Letter to the Editor – Daniel W. Gatlyn

Dear Editor,

The selection of a House Speaker is on a “damp ramp” I would think, since a mirage of faithful partners grows more dim by the hour. The only exciting thing to characterize the scenario, is that the “roll call” (and response) is a rare semblance of an open election for any National post in recent years. It has been very difficult to “short change” the circuit of matters. A quick glance of all the faces revealed the ecstasy after eight years of “Turbulent Nancy.” (So you would know; the person holding this position the longest was Sam Rayburn-leading on three different occasions; spanning 1940 to 1961). The youngest was Robert Hunter; elected in 1839 at the age of 30. The oldest elected Speaker was Henry T. Rainey (1933) at the age of 72. He died in office. (The oldest to occupy the Chair was Nancy Pelosi at ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN. (Just kidding.) She was actually 82. The Speaker does not have to be a House member; but no “outsider” has ever been elected. Only a simple majority vote is necessary for election.

At this writing (January 4), there have been multiple ballots for Speaker, and as yet, no one fills the position. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has been the person with aspiration for the Office; but the outcome is still to come. American selections for any National Office have never been a “cake walk”; but it is always troubling when a consensus is late in coming. Since the Nation is extremely polarized; a multitude of subjects (with controversy) fills the slate — the task becoming increasingly more difficult to fill. While it may surprise many, the Speaker’s position has become far more complicated than previous years. It is also to be noted; that the Administrative process has been clouded by innumerable (and ideological) revisions, which is rationale for the lengthy process.

First of all, Administration “Rules of Order” — outlined by a host of professional individuals — offer fairly simplified solutions to the “snags” of most worthwhile Organizations. I would mention only two that make a great difference. One, most credible Rule Books call for a minimum of Electoral Ballots; after which only the top two remain — others are dropped. Such action is wisdom, since unrealistic differences could postpone an election — almost indefinitely. Most credible Organizations also require a “Two-Thirds Majority” for election — which does not come easily with present (an unparalleled) mentality. This is prime reasoning for following an authenticated Parliamentary Procedure. Such predetermined Rules (and Ethics) are a rapid resolve to an (otherwise) encumbrance. There is little justification for confusion.

Sincerely,

Daniel W. Gatlyn,

USN Ret.

Minister/Journalist

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