- United States
- Calif.
- Letter
The recent vote to censure Representative Al Green is a concerning display of misplaced priorities and kowtowing to partisan politics. While decorum has its place, there are times when principled dissent takes precedence, especially in the face of alarming actions from the executive branch. Green's protest, driven by a sincere belief in defending democratic norms, should not be met with dismissive censure but thoughtful consideration of the issues that compelled him to act. We expect our elected representatives to be voices of moral courage, willing to take a stand against injustice and overreach, even at the risk of disrupting formalities. The focus on restoring decorum ignores the graver threat of normalizing unlawful and undemocratic conduct under the guise of civility. True leadership demands holding power accountable, not capitulating to maintain superficial order. The backlash against Green's actions reflects a disturbing trend of lawmakers prioritizing political expedience over their sworn duty to uphold constitutional principles. Such cowardice in the face of injustice erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of our governing institutions. We, the people, deserve representatives who will unflinchingly defend our rights and the rule of law, even when it means making the tough, principled choice. Dissent is patriotic when exercised to safeguard our democracy. Dismissing Green's protest with censure only emboldens those who would trample on our democratic values and norms. It is time for our elected officials to find the moral courage to be on the right side of history, even if it means disrupting business as usual. The very future of our republic may depend on it.
