Political Stunts
You probably know my feelings on masks by now…I’m not a fan, and I think they lead people to have a false sense of security that actually makes things worse. That’s why yesterday’s stunt at the state capitol seems pretty silly.
Democrats complain that the Republicans in the majority in the Iowa legislature won’t impose a mask mandate. Obviously, members and staff can wear masks all they want, but it’s not required. Speaker Pat Grassley of New Hartford says he can’t require mask wearing.
Democrats think he can…Democrats always think government can control people…and point out that there is a dress code in the chamber…men must wear coats and ties, no blue jeans. Grassley says masks are different, and I agree. In fact, one might say that since it’s supposedly a health issue, there’s even more reason to require them than to worry about sartorial splendor…but again, I don’t care for mask mandates and if he doesn’t want to impose one, I say fine.
Ames Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell decided to test all that. She told her caucus she’d be wearing blue jeans all week to test the rule. She did…and Grassley refused to allow her to speak in the chamber due to the dress code violation.
Early on in the session, Grassley said that no member will be prohibited from voting, but that is different from speaking. He cited as an example that a member could come into the chamber in their bathing suit to vote, and they’d be allowed to do so…but not to be recognized from the podium.
I’m afraid someone will try that next, just to score political points. Meanwhile, the work of government still needs to be done.
