The Childlike Antics of Our Congressional Leaders
The Case of Rep. Jamaal Bowman
Guest Author
In a time when the American public is increasingly disillusioned with the state of politics, the recent actions of Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a Democratic congressman from New York, have done little to restore faith in our elected officials. On Friday, October 28, 2022, Bowman pulled a fire alarm in a House office building, triggering the building's alarm system. His staff later claimed that he didn't realize his actions would set off the alarm, and Bowman himself said he was rushing to a vote and thought the alarm would open a locked door.
This incident raises serious questions about the competence and integrity of our elected leaders. Either Bowman is so uninformed that he couldn't read the signs indicating what pulling a fire alarm would do, or he deliberately triggered the alarm. Neither option is acceptable, and as American citizens, we need to reevaluate how we elect our leaders. How could someone like Bowman, who would either lie so brazenly or be so foolish, be entrusted with the responsibility of legislating on behalf of the American people?
Critics have been quick to point out the implausibility of Bowman's explanations. For one, there are tunnels connecting House office buildings to the Capitol, specifically designed to provide quick access to votes. His decision to pull the fire alarm not only put lives at risk by diverting first responders from actual emergencies but also should lead to charges similar to those faced by Jan. 6 protesters who supposedly ‘obstructed an official proceeding’ of Congress.
Bowman's past experience as a school principal makes his claim that he didn't understand the consequences of pulling a fire alarm all the more implausible. In a setting where safety protocols are paramount, it's inconceivable that someone with his background would be unaware of the gravity of such an action. This casts serious doubt on his explanation and lends credence to the notion that this may have been a calculated political stunt. Coupled with his history of making exaggerated claims—such as stating that reducing food stamps would lead to "genocide"—Bowman's actions reveal a pattern of behavior that is either recklessly uninformed or deliberately misleading. Either way, it's a disservice to the constituents he represents and further erodes the already fragile trust the American public has in its elected officials.
Bowman serves as the prime example of the low bar set for our elected officials. Whether he is a fool, a liar, or both, the fact remains that there is little consequence in Congress for being "too stupid to legislate." This should serve as a wake-up call for American voters. We must demand higher standards for those we elect to represent us. The stakes are too high, and the challenges too great, to settle for mediocrity—or worse, incompetence masked as theatrics.
It's incidents like these that contribute to Congress's abysmally low approval ratings, often languishing in the single digits. The actions of Rep. Jamaal Bowman, whether rooted in ignorance or deceit, serve as a glaring example of why the American public has such little faith in their elected officials. A breach of public trust and a stain on the institution he represents, Bowman's conduct underscores the urgent need to hold our elected leaders to a higher standard—one that prioritizes integrity and competence over sensationalism and theatrics. Until we do, the credibility of our democratic institutions will continue to erode, and the American people will remain justifiably skeptical of those who are supposed to represent them.
- WALTER CURT, EDITOR, THE W.C. DISPATCH
Walter Curt is an independent journalist and editor, with a unique background that includes law, politics, government, small business, and the blue-collar automotive industry. His publication, The W.C. Dispatch, is a conservative, Christian platform offering a mix of cultural, political, and religious insights. For thought-provoking perspectives that challenge the status quo, The W.C. Dispatch is your go-to read.
