making concessions

 Well, it took a number of votes to get the speaker selected. Most seem to view that as a bad thing. First time in a hundred years that the speaker wasn't chosen on the first vote. The reasons were pretty much the same as they were this time. Far right Republicans and Republicans that were more moderate. Eventually, just like today, compromise was reached in the backrooms. The necessary votes were secured. Now the Republicans can get on with the business at hand. It isn't going to be easy. Personally, I believe that is a good thing. I would rather that legislative body debate every issue before making any changes to policy. You have to remember that each representative is supposed to be representing his constituency. That constituency is composed of many different people. Being a Republican or a Democrat or another political faction is an indication of your political leanings, an indication of your basic philosophy in government. But that is as far as that should go. When it comes to voting, to making a decision on policy, there should be debate. We may all live in the same house, but I like Vanilla ice cream and you want chocolate. That doesn't mean we are divided; it means we are listening to one another.

 You know that is the reason we have an electoral college as well. You have to have a mechanism to reach a decision, but that mechanism needs to be as fair as possible. That means individual representation. Each idea or proposal needs to be heard. With the electoral college the purpose is to provide that equal representation to everyone. Certainly, the interests and idea of those living in a cornfield in Kansas are different than those living in Manhattan. Whereas there are about 1.6 million people living in Manhattan, a single borough in New York City, population 8.8 million, the entire state of Kansas only has a population of 2.9million. In a simple counting of the votes who is going to win every single time. Not hard to figure that out is it? 

 I understand that we all want the house to do what we want. That's why we voted for our candidate in the first place. That representative is supposed to represent me! Now I don't know about you, but I am not that familiar with all the members of that body. I won't pretend to know much about Kevin McCarthy or Matt Gaetz. I've read opinions on both of them and take that with a grain. I don't have anyone in government, with firsthand knowledge of either of those men. But it was said those opposing McCarthy were the ultra-conservatives in the Republican party. Extremists? That's what some said. Of course, that is what was said about Jefferson, Monroe, John Jay and others that advocated for a revolution. So, you have to take all of that with a grain, as I said.

 The thing about voting is you have to be willing to place your trust in that candidate. You have to believe that he/she will vote the way you want them to. You are giving them that power. The truth is the majority of the time we won't even know the question. That is to say, we don't know what they are voting on unless it is of great importance. The high-profile decisions are the only ones we hear about. Like looking at a new home we only see the prominent features, we don't see the foundation. Thing is, it's the foundation that is being voted upon 98% of the time. The speaker of the house has several functions and duties. The biggest one being, he sets the political strategy for the party. Yeah, that's the big deal. Because his/her position also controls when votes will be taken, and on what issues/bills, it is a vital role. It is also the reason it should be contentious. 

 Kevin McCarthy managed to convince the others that he will direct the Republican party to further victories. That's what it is all about in a nutshell. The concern is the retention of power. And that is the problem with politicians. Their primary interest is always in retaining their position. Just like you and I, they want to keep their job. Being in Congress is a pretty lucrative gig. You do get to vote on your own pay raises after all. Becoming the speaker of the house is a true feather in the cap! One worth making concessions for certainly. That is my concern though, what did he concede? The nineteen opposing him were never going to gain enough support to get themselves elected, all they could do is stop him. What did he promise to change their mind? That group certainly will gain something, the question is what? That's something you and I will never know. That secret will remain behind closed doors, and anything reported will be labeled a conspiracy. Politicians will protect their own.