Just when I thought Congress couldn’t go any lower, watching the exchange among Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a hearing proved me wrong. It was disappointing to see leaders insult each other through shouting and name calling in a premier legislative body that should set the example for civility and collaboration.
Congress faces a litany of issues that Republicans and Democrats have failed to address — including immigration reform, public safety, the economy, education, health care and Social Security reform. ABC reported that the 118th Congress is on track to become one of the least productive in the history of the United States. “Shame on us, both parties. We sold the American public out on everything,” Republican Rep. Tim Burchett told ABC. This lack of civility is preventing Congress from addressing key issues confronting our country. Will it take another tragedy like 9-11 to spur collaboration and unity? Leadership could break through the chaos and encourage cooperation on behalf of the American people.
The lack of respect and decorum demonstrated by Greene, Crockett and Ocasio-Cortez that day was disgraceful. Young people might falsely believe that their actions are acceptable. Also, during the recent presidential debate, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump spent 90 minutes insulting each other. Assertions about sex with porn stars, falsehoods and misleading statements underscored the contempt both men have for each other. Perhaps the worst disrespect was they failed to shake hands, fist-bump or respect the highest office in the land.
Unfortunately, this behavior is not confined to Congress or presidential debates.
Following a recent Chicago City Council meeting, Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, asked Ald. David Moore, 17th, why he voted to hold up La Spata’s noncontroversial housing development in Logan Square. “The answer, Moore shouted in anger and frustration as he stood beside a sun-filled window, was retaliation. ‘If you hit me, I’m gonna knock your ass out,’ he grumbled as he got closer to La Spata,” the Tribune reported.
“If you slap me, I’m going to hit you with a bat. If you hit me with a bat, I’m going to shoot you with a gun.” Moore said.
I fear too many elected leaders practice the politics of revenge and retaliation. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “If we do an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, we will be a blind and toothless nation.” Moore’s language about shooting someone is totally irresponsible, given the gun violence crisis in Chicago.
Biden and Trump should focus less on name-calling and more on their visions to move America forward. Trump must resist the temptation to exact revenge, should the people elect him. He should consider signing a pledge to refrain from seeking retribution.
The Roman Empire, once a powerful nation, was destroyed from within through internal corruption, division, constant wars, overspending and a lack of moral values. Is America following the same path? The lack of respect and decorum could lead to the destruction of our democracy and a breakdown of society.
Leaders must set an example — they are role models. Public service is a higher calling that must put people and integrity ahead of politics. Society reflects our government. Have you noticed people are less patient and civil? According to WFLD-Ch. 32, Illinois State Police statistics show that for the past two years, “over 40% of expressway shootings in both the Chicago area and across the state were road rage related.” This year, the number of shootings on Illinois highways tied to road rage has increased to 52%.
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As a former congressional staffer, I was fortunate to work in a Congress that prioritized the people. The Illinois delegation worked collectively to achieve great results for the state and the country. The current Congress consists of a historic number of women and is the most diverse in our nation’s history. Despite that, just 16% Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, according to a Gallup survey conducted in June.
What can be done to bring back civility and respect? First, civility must begin at home. Parents and guardians have an obligation to teach children to respect their elders and peers. Also, children in public schools across the nation would benefit from character education classes that focus on respect and responsibility while not neglecting literacy in reading, math and science. An employer that does a great job teaching respect and decorum is Chick-fil-A. Its service and professionalism are outstanding.
Social media and the internet do not promote respect or civility. In fact, engagement with the platforms flourishes from incivility, chaos and conflict.
As a nation we have to get back to civility and decorum. We can agree to disagree — without the name-calling. “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” President Abraham Lincoln said. As Americans we must unite and demand civility in our government, schools and neighborhoods.
Richard Boykin is a former Cook County commissioner.
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