In an April 29 commentary (“Americanism”), Susan Chapman wrote: “Please do not divide us into conflicting tribes. We are all Americans, and that is what we hold dear.” One good way to help accomplish that goal is to avoid publishing inaccuracies and falsehoods about our elected leaders.
Among several arguable statements, Ms. Chapman claimed: “Nancy Pelosi has banned the use of words like daughter, sister and mother. The leaders also frown upon using gender pronouns such as son, father and brother.” Ms. Chapman’s assertion is—at best—inaccurate. The Associated Press reported on Jan. 15, 2021: “A resolution passed in the House in early January struck several gender-specific terms from a document outlining House rules in a move to ‘honor all gender identities.’ The change did not ban lawmakers from using such language in floor speeches or other congressional communications.”
The AP further explained: “On Jan. 1, Pelosi and Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern introduced the new set of rules for the 117th Congress … including using gender-neutral language instead of gender-specific language in references to pronouns and familial relationships. The House approved the new rules on Jan. 4. House members are not barred from using gender-specific language in bills, speeches, or elsewhere.”
On Jan. 13, Speaker Pelosi told Congress: “I stand before you as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter—a daughter whose father proudly served in this Congress.” Her statement is entirely accurate and, apparently, in keeping with the approved House rules.
Brian Reed
Los Alamos
This article appears in May 13-20, 2021.