Have you ever tuned in to congressional hearings in
Washington, where representatives go all out attacking the person who came to
speak about an issue, but instead they are insulted and accused of horrible
untruths? That moment isn’t about truth;
it’s called political Bullshit Theater, and it affords the attacking political representative
with campaign and new soundbites! They craft those sound bites for news and
campaign ads, trying to look powerful while neglecting their real job:
representing the American people. Let's hold them accountable!
Each representative is schooled in one very important aspect
of the United States Constitution that protects them from being held
accountable for their speech or false allegations wherein they can’t be sued
for defamation or slander, and they defame and slander anyone they can while in
a hearing room then walk out laughing. That little known clause is called the
Speech or Debate Clause found in Article 1, Section 6, clause 1 of that document.
“The Senators and Representatives shall in all Cases,
except Treason, Felony, and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest
during their Attendance at the Session of their Respective Houses, and in going
to and from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall
not be questioned in any other Place.”
“The clause was designed to protect legislative independence
and reinforce the separation of powers. It prevents the executive or judicial
branches from using arrests, prosecutions, or civil suits to intimidate or
punish legislators for actions taken in their official capacity. The
protections are not limited to words spoken in debate — they cover a broad
range of legitimate legislative acts, such as:
Speaking of or voting on bills, amendments, nominations, and
other matters
Drafting and introducing legislation
Committee work, including hearings and reports.
“The clause reinforces the separation of powers by ensuring
legislators can act without fear of reprisal from the executive or judiciary.
Justice James Wilson called it “indispensably necessary” for representatives to
“enjoy the fullest liberty of speech” to fulfill their public trust”
Accountability is key to a healthy democracy. When voters
actively engage by reaching out to their representatives or participating in
elections, they send a strong message about the need for integrity and
transparency. Every voice matters! Your
participation can influence change and hold officials responsible for their
actions. Make your voices heard, especially if your elected officials act like cranky
toddlers while on the floor of the house or out in public. Speaking down to the
media camera, or reporter, denouncing fellow representatives as if they are
better than others in the same chamber. Let them know you didn’t vote for their
childish behavior; you voted for their leadership.
Elizabeth Kilbride has over 40 years of writing and editing
experience, she’s an author of 5 books and a
passionate learner pursuing her Ph.D. in Criminology. Her work portfolio
includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true
crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her
spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and
pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during
her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts
while using history to weave interesting storylines. From politics to true
crime, Elizabeth covers it all while creating captivating stories from
real-life events. In her free time, she’s a gourmet cook
and artist skilled in various mediums! Follow her journey across 7 blogs on
art, life coaching, food, writing & more!
