By Sterling Mosley. Media: DC Enquirer.
Note: This article may contain commentary reflecting the author’s opinion.
On Thursday, Republican members of the Tennessee state legislature to unprecedented action to expel Rep. Justin Jones (D) who led an anti-gun protest last week following the shooting at the Nashville Covenant Elementary School.
The vote to expel Jones was 72 to 25. The legislature is set to now vote on the other representatives, Reps. Gloria Johnson and Justin Pearson, who led the protest, as reported by NPR.
The three lawmakers have understood that they haven’t followed the rules of order and decorum about speaking out of turn while on the House floor.
“The fact that this vote is happening is shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre claimed. “Across Tennessee and across America our kids are paying the price for the action of Republican lawmakers who refuse to take action on stronger gun laws.”
“Regardless of issue or party, expulsion repudiates the right of citizens to elect their representatives,” Stacy Abrams (D-GA) wrote on Twitter. “When the cause is just, protocol should be able to withstand challenge. This cowardly act of Tennessee House Republicans stands in rebuke to the principles of democracy.”
Regardless of issue or party, expulsion repudiates the right of citizens to elect their representatives. When the cause is just, protocol should be able to withstand challenge. This cowardly act of Tennessee House Republicans stands in rebuke to the principles of democracy.
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) April 6, 2023
“What is happening in Tennessee today is truly frightening,” wrote former Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL). “Where are Tennessee’s business leaders? Where are the GOP leaders and voters who believe in the right to dissent and in our democracy? Where are the veteran’s groups who put their lives on the line to protect democratic ideals? You have the power to stop this madness. Step up before it is too late.”
What is happening in Tennessee today is truly frightening. Where are Tennessee’s business leaders? Where are the GOP leaders and voters who believe in the right to dissent and in our democracy? Where are the veteran’s groups who put their lives on the line to protect… https://t.co/y8OOiPOpfc
— Doug Jones (@DougJones) April 6, 2023
“Democracy. died. today. in. Tennessee,” wrote Tennessee state Rep. Heidi Campbell.
Democracy. died. today. in. Tennessee.
— Senator Heidi Campbell (@Campbell4TN) April 6, 2023
“It pains me, it almost brings me to tears to see what’s happening,” Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) said to MSNBC. “This is a disgrace upon the legislative process… this is a disgrace upon the state of Tennessee.”
"It pains me, it almost brings me to tears to see what's happening. This is a disgrace upon the legislative process… this is a disgrace upon the state of Tennessee" – @RepCohen w/ @NicolleDWallace pic.twitter.com/MQ051R5XN2
— Deadline White House (@DeadlineWH) April 6, 2023
“This is setting a precedent that any member who voices dissent or opposition can be expelled from the legislative body,” said state Rep. Justin Jones following his expulsion to MSNBC. “This is very unprecedented.”
It is clear that Democrats are completely astonished that Republicans are actually willing to utilize political power to their advantage. The Tennessee GOP boldly took action against these lawmakers.
“The Tennessee Republican Party is a model for the nation. They have been absolutely brilliant lately,” wrote The Daily Wire‘s Matt Walsh. “Fighting fire with fire. Not backing down. Tremendous work.”
The Tennessee Republican Party is a model for the nation. They have been absolutely brilliant lately. Fighting fire with fire. Not backing down. Tremendous work. https://t.co/l3YEgBGk5O
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) April 6, 2023
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