Content Contributor: Wendy Busse-Coleman
This week, a group of Democratic lawmakers gathered at Speaker Mike Johnson's office to advocate for the immediate swearing-in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. During the demonstration, they voiced their demands, engaged with Capitol Police, and reportedly removed signage outside the Speaker's office. Their objective was to secure an additional vote for a discharge petition concerning the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Their approach was one of direct action, protest and disruption.
Let's be clear: advocacy is essential. Protest is powerful. But when elected officials, entrusted with the dignity of public service, resort to tactics that resemble mob pressure rather than principled persuasion, something breaks.
This isn't about party lines. It's about respect.
We can disagree on policy. We can challenge leadership. But berating officers, ignoring protocol, and weaponizing chaos to force a vote? That's not the kind of leadership our democracy deserves. It's not the kind of behavior we should model for the next generation of changemakers.
What's the real cost of this stunt?
- It undermines the credibility of legitimate grievances.
- It distracts from the very issues they claim to champion.
- It erodes public trust in the institutions that hold our republic together.
There's a better way.
If Democrats believe Speaker Johnson is stalling, they should use the tools of governance, hearings, statements, legal channels to hold him accountable. Not hallway theatrics. Not shouting matches. Not disrespect.
As someone who believes in storytelling with soul, I know that passion must be paired with principle. Protest without purpose becomes noise. And noise, no matter how loud, doesn't build bridges it burns them.
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