Should Congresswoman Maxine Waters Be Censured for Her Weekend Remarks?

The recent controversy surrounding Congresswoman Maxine Waters stems from a series of comments she made over the weekend, which some critics argue constitute harassment of Trump staff and Cabinet members. A more pertinent question might be: Should ‘The Orange Shitgibbon’ (a reference to former President Donald Trump) be censured for calling her a person of low intellect?

Reserving Censure for More Egregious Acts

Censure, it can be argued, should be reserved for much more serious transgressions than those leveled by Congresswoman Waters. While two wrongs may not make a right, it is worth noting that Congress has a history of leniency in the application of this severe measure. For instance, Chief of Staff John Kelly faced no censure when he, in turn, called a Florida Congresswoman an 'empty barrel' and later falsely denied making such remarks.

Even after video evidence proved Kelly's lies, he did not issue an apology. Similarly, other top officials like Sean Spicer, Anthony Scaramucci, and Sarah Sanders have not been censured for their outrageous falsehoods to the American public on a daily basis. This inconsistency raises questions about the selective application of censure.

Calling B.S. Responsibly

While Congresswoman Waters' spirit in demanding truth and transparency is commendable, her approach—calling for a crowd to harass people—can be seen as irresponsible. In today's volatile social and political climate, cooler heads should prevail, and the rhetoric must be more measured to avoid unnecessary escalation.

It is important to distinguish between inciting violence and calling for a protest. While Waters may have encouraged a protest as a form of expression, her comments went beyond that in invoking harassment. If supporters took actions beyond merely attending or protesting, they would be acting beyond the scope of her intent. Congress and the public should encourage responsible and constructive dialogue rather than inflammatory rhetoric that could lead to further escalation.

Politics and Public Perception

The political nature of this issue plays a significant role in the public's response. If the same individuals making a fuss were everyday citizens, they likely would complain but take no legal action due to the laws and societal norms. The distinction between a politician and an ordinary citizen is stark, and it colors the public's perception and the media's coverage.

While Maxine Waters' comments have rightly drawn scrutiny, it is crucial to apply these standards consistently. If other high-ranking officials are not held accountable for their inflammatory rhetoric, the perception of fairness and justice is undermined. This is important not just for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process but also for setting a positive example for public discourse.

In conclusion, the debate on whether to censure Congresswoman Maxine Waters should not be binary. The issue requires a nuanced understanding of the context, the nature of her comments, and the history of how leaders are held accountable. It is incumbent upon both lawmakers and the public to demand responsible and truthful discourse, while also recognizing the complexities inherent in such debates.