In Tennessee, a momentous and extraordinary act of political retribution has recently taken place. Republican-controlled House voted to expel two members, both young Black Democrats – Rep. London Lamar and Rep. Joe Towns Jr. The weight of the decision is palpable, being the first time in nearly a century that a Tennessee House member has been expelled from office.
The vote to remove Lamar and Towns was overwhelming; the motion to expel passed by a 73-23 vote. The response came after Lamar and Towns had led protesters in a call to enact stricter gun laws. The reactions to the vote have been polarized, with both sides claiming that their perspectives are rooted in precedent and morals.
The New York Times National Correspondent Emily Cochrane discussed the longer-term implications of the ousting, and what it tells us about this moment in American politics. Beyond the political implications, the expulsion emphasizes the deep tension between racial justice and gun control that continue to pervade American politics.
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Emily Cochrane is a National Correspondent for The New York Times. Based in Philadelphia, she has done reporting from Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and across the United States. She was part of The Times’ team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for reporting on Trump’s connections to Russia in the 2016 election. She has also contributed to the Sports, Business and Culture desks of The Times.
In Tennessee, the expulsion of these two young Black Democratic members of the House is an extraordinary reminder of the power dynamics that drive American politics today. This decision highlights the turmoil between racial justice and gun control, a fiery debate that still needs to be addressed on a larger scale. The Daily provides listeners with a comprehensive view of the story that delves deep into the larger context of the issue.
