PETSS

Republican Senator Minority Leader Bob Keenan's recent personal attacks on Governor Brian Schweitzer reveal the deep emotional wounds that Senator Bob is still suffering from when the citizens of Montana elected Brian along with a Democratic majority in the Senate. After serving for 10 years in the Legislature as one of the leaders of the majority party, Senator Bob's fragile ego has had a difficult time in adjusting to his role as a member of the minority.

It is not a pretty sight to see an elected official so consumed with anger and jealousy that he spends much of his time denigrating people elected by the citizens of Montana rather than working on issues of importance to his constituents.

Senator Bob appears to be suffering from Post Election Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PETSS). PETSS is a psychosis exhibited by politicians accustomed to being in power roles when they are forced to assume subordinate roles as a result of election victories by the other party. PETSS symptoms include: 1) A refusal to accept the will of the voters, 2) An intense feeling of victimization, 3) an overwhelming desire to denigrate people elected by the citizens of Montana, 4) an irrational longing to still be part of the in group meeting in the Governor House and, 5) a lack of interest in participating in constructive dialogue during the legislative process.

Although medical science has not found a cure for PETSS, long solitary walks in the woods have shown to help alleviate the most disabling symptoms.

Bruce May

Kalispell