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Maintain proper conduct among the lawmakers
Senator Brian Schatz's recent performance on the Senate floor sparks questions about the erosion of leadership values in America.
During a Senate debate over Senator Alex Padilla's removal from a Homeland Security news conference, Schatz alleged that "it's legal to be disrespectful...disruptive behavior is acceptable, as long as it's just your words and not your body." While freedom of speech is guaranteed by the First Amendment, shouldn't our esteemed politicians hold themselves to a higher standard of decorum and professionalism, exemplifying the epitome of leadership?
Legends of the past like the Great Generation and icons such as Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy would undoubtedly be disheartened by such casual disregard for decorum.
One might muse whether Senator Schatz would tolerate a high school student shouting in a teacher's face. Perhaps schools could foster better classroom disposition if our elected officials modeled civility and restraint instead of schoolyard-like behavior.
It's essential for our leaders to understand the impact their words and actions have on the manners and discipline exhibited by the younger generation. As role models, we expect them to uphold a standard of decorum and professionalism that inspires and guides, rather than undermines the established order.
- This incident with Senator Brian Schatz is a topic that warrants discussion in the policy-and-legislation section of the op-ed, questioning if politicians should adhere to a higher standard of decorum and professionalism, as did past leaders.
- As the standard of decorum in American politics seems to erode, it would be beneficial to include a news article in the general-news section discussing whether schools might improve classroom discipline if they modeled the civility and restraint exhibited by politicians.
