Editor, Gazette-Journal:
We all expect Congress to honor the Constitution. Sadly, recently it did not. I’m referring to the recent censure of Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan’s Second District. Rashida had harsh words about the conflict in Gaza. Regardless of anyone’s opinion on the Middle East war, the question is, or should be, “does Rashida Tlaib have the constitutionally protected right to express her opinion?” My answer is yes.
The second clause of the First Amendment says Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech. That seems pretty direct and clear. What Congress has done indirectly is disenfranchising Tlaib’s voters by this censure. In addition, it may have intimidated other members of Congress who agree with Tlaib, but are now afraid to express their opinions.
According to polls Congress is held in low esteem by most voters. Part of the reason is behavior like this. This blatant attack on the First Amendment by Congress should concern us all.
William CrowePort Haywood...