"Sexism in the Legislature is usually more latent, but as of late it has become particularly blatant. Recently state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, publicly and premeditatedly compared a prominent female professional in Lansing to a 'hooker.'"Senator Whitmer contends that the sexist comment was not the first by Jones nor unique to him:
"Sadly, this is just the most recent and most prominent incident in a pattern of Jones' boorish and chauvinistic behavior and his leadership's apparent willingness to tolerate it.This issue goes beyond a single remark from an individual legislator. Political discourse is decaying at an alarming rate. Debate has dwindled to degradation. From when I was first elected to now, the Legislature seems to be going backward in terms of the respect and decency in the way people are treated -- for both women and men."
Senator Whitmer called for an apology and a rebuke of Senator Rick Jones by Senate leadership. She provides much insight into the power or words in the following statement:
"With its 'boys will be boys' mentality, the good ol' boys network in Lansing has gotten out of hand and must stop. A strong woman is NOT a bitch. A successful woman is NOT a hooker or a gold-digger. A compassionate woman is NOT overly sensitive and thin-skinned. And a passionate woman is NOT shrill."
The full column may be viewed in today's online Free Press by clicking here.
It's ridiculous how government officials are not impeached for behavior such as disrespectful and blatant name-calling. At the very least fines should be established to send the message to government officials that it is not ok or allowed at anytime to use sexist or racist language. If sports players are fined and held accountable for their words and actions so should government officials.
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