Free Speech Defender: Thomas Massie Voted Against Resolution to Censure Rashida Tlaib

  |  
Nov 4, 2023

On November 1, 2023, over 20 Republicans voted to scuttle a resolution to censure Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for her criticism of Israel after Hamas attacked the Jewish state on October 7. 

23 Republicans teamed up with all House Democrats in a 222-186 vote to support a procedural motion that prevented the disciplinary resolution from reaching the floor of the full United States House.

Tlaib has been a frequent target of attacks from pro-Zionist Republicans over her critical statements about Israel. Tlaib is Congress’s only Palestinian American member. 

In the previous week, Georgia Congressman Marjorie Taylor Greene made a move to force a vote on the resolution to censure Tlaib. She accused Tlaib of “antisemitic activity” following Tlaib expressing concerns about the US government providing arms to Israel and urging for “lifting the blockade, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system that creates the suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance.”

Further, the resolution also accused Tlaib of “leading an insurrection” after the Michigan Congresswoman took part in an anti-war protest in October at the Capitol that pushed for a cease-fire. Two Jewish organizations launched these protests.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie took exception with this insurrectionist language. He made the following post on X on November 1: 

January 6 protestors were not insurrectionists, nor were those led by Rep. Tlaib. I voted to table a censure resolution of Rep Tlaib in part because it was modeled after legislation that condemned J6 protestors. Also: Free speech means protecting even the speech you don’t like.

 

In response, Greene called the Republicans who voted to scuttle her resolution “feckless.” Greene wrote the following in a post on X, : “This is why Republicans NEVER do anything to stop the communists Democrats or ever hold anyone accountable!! PATHETIC.”

 

If we’re being honest here, Greene wasted her time with this resolution. The worst thing about Tlaib is her anti-white views, not so much her pro-Palestinian advocacy. One can be against Hamas’ terrorist activity but also call for the US to stop subsidizing Israel and ending its “special relation ” with the Jewish state. 

On top of that, any crackdown being used against pro-Palestinian protesters will undeniably be used against the Right on the grounds of fighting “anti-Semitism”. 

All in all, Greene is playing a dangerous game here. In trying to curry favor with pro-Zionist Republican elites, she is laying the groundwork for the political establishment to create another attack vector against her constituents. 

Greene would be wise to spend her political capital on other more productive political endeavors.

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