Loren Lippincott
At a time when public trust in government is fragile and civic discourse is under attack, the conduct of elected officials must reflect the dignity and responsibility of their office. State senators who resort to profanity, glorify violence and openly oppose the lawful operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) betray the public trust and undermine the principles of democratic governance. Such behavior is not only unbecoming of public servants, it is dangerous to public safety and damaging to the institutions they represent.
Profanity from lawmakers is more than crude language; it indicates a breakdown in decorum and respect for our institutions. When state senators use vulgar language in public forums, they erode the standards of civil discourse and normalize incivility. This is not a matter of personal expression, but is a matter of public responsibility. Elected officials are role models, whether they accept that role or not and their words carry weight. Legislators should speak with conviction not with contempt or vitriol. The use of foul language by those in power sends a message that anger and outrage are more important than reason and respect.
What I find most disconcerting is the acceptance or endorsement of violent behavior some leaders have touted or at least flirted with online. Calls for violence undermine the rule of law, crossing a line which threatens the stability of the state and our nation. The rule of law relies on peaceful debate, compromise and rejection of violence as a means of political expression. Any elected official who promotes such acts betrays their oath of office and should be held accountable by their constituents and peers. Encouraging hostility, even indirectly, invites chaos and weakens the core principles of representative government. It emboldens extremists and diminishes the moral authority of those who are supposed to lead by example.
The hostility toward ICE is an example of this troubling trend. While immigration policy is a legitimate area of debate, demonizing the men and women of ICE, whose job it is to enforce federal law and protect national security, is reckless. These agents perform tough, often dangerous work to uphold the law. To vilify them wholesale is to undermine our laws and embolden those who flout them. State senators who adopt anti-ICE rhetoric not only insult law enforcement professionals, they also signal to the public that selective obedience to the law is acceptable, which sets a dangerous precedent. Constructive criticism of policy is valid; blanket condemnation of law enforcement is not.
Several avenues can be taken by the Legislature’s Executive Committee to discipline one of its own: 1. A Letter of Reprimand, a formal written disapproval issued by the Executive Committee, can be used for misconduct that doesn’t rise to the level of censure or expulsion. It serves as an official warning and public record of inappropriate behavior.
2. Censure is a formal condemnation that requires a majority vote. The member must stand in the chamber and receive a verbal rebuke, often read aloud by the Speaker. Though it doesn’t remove the member from office, it significantly damages his or her reputation and standing.
3. Expulsion is the most severe penalty and requires a two-thirds vote. It removes the member from the body (but only for one day). Historically, this action has been reserved for serious offenses, such as criminal conduct or betrayal of public trust.
4. Referral to Law Enforcement happens when the committee finds substantial evidence of criminal conduct and the matter is referred to federal or state authorities. This applies to violations of criminal law, such as incitement to violence or corruption.
These measures are not just punitive, they serve to protect the integrity of the legislative body, uphold public trust in democratic institutions and deter future misconduct by setting clear consequences. If a senator’s behavior reflects discredit on the institution, even if it doesn’t violate a specific law, the committee still has the authority to act. The Constitution grants the chamber the power to discipline its own members for “disorderly behavior,” ensuring that standards of conduct are maintained.
The biblical proverb is true: When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Prov. 29:2)
Loren Lippincott represents Legislative District 34 in the Nebraska State Senate. Read his column in the Nance County Journal.