Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The Details
In what can only be described as a theatrical display of partisanship on steroids, the latest news out of the Sooner State has reached levels of absurdity—scratch that. So, an Oklahoma Senator has been censured, not for doing anything that typically warrants being ostracized, like embezzlement, having a super PAC-funded affair, or wearing socks with sandals. No, this political pariah earned their scarlet letter ‘N’ for negotiation—for daring to reach across the aisle in an attempt at bipartisan legislation. Democracy is genuinely at its peak when working together becomes the treachery du jour, isn’t it?
The Breakdown
- We’ve Officially Made “Cooperation” a Dirty Word
Apparently, in the roller derby that is Oklahoma politics, working with the “enemy” merits a time-out. This Senator was censured as if they suggested the state bird be changed to a blue jay—the nerve! - One Step Forward, Ten Steps Back
You would think progress comes from, you know, progressing. Instead, this Senator’s attempt to actually make a difference has been met with the equivalent of a parental “go to your room and think about what you’ve done,” except the “room” is political exile. - What’s Next, Censuring Compromises at Thanksgiving Dinner?
I can see it now: “Grandma’s been censured for suggesting both apple and pumpkin pie.” Have we become so tribal that someone offering solutions is now considered a persona non grata? - Senator, How Dare You Not Blindly Toe the Party Line!
Forget integrity or serving the public—this Senator’s blunder was treating the other party as though they were actual human beings capable of rational discussions. Clearly, a faux pas! - Heresy in the Highest Order: Using Your Brain
It blows my mind that critical thinking and reaching across the aisle have become political heresy. Should we start burning books on diplomacy and mutual respect as well?
The Counter
- Who Needs Progress When You’ve Got Partisanship?
Progress is overrated, anyway. Why solve problems when you can just bicker about them indefinitely? Silly Senator, thinking elected officials are there to enact change. - Unity is the New Anarchy
Unity? In my political arena? It’s less likely than you think. What are we teaching the children if we start preaching the gospel of “getting along”? That we’re adults? - Does Bipartisanship Pay the Bills? I Think Not
Politicians need conflict like fish need water. Without it, how will they fundraise? How will they rally their base? Cooperation doesn’t come with a kickback, now does it? - Turncoats Wear Bipartisan Undergarments
What if this censured Senator cares as much about the opposition’s ideas as they do about their own? I’ll tell you what—that’s the wardrobe of a turncoat, my friends. Off with their career! - Stand for Something, Even If It’s Nothing
The Senator stood for the outrageous concept of doing something; everyone knows that in modern politics, you stand for nothing except your party’s preapproved sound bites.
The Hot Take
My fellow Americans, if we are to fix the dumpster fire of dogmatic discord that we call politics, maybe we should start by not punishing politicians for the heinous crime of thinking. God forbid, but what if we actually encouraged more listening and less lecturing? Maybe we trade in those censure certificates for “Good Job!” stickers whenever someone crosses the aisle.
And let’s put it on the books: every politician who successfully negotiates a bipartisan deal gets a free ice cream sundae, because nothing says “democratic process” like a cherry on top. We’ve got to start rewarding adult behavior somewhere, don’t we? I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a Senator who’s capable of both throwing a punch and shaking hands afterwards. Civility with a side of sarcasm, hold the nonsense.
Source: OBSTRUCTION: Oklahoma Senator officially censured for bipartisan negotiation
