On June 15th, 2016, the Senate filibustered for harsher gun-control laws. This took place well into the evening, for over 14 straight hours. The filibuster did not end until about 2:30 in the morning, making it a long day on the Senate floor.
Now, while the internet was ablaze with interest over the content of the filibuster itself, a few took notice to the unsung hero in the background–the court reporter. Filibusters are physically and mentally taxing on all parties… they cause late nights, missed dinners and sleep, and prolonged, lengthy speeches. The court reporter, quietly going about her daily job in the background, is there to keep an accurate record of the proceedings. Normally, she goes unnoticed–such is the life of a court reporter! But on this day, the internet recognized her skills and thanked her for her amazing work. Even the NCRA threw out some congratulations over Twitter:
Just another day at the office, writing a filibuster like a rock star … #stenolife #stenoproud #waytogo https://t.co/wRmGiqJfCq
— NCRA Official Page (@NCRA) June 16, 2016
While we say this is just “another day at the office,” it is great to see court reporting coming to the front of the conversation.
The job that she and other court reporters do daily is a difficult one that requires focus, concentration, skill, and dexterity. Many can only write accurately on their steno machine for two hours before fatigue sets in and accuracy begins to dwindle. This is true for court reporters and realtime captioners alike. But, events run long… NHL games make their way into triple overtime, breaking news can hit at any time, and we won’t even mention baseball! Keeping an accurate record for any event, whether on television, in a courtroom, or on the senate floor, requires the court reporters and captioners alike to be flexible, adaptable and to persevere.
While we may not be as witty as some of those on Twitter that gave their appreciation, let us at TCG just say we know what a difficult job you have, and thank you all for your hard work!
Check out a few more of the tweets from the filibuster:
The stenographer who’s walking and typing deserves a raise #filibuster
— Robert (@Giants55) June 16, 2016
Mobile stenographer lady, you the real MVP! #filibuster https://t.co/DJdfESkjgS
— Josh Sánchez (@jnsanchez) June 16, 2016
That stenographer just inspired me so much. I would love to see her personal dictionary. ???????????? #courtreporting #wordsarecool #filibuster
— MsChizzy (@Ms_Chizzy) June 16, 2016
That poor stenographer needs flowers, chocolate, a pile of good books, and a serious massage. #filibuster
— Heidi Cullinan (@heidicullinan) June 16, 2016
Poor stenographer came in thinking it was just another day at the office…
Turns out it was #Filibuster Wednesday pic.twitter.com/F0xOa22JiN— DJ (@IamnotnotBatman) June 16, 2016
Did anyone do anything really nice for the #filibuster stenographer the next day? Starbucks gift card, take her to lunch, hire a masseuse?
— Alison in Wonderland (@mitzy247) June 18, 2016
The real hero was the stenographer #filibuster @Trevornoah @TheDailyShow @ChrisMurphyCT https://t.co/tgdN6eyWnt
— Husein Kareem (@hkareem2222) June 17, 2016
I never took into account the fact that a court reporter will be able to completely record the proceedings accurately. This is great to ensure that there will be evidence that can be used to help the defendant. I will share this with my sister since her husband has been accused by their neighbor due to the death of their dog. Hiring a court reporter will help them record any loop in their reasoning.