There may be free speech for Paul Gosar, but membership of the United States Congress requires a far higher standard. I think an explicit rule should be passed, that if any member threatens or insinuates violence against another member of government - or against anyone for that matter - that an investigation is in order with the possibl…
There may be free speech for Paul Gosar, but membership of the United States Congress requires a far higher standard. I think an explicit rule should be passed, that if any member threatens or insinuates violence against another member of government - or against anyone for that matter - that an investigation is in order with the possible consequence of expulsion. In the past I suppose such behavior was unthinkable so there was no need for such a rule, but it appears that times may have changed. I think there is a sea change happening in American politics, an evolution towards a just society, but unfortunately some are going to resist by suggesting violence and we have to protect ourselves: these individuals do not belong in Congress.
The US Constitution requirement of a 2/3rds vote to expel a member is too high a bar in this case. Censure requires a simple majority. I think that is why it was chosen instead of expulsion.
Under House rules, ethics violations can lead to reprimands, fines, censure or removal from office. Threats can also constitute felony violations punishable by imprisonment. Pelosi has called for a criminal investigation.
The US Constitution requires a 2/3rds vote to expel a member of the House of Representatives. It is really tough to expel a member -- only five expulsions in American history, three for supporting the Confederacy, two for bribery. Censure requires a simple majority, which is probably why the Democrats are pursuing this course of action.
There may be free speech for Paul Gosar, but membership of the United States Congress requires a far higher standard. I think an explicit rule should be passed, that if any member threatens or insinuates violence against another member of government - or against anyone for that matter - that an investigation is in order with the possible consequence of expulsion. In the past I suppose such behavior was unthinkable so there was no need for such a rule, but it appears that times may have changed. I think there is a sea change happening in American politics, an evolution towards a just society, but unfortunately some are going to resist by suggesting violence and we have to protect ourselves: these individuals do not belong in Congress.
Geordie, I agree. There's a good case that Gosar should not just be censured but expelled.
The US Constitution requirement of a 2/3rds vote to expel a member is too high a bar in this case. Censure requires a simple majority. I think that is why it was chosen instead of expulsion.
Under House rules, ethics violations can lead to reprimands, fines, censure or removal from office. Threats can also constitute felony violations punishable by imprisonment. Pelosi has called for a criminal investigation.
The US Constitution requires a 2/3rds vote to expel a member of the House of Representatives. It is really tough to expel a member -- only five expulsions in American history, three for supporting the Confederacy, two for bribery. Censure requires a simple majority, which is probably why the Democrats are pursuing this course of action.