April 7, 2023
Tennessee House Republicans voted to expel two Democrat lawmakers for breaking House rules and heading an unrecognized gun-control tirade in the House chamber for nearly an hour. A third Democrat that joined them narrowly escaped a similar fate.
The House expelled Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) with a 72-25 vote, and Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) with a 69-26 vote. With a 65-30 vote, the House failed expel to Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville). A two-thirds majority is needed to expel members.
Here’s my take: Should they be punished for clearly violating the rules? Yes. Should they have been expelled? No. I find the move to be excessive and part of a disturbing trend of harmful political polarization that predictably sprung from the extremely over-hyped and misguided January 6th “insurrection” hearings. Those hearings and related activity, clearly politically motivated and stretching on for much longer than warranted, set a new normal for partisan attack and punishment in this nation that will harm our discourse for the foreseeable future.
Politics can be dirty and it can be passionate. We do need order and hierarchy. But we also need to maintain a certain level of tolerance for vehement disagreement and recognize maintaining free speech and honest representation sometimes requires patience as opposing parties vent their frustrations and concerns. If this seems too tall an order for you, remember the threat of escalation and retaliation as well. This event proves it. What goes around, comes around until someone steps in to stop it.
I think Thomas Jefferson had it right regarding how to handle rebellions in his famous “tree of liberty” letter. The same can be applied to lesser instances like this one. In the context of the letter, Shays’ Rebellion was getting a lot of attention, and the overseas “gazetters” were using it as a means to belittle the American cause. I do not think we should allow ourselves, our media, or our Representatives to the same with every little act of fiery disobedience here today:
…The British ministry have so long hired their gazetteers to repeat and model into every form lies about our being in anarchy, that the world has at length believed them, the English nation has believed them, the ministers themselves have come to believe them, and what is more wonderful, we have believed them ourselves. Yet where does this anarchy exist? Where did it ever exist, except in the single instance of Massachusets? And can history produce an instance of a rebellion so honourably conducted? I say nothing of it’s motives. They were founded in ignorance, not wickedness. God forbid we should ever be 20. years without such a rebellion. The people can not be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. We have had 13. states independant 11. years. There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state. What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve it’s liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure. Our Convention has been too much impressed by the insurrection of Massachusets: and in the spur of the moment they are setting up a kite to keep the hen yard in order.”
Letter from Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 13 November 1787
Let me be clear that I think the message of these gun-control Democrats is ignorant, misguided and dangerous to the rights of individuals. It distracts from finding real solutions and blames the wrong people for the evil perpetuated by others. Their stunt was childish and selfish. But expelling these lawmakers for expressing their frustration will only amplify their message and help their cause. It will only inspire further Democrat action in similar manners elsewhere and in different contexts. It foments division, not understanding. Jefferson, in a letter to James Madison expressed the same sentiment as above, “I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.” I hold the same to be true for the small acts of disobedience we see in our political discourse from time to time, the substance of the debate notwithstanding. It would be prudent to not amplify the more erroneous of messages by applying too heavy a hand to those that deliver them, unless we wish to make martyrs out of mice.
We are already seeing these Democrat lawmakers and their friends in the mainstream media spin this action in all sorts of ideologically-driven ways. This CNN article perpetuates the baseless accusation that the two lawmakers were expelled because they were “people of color” since the lawmaker that was not expelled is white. Of course, a more reasonable explanation for the one vote difference might be that the lawmaker that was not expelled engaged in slightly different behavior than the other two, including the fact she did not use a bullhorn as the other two did. Below is the full text of each resolution to expel each member for your consideration:
A RESOLUTION to expel Justin J. Pearson from his seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Eighty-sixth Representative District.
WHEREAS, Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution provides that “Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the Legislature of a free State”; and
WHEREAS, all members of the House of Representatives must comply with the Permanent Rules of Order of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly—including, preserving order, adhering to decorum, speaking only with recognition, not crowding around the Clerk’s desk, avoiding personalities, and not using props or displaying political messages; and
WHEREAS, during the House Floor Session (19th Legislative Day) on March 30, 2023, Justin J. Pearson of Shelby County, along with Gloria Johnson of Knox County and Justin Jones of Davidson County, did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives through their individual and collective actions; and
WHEREAS, at approximately 10:49 AM, Representative Pearson and his colleagues, having gathered at Representative Johnson’s desk, moved in unison to the well and began shouting without recognition; and
WHEREAS, once gathered in the well and called out of order, Representative Pearson and his colleagues proceeded to disrupt the proceedings of the House of Representatives from approximately 10:50 AM until approximately 11:42 AM; and WHEREAS, during this time, Representative Pearson and his colleagues shouted, pounded on the podium, led chants with citizens in the gallery, and generally engaged in disorderly and disruptive conduct, including refusing to leave the well, sitting on the podium, and utilizing a sign displaying a political message; and
WHEREAS, during this time, Representative Pearson and Representative Jones used a bullhorn to amplify their protestations; and
WHEREAS, these actions were done in open session in the presence of, and witnessed by, the members and staff of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the satisfaction of this Body that Representative Pearson’s conduct on March 30, 2023, constitutes disorderly behavior and justifies expulsion; and
WHEREAS, such disorderly behavior on the part of Representative Pearson reflects adversely upon the integrity and dignity of the House of Representatives of the State of
Tennessee, places a cloud upon the action of this Honorable Body, and is inconsistent with the duty of a member of this Body; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interests of the people of the State of Tennessee and this Body for Representative Pearson to relinquish his seat as a member of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, Representative Pearson has been given advance notice of the contents of this resolution and has been afforded the opportunity to debate the resolution on the floor of this House prior to its passage; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that, pursuant to the authority under Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution, this Body hereby expels Justin J. Pearson from his seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Eighty-sixth Representative District for his disorderly behavior occurring on March 30, 2023, and declares the Eighty-sixth Representative District seat vacant.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be prepared and forwarded to Justin J. Pearson, the legislative body of Shelby County, the Honorable Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, and the Honorable Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.
