Letter to the editor: Senate's dress code preoccupation

I will sleep comforted knowing that the U.S. Senate has resolved that “… a coat, tie and slacks or other long pants …” are mandatory attire when members of that august body take to the Senate floor.

I fully expect that the Professional Golf Association will soon follow by warning members that only big-boy pants are allowed to be worn by participants in PGA- sponsored events. Good decision! Who ever heard of golfers wearing shorts? Doing so would have negative consequences on their game and likely lead to a suspension.

I am one who adhered to the Senate dress code during my working career. I can testify to the fact that what I wore contributed mightily to my productivity, and that retirement shorts or jeans have led to slothful behavior on my part. Neckties, sparing my well-ironed shirts from uncounted stains caused by my sloppy eating habits, were an added benefit.

The U.S. Supreme Court can learn from the Senate about proper decorum by wearing wigs while hearing arguments. Everyone knows that wigs compress the brain, resulting in greater focus not known to the wigless. Recent court decisions by unwigged justices make my point.

Picture the ethically challenged, brow-furrowed Justice Clarence Thomas pretending to be attentive during hearings while actually planning his next donor-paid, luxury vacation. Italy’s Amalfi Coast? A Greek islands cruise? Decisions, decisions! A wig would help him choose wisely.

Humane border control? Sensible gun laws? Expelling Sen. Bob Menendez? All absent from the busy, dress-code concentrated Senate. But I’m sleeping better.

Glenn R. Plummer

Unity