MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The award for insensitivity in the face of tragedy goes to the Tennessee legislature. As metro Nashville and surrounding counties were reeling Tuesday from devastating tornadoes that killed more than two dozen people – it was mostly business as usual for lawmakers.
Oh sure, they canceled a few morning meetings, mostly because their offices were operating on generators. But before long, legislators were in committee meetings as nearby residents tried to pick up the pieces of their lives.
The better course for lawmakers would have been to cancel all legislative activity for the day, and maybe even offer to help those hardest hit by the storms. Governor Bill Lee had already announced that non-essential state employees should not report to work.
I can make a credible argument that on most days, the legislature’s work is non-essential. For example, the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday approved a foolhardy bill allowing people 21 and older to carry a handgun in public without a permit. Honestly, was that more important than the death and destruction across Nashville and Middle Tennessee?
To his credit, Governor Lee was at the scene doing what he could to assist. He even took a helicopter ride to hardest hit Putnam County – about an hour east of Nashville.
I just believe the legislature should have canceled all business Tuesday – out of respect for a natural disaster that affected so many lives. And that’s my point of view.
