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Name:
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GoneFishin
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Subject:
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The Republican Problem
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Date:
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12/27/2012 1:46:38 AM
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From the Boston Globe
WHILE DOUBTLESS some
temporary measures will be taken to avoid the worst consequences of the “fiscal
cliff,” either before or after New Year’s, there is an issue that will have to
be addressed on Jan. 3: the speakership.
The speaker of the
House is a national figure, leader of the entire House, not just his or her
party. As such, the speaker needs to forge agreement among the majority of
House members to move along issues of national importance.
There is no doubt in
my mind that moderate Republicans could work together with Democrats to forge
truly historic reform. The Simpson-Bowles commission and its original plan
clearly demonstrated that a bipartisan group could tackle big issues and come
up with dramatic and balanced solutions.
Speaker John Boehner has
shown himself incapable of leading the Republicans in the House, let alone the
House as a whole. He has been unwilling to allow moderate Republicans to work
with Democrats and has instead allowed the Tea Party to dictate policy,
resulting in complete gridlock. It is impossible to imagine Tip O’Neill or any
of the other great speakers allowing themselves to be pushed around in a
similar way. Boehner is no leader.
It is time to nominate
and elect a new speaker, one who understands how to lead.
Richard Frenkel
Swampscott
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