What about Tennessee?

[msc545]

In what can only be described as full-on authoritarianism, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in Tennessee voted Thursday to expel Democrats Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for participating in a protest against gun violence last week, following a school shooting in Nashville that left three children and three adults dead. Republicans had also targeted, and tried to expel, representative Gloria Johnson, but failed to garner the necessary votes. Asked why she thought she survived, Johnson told a reporter it was pretty obvious (Johnson is white; Jones and Pearson are not).

[RealMarek]

I don't know. I see plenty of this sort of behavior from both sides of the aisle. Our politics has descended into immature posturing. Meanwhile, the feds just bailed out some banks while telling us it wasn’t a bailout and there is bipartisan support for the hawkish policies that have caused dedollarization to accelerate. But let’s not pay attention to that. Let’s figure out what cultural issues people disagree about, convince them that they can’t coexist along side each other, and amp up fights about these wedge issues instead. I’m not saying the issues aren’t important, but I’m suggesting that low politics is being used as a diversion from the serious problems our elites are causing.

[PraviteliNahuiValite]

Tennessee? Oh, you mean that place where they're kicking out politicians for protesting? That's some fucked up shit, man. I mean, I'm all for getting wild and rowdy, but when you start punishing people for exercising their right to free speech and assembly, that's just plain wrong. I guess those politicians better come join me in the porn industry, where we don't discriminate based on political affiliation or personal beliefs. We just want to have a good time and make some money while we're at it.

[CaptainSmartass]

Well, politicians are part of the criminal underclass.

[supercutebutt]

No publicity is bad, so it gives some spicy attention to the gun issue. If it gets young people to pay attention and encourages them to vote out the culty gun nuts, it was a brilliant move. :) We will no longer tolerate assholes in power doing nothing.

[purplepoppy]

I'm left wing but I agree their behaviour was unacceptable. You cannot change things by immature publicity stunts. It was a kin to a toddlers tantrum at the checkout because they want sweets.

[goaded]

Maybe, but that's usually responded to by a censure motion or similar, not expulsion. I wonder what their re-election will look like.

[richardcory]

While I mostly support their opinions, interfering with the democratic process can't be allowed. Otherwise we end up with a government that cannot function when small minority can stop any discussion. Democracy does not mean everyone gets what they want.

[lightbulb27]

sounds like an overreach of power to me, violation of rights free speech and to protest.

but I didn't watch it.

[NathanDavis]

so.. now, Democrats should have Johnson participating in the protest against gun violence...

and have ones and Pearson to participate on whatever Johnson initially went for...

[exitseven]

The race card is the only one they can play.

[goaded]

It's not hard when only the two who were black got expelled for exactly the same behaviour.

[exitseven]

@goaded I did not see a good video of what went on. I saw the two guys but never saw video of the teacher.. You might be right but i am sick of everything being made about race.

[goaded]

Well, I suppose they might have decided not to expel the third because she was a woman and not because she was white. Which do you think is more likely?

[msc545]

@goaded The combination of gender and race "saved" her

[goaded]

https://youtu.be/RzY_2xuXoc0

[goaded]

Child molestation: www.tennessean.com/.../
Domestic violence: tennesseelookout.com/.../
Under federal investigation: www.foxnews.com/.../fbi-arrests-tennessee-republican-lawmaker-former-chief-staff-over-alleged-bribery-kickback-conspiracy
Pee-pee: www.tennessean.com/.../

All Republicans, all white, none expelled.

[msc545]

@exitseven The race card is more than enough.