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As Mr. Helfner noted over at a related topic, I had only recently learned that the Speaker need not be a Member of the House (NBC correspondent Andrea Mitchell). I then reviewed the Constitution Article 1 Section 2:
quote:The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
The words "from amongst its Members" are notably absent; I guess "Sole power of impeachment" means that such action being taken against a Federal official starts within the House.
I certainly think that having a Speaker from other than the ruling party (Rep Jefferies D-NY8) is groundbreaking, and I wonder if it ever has happened in our history. A further point that has me baffled regarding the Speaker impasse is that Rep. McCarthy (R-CA20) has been endorsed by Trump, yet there are "Trumpists" such as Rep. Boebert (R-CO3) and Rep. Gaetz (R-FL1) who are part of this holdout caucus. But it makes you wonder with regards to this Congress, "who's on first"? It also makes one foresee that any further legislative agenda of the Joe/Kamala administration is over.
Finally, all can be sure as the sun rises in the East, Hearings relating to Jan 6 are history, and I expect they will be replaced with hearings regarding Hunter and Dr. Fauci - oh and let's throw in impeaching Joe.
addendum: here is a Journal column that may give insight into the fellow-republican opposition to Rep. McCarthy seeking of the Speakership.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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"We have a Speaker".
Lest we forget, Uncle Sam cannot even pay the light bill without Congressional action originating in the House, and absent a Speaker, there isn't a House.
Whether you liked her and the legislation she moved forth, or not, Nancy ran a tight ship. Only time will tell if Kevin can move forth with same.
A further thought; the Fathers decided to only have the House directly elected by the people. Since I'm sure to the WASP Gentleman Farmers comprising the Fathers, this "rabble" of the House needed a strong "Top Kick to keep them in line". That is how the Speaker came to rule, and to some, quite autocraticly.
So I'm personally glad, the matter is settled.
And finally, the White Smoke reference is drawn from when the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church have elected a new Pope, their ballots are burned with hay that emits White smoke, if unable to elect, those ballots are burned with straw that emits a dark smoke.
George Harris Member # 2077
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: And finally, the White Smoke reference is drawn from when the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church have elected a new Pope, their ballots are burned with hay that emits White smoke, if unable to elect, those ballots are burned with straw that emits a dark smoke.
I suspect those of us talking here knew that, but it could well have blown right by a lot of others who may be lurking here.
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