Fraters Libertas

Columnists Without Borders

In today's Pioneer Press, Senator Mark Dayton attacks Craig Westover's previous Pioneer Press column on prescription drug reimportation. In the fine tradition of arrogance, Dayton (or whoever is writing his public statements these days) refuses to descend from his lofty perch to even name whom he attacks. Instead simply uses "a writer" and "the author."

Hours later, Westover speaks truth to power and strikes back with a fisking of Dayton's illogic and mischaracterizations. It's Star Tribune Deputy Editor Jim Boyd's worst nightmare, a tennis match debate - meaning , gasp, those attacked from on high actually get to respond.

Westover does respond, with style. Key line about Dayton's accusations about the undue influence of private sector lobbyists:

Business might pull over to the curb, but it's government that loiters under the streetlight flashing its cleavage.

Did I mention, Westover responded on his BLOG! (screech!). A newspaper columnist with a blog. I think we just blew Nick Coleman's mind. Maybe he'll respond to this development the next time his column is scheduled to run. When was that again, Friday or next Tuesday or something?