What do we have a right to expect of the legislators we send to represent us in Nashville?
We ask that in light of the fact state House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, took the unprecedented step of stripping all Democratic House members of their committee assignments Wednesday after many of them blocked aisles on the House floor, used prohibited noisemakers and other items to disrupt proceedings, and encouraged protesters in the gallery during a special General Assembly session last week.
Whether the legislation in question is a resolution honoring a fireman who saved someone’s life or a bill that would redraw the state’s congressional districts, we believe decorum is necessary.
(IN THE NEWS: Tennessee House speaker suspends Democrats from committees, citing decorum violation)
If the House members in question, once the session concluded, wanted to link arms outside the capitol, have screaming fits, sing protest songs and call down their Republican colleagues, we would think they were perfectly within their rights.