Portman, Brown should apologize for self-serving goons on behalf of Ohio

I’ve had some old ideas stuck in my head. I have had the notion that being a United States senator meant something special.

Since childhood, I have believed that being a U.S. senator was about integrity and honesty, public service and wisdom.

The recent Supreme Court hearings have made it clear that the office has descended into something far different.

The Republicans on the committee seem to be all about mugging for the cameras, grubbing for fundraising dollars, feeding their own egos, and trying to be popular on Twitter.

It seems they will do almost anything to make this happen from distortion and grandstanding to just plain making stuff up. They don’t have to likeketanji Brown Jackson as a Supreme Court nominee, but the disrespect with which they have blasted this qualified, hard-working, distinguished mother and judge is appalling. It reflects strongly on their own characters rather than hers.

My notion that being a United States senator meant something other than being a self-serving goon was probably outdated, anyway. Still, I am sad about this. I am sad that we have elected people who are so far from being men and women of stature and substance.

Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown are not members of this committee. May they have the guts to offer an apology to the nominee.

“For myself and on behalf of the people of Ohio, I am deeply sorry for the treatment you have received.”

I hope as citizens we have the courage and insight to elect people of integrity to every office.

John Schmieding, Athens