Every Tennessean and American should be horrified by a provision in Governor Bill Lee’s proposed bill that would criminalize elected lawmakers for how they vote on immigration policy. This is a dangerous idea for any politician to consider, whether liberal or conservative.
If George Washington, John Adams, James Madison or any founding father were made aware of this proposed law, they would be rolling in their graves. Nothing is more un-American than an elected representative being charged for a crime, for voting on behalf of their constituents.
Every Chattanoogan should be proud of Chattanooga Senator Todd Gardenhire, a Republican, for trying to remove the provision from the bill. Senator Gardenhire was exactly right for pointing out how this provision goes against our republic and would create a disastrous precedent.
I am extremely disappointed in my state senator, Bo Watson, for supporting the provision and for chastising Gardenhire for trying to prevent this horrible proposal from forever staining the legacy of Tennessee.
I urge everyone who is concerned by this proposal to email your Tennessee state representatives today. It is very easy to find out who your representatives are and to find their email addresses. On the Tennessee General Assembly website, they have a section called Find My Legislator. I recommend asking them to vote against this un-American piece of legislation. We are better than this, and their votes should reflect that.
Brandon Denley