LABI, Louisiana "Good Ole Boys"

 Anyone familiar with Louisiana politics is aware of the fact that the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has successfully corralled most of the male legislators in Baton Rouge, and can count on them to push LABI’s agenda when proposing and passing various legislative bills.   It’s no secret, that so goes LABI, so goes the legislature.

I guess that it came as no surprise that LABI decided to expand its legislative grip by bringing our female legislators into their fold.  On Tuesday, LABI had planned an event that was reminiscent of something one might expect 30 years ago, by offering a day of “female fellowship over breakfast and beauty.”

Not only did the planned event include coffee, and a smoothie bar packed with fresh vegetables and fruit, but also makeup stations where the ladies could get their makeup and hair done.  Obviously, as most male legislators know, and in particular our esteemed Attorney General, Jeff Landry, know, it is of paramount importance for our female state employees to look beautiful at all times, particularly our legislators

I will not even address the ethical red flags such an event raises, but the mind set of planning this one shows what LABI actually assumes is important to our female legislators.  Obviously, LABI is completely dismissive of the fact that they are presently deeply involved with a legislative committee investigating sexual assault atrocities at LSU. 

Sadly, I don’t recall any condemning statements LABI has made regarding this LSU situation.  And, by the way, the CEO of LABI, Mr. Waguespack, is certainly at no loss for words when it comes to commenting on other non-business related circumstances in our state, including LSU football games.

Guess all of us just need to face the reality that women in Louisiana are still thought of as second class citizens, who continue to make less wages than men in identical job positions, and, according to LABI and others, just need to cook the meals, clean the house, do the laundry, raise the kids, and, by all means, look pretty.

On a positive note, the event was cancelled due to a lack of interest, and condemnation by our female legislative representatives.  Kudos to them.  Maybe some of our male legislators can learn a thing or two from them.