Dear oh dear, apparently one of our innocent little japes has caused a flutter in the State Senate.

The American Federation of Teachers tried to pressure [Senate President Pro Tem John] Campbell into reconsidering his stance on the childcare workers unionization bill last week. (He blocked the legislation last month.) They sent a flier to lawmakers referring to a Green Mountain Daily post that accused the senator of falling prey to “bunched knickers syndrome” on the issue. The effort backfired: Campbell hasn’t changed his mind. “I find it unfathomable that they would resort to these types of tactics,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t help the cause of organized labor.”

Harrumph.

First of all, for the record, it’s “Bunched Knicker Syndrome,” singular, defined as “a sense of heightened distress felt by the overly self-important following a minor annoyance.”

Second, I really appreciate the AFT shout-out, but I can’t say it’s smart politics. See, our job is to stand on the sidelines and throw stuff at people who deserve it. Your job, AFT lobbyists, is to get those people on your side. And citing GMD snark, while it may give you a momentary tingle, isn’t going to advance your cause. Especially when a chronic BKS sufferer is standing in your way.

Third, while the AFT would be wise to consider a change in tactics, John Campbell needs to get off his high horse. (An especially painful perch when one’s knickers are in a twist. Ow.) An inflated sense of self-importance is a natural by-product of high political achievement, and Mr. Campbell’s got it bad. Your job, sir, is to conduct the people’s business and advance beneficial legislation. It is not to massage your ego.

There’s a simple cure for BKS: Relax and unbunch. You’ll feel better, and you’ll do a better job.