This post will be more serious than some of my recent ones.

[Atticus]

I mostly agree with the several commentators who opined that the 19 extremists who apparently will deny the Speakership to Kevin McCarthy simply want to tear down the Congress; to render it embarrassingly ineffective. But, while that may have been all that most of them intended, I believe today was just a further step along a path that was plotted decades ago by a coalition of the super-wealthy who always want to want more wealth and the super-ambitious who always want more power.

Let me say this up front: I can't PROVE what I just said. I am posting it because I believe it is at least mostly true.

There have always been people in this country who opposed democracy. Some simply don't want to share their vast wealth, some simply want unfettered authority and others just want to be able to act out their reptilian impulses without serious consequences. The first category provides funding; the second manipulates and intimidates any who oppose them; and, the third group does the head stomping, leg breaking and---whatever else a "situation" may require.

Today was disgusting. Today, the US House of Representatives embarrassed everyone who was paying attention. And, it is just such incompetence that this anti-democratic minority will mention in countless AI-generated social media posts used to bolster their "democracy is outmoded and broken" memes.

The foundation for all of these efforts to scuttle our democracy is their conviction that they are better than we common folks. Obviously, in their view, our purpose is to serve them, not to inconvenience them with laws and rules and standards. They are nearly all caucasian and at least claim to be Christian and straight. If they are not already wealthy, they believe they will be if only we "others" can be put in our places.

And, that's what I think. Ads and troll-posts are being written as you read this which will feature democracy's "failure" as displayed today.

[Eliot Rosewater]

1. Or they are just children, idiots who were elected by children, idiots to try and

get the biggest idiot child back in power.

Total chaos does not benefit the billionaires.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

3. A broken government cannot enforce regulations.

[Eliot Rosewater]

5. If the government disappears, Wall Street crashes overnight.

[GoCubsGo]

10. Yes, there is no honor among thieves.

When it comes to greed and power, it eventually turns into "Every man or woman for themselves." Throw a bunch of rats in a bag, and it's just a matter of time before they start fighting each other.

Putting up the most craven idiots, who will inevitably fuck up the job in the most public of ways. doesn't help the billionaires, either.

[live love laugh]

2. Just because their dumb asses can't figure it out doesn't mean it's broken.

[TeamProg]

7. +1

[ThoughtCriminal]

4. They are not discrediting democracy

They are discrediting ANTI-democracy.

[LonePirate]

6. If the first vote tomorrow fails, look for some horse trading to begin.

There are several Republicans who are moderates and/or represent districts that solidly backed Biden. It would be in their interest to vote for Jeffries either for ideological reasons or to help ensure some legislation gets passed so they are re-elected in 2024. I didn't think there was much chance of this happening today; but I think that chance rises to at least 25% on Wednesday.

However, it seems far more likely that a compromise Republican choice like Scalise will emerge who will pick off enough of those extremists to supplant McCarthy as Speaker. I suppose McCarthy might be engaging in some far-fetched deal making tonight to secure the votes even if it seemed like a lost cause today.

Whatever happens, McCarthy will be seen as ineffectual if not neutered and irrelevant after all of this even if he is chosen as Speaker. Any Republican alternative will have a massive headache on their hands dealing with those extremists and nothing of importance will get passed as they will destroy any chances they have of a majority in 2025.

If Jeffries can win over some moderate or Biden Republicans, there won't be much legislation passed apart from popular bipartisan bills and maybe continuing budget resolutions. Still, that's better for them and us than any of the alternatives.

[snowybirdie]

8. I don't find this all amusing

This is our government and its getting so f'd up today. It hurts us all and makes the world think we're fools.

[bdamomma]

9. +100000

I agree with your post, Atticus, it is ALL about power and greed. I hope it chokes them.

Happy New Year.