Senate committee's inaction on fisticuff incident disappoints
What Others Say

When Alabama Sen. Charles Bishop punched Sen. Lowell Barron on the Senate floor on the final day of the legislative session last summer, he proved that a spiffy suit and an elected office don't give a man class.

Bishop first embarrassed himself by stooping to fisticuffs, then lacked the grace to show remorse for his action. Even now Bishop holds to his story that Barron uttered a profanity that maligned his mother, as though that justifies his own action.

Certainly the people of Alabama were astounded that a "statesman" would behave in such a barbaric manner in the hallowed halls of government, and held out hope that Bishop - and, possibly, Barron - would be appropriately addressed by the Senate Ethics Committee.

Certainly Bishop would be ejected, many thought, and Barron, too, if what Bishop alleges is true. We expected as much as well. And we're disappointed - but not particularly surprised - that the committee charged with ensuring members of the Senate behave in an exemplary manner dragged this matter out until the 11th hour, then decided that Bishop would not be punished.

This week, the Legislature convened with Bishop's shameful act still hanging over the Senate. The ethics committee lacked the fortitude to do the right thing, but it seemed, at least briefly, Bishop's colleagues did not.

There was a buzz of conversation about addressing the punch from the floor. That's appropriate, and could have been the best response. Bishop lacks the character to resign - as he should have - and the committee lacks the backbone to take a stand against ruffians in the Senate.

The body of the Senate should make a statement by refusing to undertake any business until it takes the appropriate action in response to Bishop's punch seen 'round the world. However, it blew that chance Tuesday.

Rather than tossing Bishop out, the Senate split along party lines to pass a resolution stating that senators who resort to physicial violence can be escorted out of the chamber by security officers.

Bishop was removed from several committees, but retains his Senate seat. Creating a strategy to address violence on the Senate floor - rather than a strong statement that such behavior will not be tolerated - tacitly condones those acts.

We expected better.
The Dothan Eagle

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