U.S. Congress Rules of Engagement

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Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D).

I know I routinely accuse Hollywood of using the same screenplay over and over again, but I must admit that movies also gave us a glimpse of how American institutions work. Police. Courts of Law. Congress. Colleges.

New job? There’s always someone to show you around the workshop, factory, hospital ward, garage, the library, hotel, locker room, lawyers’ chambers or U.S. Congress. What is frustrating about politics is that on the ground campaigning is different from being in Washington D.C. New city, new office, new corridors and formality. Congress has rules of engagement. This is how you ask a question. This is how it is replied. This is how you ‘get mad.’ We get mad because we’re human. After the November presidential election, some Americans will find themselves in Congress for the first time. It will be daunting but they will remember what happened between these Congresswomen.

- Jasmine Crockett (D), representing Texas, 30th Congressional District, arrived in Congress in 2023.

- Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) representing Georgia 14th Congressional District since 2021.

It was about rules of engagement. Marjorie Taylor Greene made a comment about Jasmine Crockett’s physical appearance. She talked to her directly. Crockett responded by seeking clarification from the Chair about rules of engagement. That is what it was all about. Democrats and Republicans don’t see eye to eye as it’s expected, but this is how they should conduct themselves. Same as in your corporate boardroom, locker room, sales’ meetings or place of worship. There are rules of engagement.

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Blogger Without Borders

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