Free peoples must confront their leaders, but in civilized ways.
Who gets to talk, and who has to listen? The answer is simple: In our form of government, it’s the people’s voices that matter. Elected officials are not supposed to tune out messengers they don’t like or try to undermine political speech.
But the messengers have a responsibility, too. They have to show respect for the system they hope to influence.
This refresher course in basic civics is important in these polarized times when protesters on the left are employing methods against President Donald Trump that protesters on the right used effectively against President Barack Obama.
Politics is a contact sport. But the quality of the contact matters. Smashmouth may be en vogue at the White House, but the long-term well-being of our country requires discipline and faithfulness to our guiding principles.
Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords offered valuable insights to members of Congress who refuse to hold town-hall meetings: “Have some courage. Face your constituents. Hold town halls.”
The 2011 shooting at Giffords’ “Congress on Your Corner” event killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Giffords and former Rep. Ron Barber, who worked for her at the time and subsequently held town halls of his own after being elected to Congress.
In a self-serving demonstration of going lower than a snake’s belly, Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert last week cited the massacre near Tucson as a reason not to hold town halls. Really?
Giffords’ call to show a little courage was the right response.
Also demonstrating the way to wear big-girl pants was Republican Rep. Martha McSally, who now holds the congressional seat both Giffords and Barber once occupied.
After declining one town-hall invitation as an attempted “political ambush,” McSally showed up in Sahuarita on Thursday.
The sometimes-raucous event was moderated by Dan Shearer, editor of the Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun. He says McSally told him before the event that “I’m going there because I think I can learn something.” This is exactly the right attitude. On Friday, McSally told Tucson AM radio’s “Buckmaster Show” that the largely anti-Trump audience at the town hall was made up of “people that I represent, and I want to hear from them.” That, too, is the right approach. Those who avoid unhappy constituents or dismiss them as “paid protesters” show a craven and shallow view of our system of government.
The responsibility that comes with elected office includes the humility to listen and learn from all the constituents — the pleasant ones and the ones who jeer and taunt. But the call for responsible behavior cuts both ways. Those who want to express their political opinions need to remember that if they want to be taken seriously.
It is perfectly acceptable to hold elected officials responsible and demand answers. But being forceful is not the same as being disrespectful. McSally’s event was tough and sometimes hostile, according to reports. But it was also a good example of democracy in action.
The same cannot be said of a Feb. 16 Tucson rally in which the anti-Trump demonstrators began blocking traffic and refused police directions to move to the sidewalk. One officer was struck and pepper spray was used to restore order.
Unruly demonstrations provide an opening for lawmakers who want to quiet the healthy cacophony of democracy.
On Wednesday, all of the Republican members of the Arizona state Senate passed Senate Bill 1142, which makes it possible to seize the property of anyone participating in or organizing a protest that turns into a riot. All the Democrats voted no.
This effort to stick a sock in the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech is being done in the name of combating “paid protesters” and violence.
There are currently laws against rioting, property damage and assault. This bill reaches too far and would intimidate legitimate protesters.
The measure is a whiny and unworthy effort to undermine the people’s right to peaceably assemble, petition their government and speak their mind at a time when many people are inclined to do just that.
But it is also a reminder that the way in which one protests is important. Careless behavior can be counterproductive.
The nation is deeply divided, and it is more important than ever to honor our traditions of liberty, openness and free speech.
Politicians may find it uncomfortable to listen, but that’s their job.
Those who want to speak may find it difficult to remain disciplined and focused, but that’s their best chance of being heard.
The call for responsible behavior cuts both ways. Those who want to express their political opinions need to remember that if they want to be taken seriously.