The Not-So-Civil Chambers: When Congress Goes Wild
Congress has a reputation for boring policy debates and dry procedures. But behind the veneer of decorum, the halls of power have seen some wild brawls, shocking outbursts, and downright crazy incidents. Don't believe the boring cable news coverage -- this is an institution with a history of getting rowdy!
Historical Craziness
It's been that way from the early days. In 1798, Representative Roger Griswold famously marched up to Rep. Mathew Lyon during a session and whacked him in the face with a hickory cane. What did the honorable Mr. Lyon do to deserve such a beating? Well, he spit tobacco juice straight into Griswold's face! Fisticuffs ensued until Congressmen pulled the pugilists apart.
In 1856, Representative Preston Brooks was so furious over an anti-slavery speech that he stormed the Senate floor and brutally caned Senator Charles Sumner, leaving him bloody and unconscious. The violent attack was retaliation for Sumner insulting a relative of Brooks. So much for free speech!
Jumping forward to 1858, disagreements over slavery led to one of the wildest brawls ever, with over 50 Representatives punching, kicking, and wielding weapons. The melee was finally broken up when a wig flew off Rep. William Barksdale's head, leaving the fighters bursting into laughter. No joke - it ended in hilarity!
Modern Chaos
Thankfully violence in the chambers has subsided over the last century. But outrageous behavior and shocking breaches of etiquette still make headlines today:
In 2020, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly ripped up her copy of the President's State of the Union speech as a protest.
In 2023, a Republican senator nearly came to blows with a union leader during a tense hearing.
That same year, a House member accused another of assaulting him in a Capitol hallway over political differences.
While earlier eras saw canings and fistfights, our modern Congress deals in yelling matches and political theater. But violent speech should not be tolerated any more than actual violence. As Pamela Eyring, CEO of the Protocol School of Washington, put it, "You know, we're a civil nation. Why can't we act that way? Why can't we have a hearty debate –– sure, people get upset, but we can agree on things or compromise."
A New Foundation of Protocol and Etiquette
Congress has come a long way from its rough-and-tumble origins. But to live up to the ideals of democratic governance, it must uphold basic standards of decorum, even during heated disputes. The foundation of a strong republic is civil discourse, not schoolyard antics.
While constituents may perceive aggression and threats of violence as a show of strength, leaders must find more constructive ways to demonstrate their power. Diplomacy and rigorous training in areas like protocol and etiquette can equip leaders and their staffs with the tools needed to communicate forcefully yet respectfully. After all, threats and violence that would spur legal consequences for a business executive should not be tolerated from elected officials.
For more on how improved training in areas like etiquette and protocol can raise the level of decorum in the political arena, watch this interview with Pamela Eyring, President and CEO of the Protocol School of Washington. She provides an insightful perspective on why decorum matters and how it can be revived through conscious leadership.
