standards.
Arne H. Carlson, Minneapolis
Jay Xiong, who will be sworn in to the Minnesota House of Representatives, offered his own advice on his Facebook page.
The problem with certain elder statesmen, is that they don't know their place. They forget that they should enjoy the sunset of their golden years, quietly, and not continue to throw verbal barbs at a new generation of up and coming legislators who seek to undo years of their failed policies.
The problem in particular with Arne Carlson's statement is that this is the classic white male privilege exercise of racism and bigotry and classism masquerading as free speech rhetoric. Arne, your time of grateful service to our state is not forgotten. But let's call this for what it is. Let's get past this facade of feel-good, so called Minnesota nice walking around like a good Scandinavian Lutheran grandpa giving unsolicited fashion advice.
If he was a gentleman, he would have the integrity and guts to name names, instead of making bold, vague preaching about dress code. Is it a coincidence that in the most historically diverse class of freshman lawmakers, that Arne would put out such an outdated statement against class, race and gender? Some of us don't come from old money. I sometimes wear hand-me down clothing from siblings or relatives, and often wear thrift-store clothes. There is something to be said about those who should fade lightly into the horizon. A new age is here. And you will get used to it.
While we're at it, let's take a look back at the former governor's wardrobe choice for his official portrait, which hangs in the hallway.
