In sum, the expulsions of Jones and Pearson were justified and non-racist. But were they wise?

These two community activists were stuck on the back bench of a legislative body strongly controlled by the GOP. They had zero influence and very little recognition.

It’s likely they engaged in the unprecedented disruption of the House at least in part to draw attention to themselves. Thanks to their expulsions, they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams (as a friend of mine puts it) and now are viewed by some as martyrs. One or both may become the new Julian Bond.

Thus, the reason why expulsion, rather than a lesser punishment, ordinarily makes sense in cases like this — to deter future misconduct — is of questionable applicability here. The new-found fame of Jones and Pearson may encourage other obscure legislators trapped in chambers dominated by the opposition to act up.