Readers across the globe are responding to the expulsion of Tennessee lawmakers | Letters

Letters continue to pour into my inbox about the expulsion of two Democratic lawmakers at the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday.

The Tennessean published a first batch of letters during the proceedings. This article on Friday includes all new letters including one from New Zealand, which is 8,000 miles from Tennessee. People across the globe are invested in what's happening in Tennessee.

To recap: Reps. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, and Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, were accused of "disorderly behavior" for encouraging protesters in the House gallery on March 30, who were demanding solutions against gun violence. They were accused of being in violation of House rules.

• Jones was the first to address the charges. He was expelled by a vote of 72 to 25.

• Johnson survived her proposed ouster when the necessary two-thirds vote failed, 65-30.

• Pearson was expelled by a vote of 69-26.

Below find a sample of the letters we have received.

-- David Plazas, opinion and engagement director. Email me your thoughts at dplazas@tennessean.com.

Column: Lawmakers expel colleagues and put Tennessee in the spotlight for the wrong reasons

Editorial: Expelling these Tennessee lawmakers is an outrage; Cameron Sexton should show grace

Tennessee not being taken seriously

While vacationing in Italy watching the BBC, we learned of the Republican legislature in Tennessee expelling two of the three minority party’s members for offending house rules by speaking out of turn.

They noted what a historic event it was, implying that the heavy-handed behavior of this group of majority politicians was a stain on the democratic norms expected in a civilized society like the USA. It was noted how things have changed abroad. It’s a shame Tennessee is not taken seriously by many internationally now. How to recover from that?

Greg James, Murfreesboro 37130

‘In your face’ protests were inappropriate

As an Independent, it matters not to me to what party the members of the House belong, who are facing ouster by their peers. What does matter is that Tennessee lawmakers obey the laws of the State they were elected to serve. What does matter is that Tennessee does not allow an uprising like that of Jan. 6th in our capitol.

What does matter is that our leaders lead us in a manner that shows respect to the people, and to the laws and procedures they swore to uphold.

More: Tennessee Democrats take full advantage of national spotlight: Key takeaways from expulsion debate

Yes, I too believe that we need to address gun violence. Right now. However, it should not be done in an "in your face at my time when I say so!" manner with a bullhorn, as was done.

That gains nothing and instead sets back and distorts the effort. Instead, we need a calm discussion with all parties allowed to be heard.

Stephanie Hatchett, Nashville 37206

Stop Jan. 6 insurrection comparisons

Let’s get one thing straight: There is no equivalency between the Jan. 6 insurrection and the Nashville protest. January 6th was based on a lie, there were millions of dollars of property destroyed and dozens of law enforcement officers injured or killed.

The Nashville protest tried to force the Republicans to enact stricter gun control because people are dying by the dozens. The only damage done was to the egos of the Republican legislators. So, ejecting democrats who protested is an overreaction and is a false moral equivalency

James Ransbottom, Palmetto, Florida 34221

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Don’t play chess with checkers

The Republican members of the State House found out you don't play chess with checkers. In expelling two members they accomplished nothing but propelling the representatives onto the national stage and spotlight where they have shown what true leadership is.

What the Republicans did accomplish was make a mockery of democracy, humiliated Tennessee on the world stage and disgraced the Tennessee General Assembly.

This is a moment of reckoning for Tennessee. Cutting off microphones to prevent duly elected representatives from engaging in legitimate political discourse will not silence them as we have heard. I stand with the Tennessee Three.

Rebecca Rochat, Chattanooga 37405

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The world is watching Tennessee

I am following events in Tennessee from New Zealand. I type this so that you are aware that this action by the Republican House is very visible to the world.

We watch with alarm as the Republicans lead charge after charge against the Constitution, women, democracy and freedom of thought. The hypocrisy is staggering.

I can speak for many in saying that we do not think it is funny. We do not think it’s entertainment. It is a rolling tragedy. I sincerely hope that these state legislators are held to very real account. Their actions are nothing short of appalling.

I find it particularly distressing as someone who has lived and studied in the U.S. and who has held the U.S. in strong regard. I think of the great hospitality I encountered in Tennessee and elsewhere in the U.S. Then I see this.

Doug Bailey, New Zealand

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We need a peaceful resolution

As a University of Tennessee graduate, Class of 73, I am sorry to see the unfortunate situation in the capitol city. As an old friend of Sen. William Peeler, I am sure he would agree. Hope this can be resolved peacefully.

Bill Schaefer, Dayton, Ohio 45458

Arizona isn’t so bad now

As a former resident of Tennessee, I've watched from a distance as the politics I witnessed many years ago metastasized into something completely antithetical to democracy.

The expulsion of two Black members of your legislature is the last straw. I thought we in Arizona were bad, but y'all make us look sane. Obviously, we won't be spending any money in your state – can't support state-sponsored racism – and of course, we'll share the news with our friends. Could there be a dumber move by the Tennessee legislature? Doubtful.

Kate O'Connor-Masse, Chino Valley, Arizona 86323

Why we are boycotting

My family recognizes the fine people and beautiful countryside of Tennessee. However, because of the prejudicial and partisan expulsion of the elected representatives from the Legislature yesterday, we have decided to never visit Tennessee again, nor purchase any products manufactured in Tennessee. One has to take a stand against unpatriotic injustice.

William Cunningham, Willimantic, Connecticut 06226

Where is the common sense?

The expulsion of two democratic lawmakers from the state legislature; does not make sense because of the freedom to speak on the issue of gun safety and the ten or so days of what happened at a Presbyterian private school that, needs to be discussed.

So far the state republicans are not interested in saving lives but glorifying the violence and treachery that is happening in Nashville, Tennessee and at the state capitol.

Stripping those two people as lawmakers is a black eye to the republican state legislature and that their actions have failed their base already.

There is no common sense on the Republican side who are not realists but fakers of fake news to advance their own agenda.

John Huerta, Merced, California 95340

Lawmakers are still fighting the Civil War

Surprise, surprise, surprise. The people of Tennessee have voted and elected two young gentlemen of color as well as a woman who speaks her own mind and what has the Republican majority done about it? Why, they did do what all Republicans do.

They get rid of them with some ridiculous and poorly conceived expulsion. Looking at Tennessee in this latest gambit assures me of one thing and that is that your lovely state is still fighting the Civil War. Disgusting. It also speaks to your complete lack of compassion as far as those poor souls who were shot down in school. This is the result of electing idiots for high office.

Frances Miller, Copake, New York 12516

Praying for a change of heart

I am so grateful that we moved out of Tennessee when I was 10 years old. Blessings upon the three lawmakers who stood up for the students. I pray for a change of heart for those who so callously voted them out. May God grant them new and contrite hearts in this Holy Easter Season.

L. Chappelle, Reno, Nevada 89513

The day the music died

The Tennessee legislature just stopped the music for me, and many others. Such heartbreak.

Suzan Hopkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Readers across the globe respond to expulsion of Tennessee lawmakers