Irony (i·ro·ny), –noun
1. the humorous or mildly sarcastic use of words to imply the opposite of what they normally mean
2. an instance of this, used to draw attention to some incongruity or irrationality
3. incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is, or a situation or result showing such incongruity
A perfect example of definition three was offered up by failed-bill author and noted legal scholar David Meeks. Following the mercy killing of Meeks’ proposed HB 1053, the lawmaker took to Twittering. “Thank you to the two Dems who put the people of Arkansas above partisan politics. Unfortunately, 12 Dems sided with the DC agenda.” You see, in Meeks’ mind, the only reason his bill failed was because twelve Democrats were unwilling to put partisanship aside for a moment, which Meeks and the seven legislators who sided with him were totally above. Ok, whatever.1
Here’s where it gets deliciously ironical.
Following the meeting, Meeks told ArkansasBusiness.com he believes the bill should have been assigned to the House Insurance and Commerce Committee, where party affiliation more resembles the House makeup of 56-44 for Democrats. The Insurance and Commerce Committee is 12-8 in favor of Democrats.
You catch that? Meeks, who is bemoaning that so many members would be partisan in their votes, is also complaining that his bill wasn’t sent to a committee with more Republicans, who would presumably cast partisan votes in favor of Meeks’ bill.
1 As to Meeks’ first statement, that all of the votes against the bill were partisan in nature, I think Luke Hobbs of Progressive Arkansas said it best: “So if you voted against HB1053, you’re (1) not conservative & (2) siding with the D.C. agenda. *pulls hair out*” Gee, David, did you ever think that (GASP!) some conservatives might be against a bill that was unconstitutional on its face and would guarantee Arkansas’s being sued? Did that never cross your mind?