Vote your conscience

Following a scathing report from the House Ethics Committee, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson made this statement regarding a vote to expel a member of his party: “What we’ve said is, the leadership team, is we’re gonna allow people to vote their conscience.”

Well, it’s a great relief to know that members are being allowed to do what is right. The implication, of course, is that in normal circumstances Republican members do not vote their consciences. Instead, they get a call or email from the party whip, then dutifully obey commands from on high.

Two from Arkansas (Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman) did vote their conscience. One (French Hill) used a flimsy reference to “dangerous precedent” rather than hearing the klaxon-level blaring of facts in the case. A fourth (Rick Crawford) conveniently ducked out of town when his conscience was called upon.

Almost all members of Congress are in safe seats, and it’s a pretty nice job (especially when you can get the big bucks as a lobbyist when your time is done). Why threaten the status quo, or the perquisites of office, by voting your conscience? It’s much easier to play “follow the leader.” Besides, not having to research or think about issues gives members more time to call up their donors and beg for money.

Voters deplore the Congress as a whole but admire and re-elect their own representatives, so the system is self-perpetuating. Things will improve only when voters develop some discernment and elect people with courage, people that routinely vote their conscience rather than doing so only when they get permission. Sadly, I don’t see this discernment anywhere around, unless it is being developed in young people who are just now or soon to be voting age.

RICHARD CHAPMAN

Little Rock