They did not vandalize the capitol complex.įinding one disruption acceptable while praising the other is nothing more than bald political hypocrisy. To their credit, the Democrats who hijacked the legislature did not engage in violence. By disrupting the proceedings, they effectively said that their voices were more important than those of their colleagues. Jones, Pearson, and Johnson had no right to lead a protest from the well of the House in the legislature. Preventing democratically elected leaders from conducting their business remains indefensible. Their anger and frustration on account of their preferred candidate losing an election amidst unusual pandemic conditions was understandable. As upset as certain individuals were with the outcome of the election, they had no right to storm the capitol and interrupt the proceedings. 6, 2021, individuals attacked the United States Capitol to disrupt the legitimate legislative functions of Congress. Disruption of any legislative process is wrong

Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns. Nevertheless, decorum and process in legislative proceedings must be respected for America’s democratic republic to continue. At times, they find themselves on the losing side of votes when they’re convinced of the moral justification of their position. The people who represent us come from our communities, and they are every bit as human. In America, our legislative bodies are the mechanisms by which we attempt to solve our disagreements without violence or bloodshed. The speaker quickly gaveled in a recess as the trio continued. They were aware they were breaking the rules of the House. In a heated moment during a recent protest, Tennessee Representatives Justin Jones, Justin Pearson, and Gloria Johnson commandeered the House floor in the Tennessee Legislature. Our political venom doesn’t honor God, and it doesn’t advance our society either. Recent events at the Tennessee legislature are the antithesis of that biblical admonition. My father continues to remind me of those words from the Bible when he senses my temper rising. “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

Gloria Johnson: Race cost my colleagues their positions

Rules and civility