Opinion: Jim McGovern's Constitution comment leads voters off message again

MARLBORO, Mass. -- Jim McGovern's statement, "I think the Constitution is wrong," as documented by Real Clear Politics, is not helping his campaign stay on message. Rep. McGovern, Massachusetts' 3rd U.S. House District representative, spoke while debating his opponent, Marty Lamb, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, regarding campaign finance reform. McGovern's website has posts from the Congressman defending his slip of the tongue and proceeding to attack Mr. Lamb without ever addressing the underlying freedom of speech issues.

The problem I had with Mr. McGovern's comment was not the slip of the tongue. Most people at one time or another have put a wrong word in place during a stressful conversation. We can excuse that in our politicians. However, when Mr. McGovern replaces the word Constitution with Supreme Court his position is still not one that supports the Constitution or the First Amendment. Word choice is not the issue. Changing the word from Constitution to Supreme Court does not fundamentally change the meaning of what he said. Mr. McGovern's positions are at odds with voters.

The situation of free speech continues to be one that challenges Mr. McGovern and the Democrats when they attack others on campaign finance reform. Mr. McGovern is correct when he states he has consistently been for stripping corporations of free speech rights and intimidating them into not speaking. However, he does not demonstrate the same strict interpretation of that law when it comes to unions and lobbyists who traditionally support Democratic causes and candidates. It is hypocrisy to suggest that corporations are entities without free speech rights, but unions and other groups do have protected First Amendment rights because they donate heavily and get out the vote for your party.

Before attacking Mr. Lamb for his inconsistencies on this issue, it is time Congressman McGovern justified his own position to voters. Just how does he determine which groups are entitled to free speech and which will be defined as entities that have no rights? As of yet, he has not told his union supporters that they should stop speaking or donating. There is no sign he has stopped accepting all lobbyist donations. The Supreme Court realized that denying speech to any group is a slippery slope. If Mr. McGovern wanted to demonstrate he was serious about campaign finance reform, he would not only be addressing corporations as his base supports, but all outside lobbying, especially in his own campaign.

Voters should not jump to condemn Congressman McGovern for a slip of the tongue. He is correct about that. However, his current election strategy of mocking not only Marty Lamb, but also his own constituents who are challenging his position on the Tenth Amendment is a concern for voters. Calling people "tenthers" is not a slip of the tongue, but a specific strategy designed to marginalize people who disagree with his position on the Constitution. Mr. McGovern certainly has a right to utilize his free speech to disagree with people. The First Amendment even protects his right to call his constituents "tenthers." However, voters who tolerate a Congressman who fails to show respect and the ability to disagree without resorting to insults and taunts deserve the treatment they receive. Voters may not have an issue with Congressman McGovern's position on the Tenth Amendment. They should realize they might not always share Mr. McGovern's position on future issues. Now is the time to consider if this is the way they wish to be treated when they oppose him.

Return McGovern to Congress and voters are sending a message that this type of behavior works, they do not expect to be treated with respect, and they will vote for someone who insults them. Just because a group has not had an issue, they should never believe they are exempt from any future problems. Voters have a choice in this election for a change of direction. This election sends many messages to the future Congressman of this district.

"Democratic Congress McGovern 'I Think the Constitution is Wrong'" ,Real Clear Politics

"It's Silly Season Which Marty Lamb Should We Believe" ,James McGovern Facebook

"Lamb Pledges to Support Radical 'Tenther' Agenda" ,James McGovern Facebook