In my last blog, I tried to identify the causes of the present turmoil in the US congress and how a group of about 80 members, financed by Koch brothers and a few other millionaires, were holding the country hostage. As in any hostage situation, negotiation is unlikely to produce any result. So what do we do?
The solution in the US congress is actually quite simple and it does so if we but look at the numbers.The house has 439 members while the hostage takers have the blind allegiance of about 80 members and perhaps a few other sympathizers i.e at best they command a group of no more than 20 % of the house. The Speaker of the house has therefore a clear path to have his way. It is true that the Republicans have about 240 members but it is still three times the "suicide group" of 80. A majority for all legislation requires only 217. The speaker can decided that "enough is enough" and appeal to the democrats to provide the balance 60 votes for legislation. He would then have a majority with 220 votes on all critical votes. And even in his caucus, he would still have the loyalty of 160 members or twice the "suicide" caucus.
The question is will he have the courage to take this step? Or will he prefer to join indirectly the suicide caucus? Would he choose to go down in history as an effective speaker or as the weakest speaker in decades?
Logically his choice should be clear but this is politics...
So let us wait and see what road he choses in the next week.
The solution in the US congress is actually quite simple and it does so if we but look at the numbers.The house has 439 members while the hostage takers have the blind allegiance of about 80 members and perhaps a few other sympathizers i.e at best they command a group of no more than 20 % of the house. The Speaker of the house has therefore a clear path to have his way. It is true that the Republicans have about 240 members but it is still three times the "suicide group" of 80. A majority for all legislation requires only 217. The speaker can decided that "enough is enough" and appeal to the democrats to provide the balance 60 votes for legislation. He would then have a majority with 220 votes on all critical votes. And even in his caucus, he would still have the loyalty of 160 members or twice the "suicide" caucus.
The question is will he have the courage to take this step? Or will he prefer to join indirectly the suicide caucus? Would he choose to go down in history as an effective speaker or as the weakest speaker in decades?
Logically his choice should be clear but this is politics...
So let us wait and see what road he choses in the next week.
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