Trouble is brewing for Louie Gohmert
He’s often derisively called the dumbest member of Congress, with good reason and ample proof. Just consider his fear of gay astronauts for starters. Every day that Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) speaks, it’s a day we’re reminded that he’s a toxic combination of ignorance, bellicosity, and meanness. It’s uncertain if even his Republican colleagues have much appetite for him. That the people of Texas’ first congressional district keep sending him to Congress reflects poorly on them, as Gohmert simply isn’t capable of doing anything honorable or intelligent. He’s not just a Texas problem, he’s a problem for us all.
Sometimes Gohmert’s buffoonery cancels out his nefariousness, so at least we have that occasional smidgen of protection against his antics. But too often he chooses the role of incendiary, anti-democracy Republican. This brings us to what Gohmert has gotten himself into this time: possible censure by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Even after violent insurrectionists stormed the Capitol on January 6th, Gohmert joined 146 other Republicans in voting to overturn the will of the people. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gohmert then made a statement to conservative outlet Newsmax that was construed as being inciteful of yet more violence. His remarks were inflammatory and beneath the already-low bar the GOP has set for itself. Should a censure of Gohmert gain more support in the House, this would be the second-severest punishment that this chamber of Congress can impose. Republicans now call for unity after years of divisive actions and rhetoric on their part. We can have unity and healing after we have justice and acknowledgment of Republican wrongdoings. If we can’t get him to resign or see that he’s expelled, at least let there be this consequence for Gohmert.
