The Republican National Committee (RNC) employed the phrase “legitimate political discourse” in its resolution censoring Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for participating in the House committee investigation the Jan. 6 riot in Washington D.C. The RNC chair is Ronna McDaniel. She claims the phrase refers to non-violent protestors but of course the expression has gone viral as a flimsy effort to give safe haven to all the insurrectionists.
Here’s a closer look at two of the three words the Republican Party leadership (McConnell & friends) is offering the American people. Understanding their meanings may affect how we think of the riot of January 6, 2021 and the GOP’s awkward efforts to make excuses for it . . . .
LEGITIMATE
The word can be used as an adjective or verb.
As an adjective:
- According to law; lawful: the property’s legitimate owner.
- In accordance with established rules, principles, or standards.
As a verb (used with object):
- To make lawful or legal; pronounce or state as lawful.
- To establish as lawfully born.
Synonyms: legal, sanctioned, valid, legalize, etc.
Antonyms: illegitimate, unsanctioned, criminal, unethical, etc.
DISCOURSE
Noun:
- Communication of thought by words; talk; conversation: earnest and intelligent discourse.
- A formal discussion of a subject in speech or writing, as a dissertation, treatise, sermon, etc.
Verb (used without object)
- To communicate thoughts orally; talk; converse.
- To treat of a subject formally in speech or writing.
The present Republican Party leadership used these exact two words, “legitimate” and “discourse”, to describe the violent riot of January 6, 2021 in our nation’s capital.
The party’s right-wing has triumphed decisively over moderate conservatives who are keeping mum.
Is this a party that can ever be trusted again to defend democracy?
