Herein is the Republican Senator from the formerly great state of Louisiana, conducting a supposed questioning of Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab-American Institute
The questioning was supposed to cover how to stop the rising tide of hate crimes in the United States. And up until that point, it was that. And then, it was John Neely Kennedy's turn. As you can see in the video attached to this, it became a regrettable showcase of one man's rampant bigotry, staining the name he shares with another Senator, this time from massachusetts.
The video is, pretty much, the essence of what happened that fateful day, September 17th, 2024. The following day, the White House chimed in. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, “speaking to this specific moment that we saw, that we all witnessed, it was shameful. It was shameful insults and abusive treatment of an Arab-American Institute executive director.”
We feel that John Neely Kennedy deserves nothing less than full censure from the Senate. He actually deserves worse, but unfortunately there are no provisions to recall a US Senator. Just as unfortunate, the people of Louisiana can't do anything about this until 2028, that is when he's next up for reelection. This also means his man can continue to spread his bigotry for the next 4 years.
However, we are not powerless. Even though chances of impeachment are pretty much nil, John Neely Kennedy can be censured. That would not remove Kennedy from his seat in the Senate, or take away his privileges. But it can install a sense of great shame, which could influence how effective Kennedy could wind up if it happened to him. They have only been eight senators who have had to face some sort of censure. The last time that happened was in 1990: David Duerenberger, Minnesota Republican, denounced for unethical conduct and using campaign contributions for personal use. Of course the most well-known instance was that of Joseph McCarthy. He was condemned instead of censured. John Neely Kennedy's performance on September 17th is at best worthy of what happened to Tail Gunner Joe.
We have set up a petition to censure Kennedy with the good folks at Resistbot. All you need to do is text “SIGN PHJVJF” to 50409. The usual advisories about text charges apply. This petition would go to the full Senate so they can consider any actions against Mr Kennedy, someone so vile, I am very surprised that he didn't show up to work that day in a sheet and hood
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Sen. Kennedy tarnishes the name he shares.