If Republicans Can't Even Censure Rashida Tlaib, Then What's the Point?

Bonchie reporting for RedState 

As RedState reported, 22 Republicans (while 13 didn't vote) joined with Democrats late on Wednesday evening to table a resolution to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib. 

The resolution was introduced after Tlaib continued to repeat openly pro-Hamas talking points, repeating the Jewish blood libel that Israel bombed the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, even after overwhelming evidence showed it was almost certainly a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket that fell short. Tlaib also led a rally in front of the Capitol Building that ultimately led to an insurrection, with hundreds of protesters trespassing and interrupting official proceedings. 

That was apparently not enough for Republicans to join together and do what Democrats absolutely would have done if the shoe were on the other foot. 

Almost two dozen Republicans joined every single House Democrat in voting to table the resolution and give Tlaib, a member of the progressive "Squad," a pass. The final tally was 222-186. Democrats broke out into applause after the vote, because that's who they are. Many Dems have been largely silent on the myriad recent incidents of antisemitism and pro-Hamas rhetoric coming from the House to college campuses to the streets of our cities.

I'll admit to being wrong on this one. I thought that after the elevation of Speaker Mike Johnson, a censure vote against Tlaib would pass with near unanimous support, but that's what I get for putting even a modicum of faith in the modern Republican Party. 

As far as censure votes go, Tlaib's behavior was far more egregious than many before her. Recall that Democrats tried to censure Donald Trump over an off-color comment about immigration. Rep. Paul Gosar was censured for posting an anime video. Those things are a joke compared to Tlaib's fomenting of an insurrection and open support for terrorism. 

Remember, censure is simply a formal condemnation of a member. It is not expulsion, though, Tlaib should be up for that as well. Yet, Republicans can't even come together to do something that simple? What is even the point of the GOP? 

Sure, Republican politicians produce a lot of rhetoric. They say a lot of things that are supposed to make voters feel good, but when handed a lay-up, they still choose to pass the ball. Does anyone think a party that can't do something as simple and justified as censuring Tlaib will turn around and hold the line on major spending issues?

If openly lying in support of a terrorist government isn't enough to censure someone (and Tlaib has done that several times over the years), then censure shouldn't exist. I doubt most House members believe that, though, which means I can only assume they are scared of being called "bigots" if they dare hold Tlaib accountable. This is now my second article in a row having to tackle the topic of GOP fecklessness. It shouldn't be that way, and the fact that it is should concern everyone.