Resolution 63 to Expel Justin Pearson
A RESOLUTION to expel Gloria Johnson from her seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Ninetieth Representative District.
WHEREAS, Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution provides that “Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the Legislature of a free State”; and
WHEREAS, all members of the House of Representatives must comply with the Permanent Rules of Order of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly—including, preserving order, adhering to decorum, speaking only with recognition, not crowding around the Clerk’s desk, avoiding personalities, and not using props or displaying political messages; and
WHEREAS, during the House Floor Session (19th Legislative Day) on March 30, 2023, Gloria Johnson of Knox County, along with Justin J. Pearson of Shelby County and Justin Jones of Davidson County, did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives through their individual and collective actions; and
WHEREAS, at approximately 10:49 AM, Representative Johnson and her colleagues, having gathered at her desk, moved in unison to the well and began shouting without recognition; and
WHEREAS, once gathered in the well and called out of order, Representative Johnson and her colleagues proceeded to disrupt the proceedings of the House of Representatives from approximately 10:50 AM until approximately 11:42 AM; and WHEREAS, during this time, Representative Johnson and her colleagues shouted, pounded on the podium, led chants with citizens in the gallery, and generally engaged in disorderly and disruptive conduct, including refusing to leave the well, sitting on the podium, and utilizing a sign displaying a political message; and
WHEREAS, during this time, Representative Pearson and Representative Jones used a bullhorn to amplify their protestations; and
WHEREAS, these actions were done in open session in the presence of, and witnessed by, the members and staff of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the satisfaction of this Body that Representative Johnson’s conduct on March 30, 2023, constitutes disorderly behavior and justifies expulsion; and
WHEREAS, such disorderly behavior on the part of Representative Johnson reflects adversely upon the integrity and dignity of the House of Representatives of the State of
Tennessee, places a cloud upon the action of this Honorable Body, and is inconsistent with the duty of a member of this Body; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interests of the people of the State of Tennessee and this Body for Representative Johnson to relinquish her seat as a member of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, Representative Johnson has been given advance notice of the contents of this resolution and has been afforded the opportunity to debate the resolution on the floor of this House prior to its passage; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that, pursuant to the authority under Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution, this Body hereby expels Gloria Johnson from her seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Ninetieth Representative District for her disorderly behavior occurring on March 30, 2023, and declares
the Ninetieth Representative District seat vacant.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be prepared and forwarded to Gloria Johnson, the legislative body of Knox County, the Honorable Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, and the Honorable Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.
Resolution 64 to Expel Gloria Johnson
A RESOLUTION to expel Justin Jones from his seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Fifty second Representative District.
WHEREAS, Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution provides that “Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the Legislature of a free State”; and
WHEREAS, all members of the House of Representatives must comply with the Permanent Rules of Order of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly—including, preserving order, adhering to decorum, speaking only with recognition, not crowding around the Clerk’s desk, avoiding personalities, and not using props or displaying political messages; and
WHEREAS, during the House Floor Session (19th Legislative Day) on March 30, 2023, Justin Jones of Davidson County, along with Gloria Johnson of Knox County and Justin J. Pearson of Shelby County, did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor to the
House of Representatives through their individual and collective actions; and
WHEREAS, at approximately 10:49 AM, Representative Jones and his colleagues, having gathered at Representative Johnson’s desk, moved in unison to the well and began shouting without recognition; and
WHEREAS, once gathered in the well and called out of order, Representative Jones and his colleagues proceeded to disrupt the proceedings of the House of Representatives from approximately 10:50 AM until approximately 11:42 AM; and WHEREAS, during this time, Representative Jones and his colleagues shouted, pounded on the podium, led chants with citizens in the gallery, and generally engaged in disorderly and disruptive conduct, including refusing to leave the well, sitting on the podium, and utilizing a sign displaying a political message; and
WHEREAS, during this time, Representative Jones and Representative Pearson used a
bullhorn to amplify their protestations; and
WHEREAS, these actions were done in open session in the presence of, and witnessed by, the members and staff of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the satisfaction of this Body that Representative Jones’s conduct on March 30, 2023, constitutes disorderly behavior and justifies expulsion; and
WHEREAS, such disorderly behavior on the part of Representative Jones reflects adversely upon the integrity and dignity of the House of Representatives of the State of
Tennessee, places a cloud upon the action of this Honorable Body, and is inconsistent with the duty of a member of this Body; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interests of the people of the State of Tennessee and this Body for Representative Jones to relinquish his seat as a member of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, Representative Jones has been given advance notice of the contents of this resolution and has been afforded the opportunity to debate the resolution on the floor of this House prior to its passage; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that, pursuant to the authority under Article II, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution, this Body hereby expels Justin Jones from his seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Thirteenth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee elected by the Fifty-second Representative District for his disorderly behavior occurring on March 30, 2023, and declares
the Fifty-second Representative District seat vacant.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be prepared and forwarded
House Resolution 65 to Expel Justin Jones
to Justin Jones, the legislative body of Davidson County, the Honorable Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, and the Honorable Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.
Brass Tacks Politics 