Misogyny is deeply embedded in Trump’s Republican government. The president’s own disdain for women and sexual predation is well-documented, but almost as disturbing is the way in which his noxious behavior has trickled down and given others license to mistreat women.
Senator Kamala Harris was repeatedly interrupted and talked over by Senators John McCain and Richard Burr while questioning Attorney General Jeff Sessions at his testimony on Tuesday. The trend of disrespect seems to be spreading even further.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray demanded a public hearing on the secretive Senate Trumpcare bill this week. In response, Republican Lamar Alexander said he has no plans for a public hearing, then proceeded to scold and interrupt her.
Sen. Murray calls for hearing on #Trumpcare, Chairman Alexander explains why it needs to stay secret. pic.twitter.com/PCTJC06g3m
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) June 13, 2017
The continued insistence by Republicans that they be allowed to develop their Obamacare repeal in darkness should alarm anyone paying attention. The bill is going to strip healthcare from 23 million Americans, and so far none of the actual details have been revealed to the public or the Democratic party. It’s clear that Republicans are either ashamed of the bill, or aware that it will be widely despised once it’s unveiled.
It’s also alarming that Senator Alexander is so comfortable demeaning and interrupting a fellow senator. Were she a man instead, it seems likely that Alexander would have not only given her time to fully enunciate her thoughts, but would have responded with far less condescension and indignation.
This past election was a major victory for misogyny. We are seeing the effects now, but such behavior must not be allowed to become normalized. There are a lot of hateful, incompetent men serving in government right now.
Some of our brightest, most thoughtful leaders are women. Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Patty Murray, and Nanci Pelosi have managed to succeed despite an environment hostile to their very gender. We need more elected officials like them.
