Enter Senator Nick Schroer, who is proposing a motion that would shift these disagreements from the stuffy rooms of government buildings to the literal streets. Senators would settle their grievances through duels, injecting a unique and unconventional approach into the resolution process.
From Newsweek:
His proposed amendment was posted on X, formerly Twitter, by Missouri Senate Democrats. It read: "If a senator's honor is impugned by another senator to the point that it is beyond repair and in order for the offended senator to gain satisfaction, such senator may rectify the perceived insult to the senator's honor by challenging the offending senator to a duel.
"The trusted representative, known as the second, of the offended senator shall send a written challenge to the offending senator. The two senators shall agree to the terms of the duel, including choice of weapons, which shall be witnessed and enforced by their respective seconds. The duel shall take place in the well of the senate at the hour of high noon on the date agreed to by the parties to the duel."
Jamey Murphy, Schroer's chief of staff, told Newsweek: "Senator Schroer is deeply committed to restoring a sense of honor in the Missouri Senate. While the idea of a duel may have been suggested in a metaphorical sense, the core message is about fostering respect and reminding members that the words used in a debate may have real consequences.
"It is evident to new members of the Senate that the success of priority legislation is currently dependent on personalities, and old wounds are preventing important language from becoming law. Until personal disputes find resolution and true leaders step forward to be the first to put aside personal feelings for the betterment of Missouri, we will continue to suggest ways to find a resolution."
The move comes amid tensions within the state Senate. On Tuesday Caleb Rowden, the leader of the Missouri Senate, removed several members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, formerly known as the Conservative Caucus, from chairmanships of committees as the Republican faction continue to clash with leadership.
This is unquestionably a throwback approach to handling disagreements, and it undoubtedly carries the potential for serious injuries or even fatalities. Given these concerns, I find it highly unlikely that duels would become a reality among senators. However, who's to say some wouldn't find it rather entertaining to watch?
