Our Opinion: Decorum can co-exist with honest inquiry

We are all for decorum in the state Senate, but not to the extent that it stifles inquiry on issues.

Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, invoked a "point of personal privilege" last week to remind his peers to respect the Senate's tradition of decorum.

His remarks were prompted by incidents involving a senator using a swear word and another senator questioning a peer who changed his vote on a bill.

We appreciate Richard's insistence on upholding decorum. "The traditions of the Senate are extremely important," he said, "and I believe they are important to every member in this body who's ever served or who ever will serve."

We agree, particularly during a time when courtesy and polite behavior are disappearing from political interaction.

Decorum includes prohibiting vulgar language from Senate debate and also extends to personal attacks. We have no quarrel with Richard's admonition that "if they're going to talk about politics, let's just not make it personal."

We depart from Richard's rebuke, however, when he said: "Questioning of members' votes will not be tolerated. To question someone's vote, you can take it on the side gallery - it's not to be discussed in this room."

A vote, however, reflects a lawmaker's position on an issue. And lawmakers must be ready and willing to discuss their position, and vote, with any Missourian, including fellow lawmakers.

Lawmakers are obligated to explain the reasons for a decision, which is not to be confused with defending a decision. When legislators become defensive, they miss the point.

Decorum prevails when honest, open legislative discourse is both rigorous and courteous.