Pelosi Erases Gingrich's Long-Standing Fairness Rules

Human Events ^ | 5 January 2009 | Connie Hair

[Clinton's a liar]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to re-write House rules today to ensure that the Republican minority is unable to have any influence on legislation. Pelosi’s proposals are so draconian, and will so polarize the Capitol, that any thought President-elect Obama has of bipartisan cooperation will be rendered impossible before he even takes office.

Pelosi’s rule changes -- which may be voted on today -- will reverse the fairness rules that were written around Newt Gingrich’s “Contract with America.”

In reaction, the House Republican leadership is sending a letter today to Pelosi to object to changes to House Rules this week that would bar Republicans from offering alternative bills, amendments to Democrat bills or even the guarantee of open debate accessible by motions to recommit for any piece of legislation during the entire 111th Congress. These procedural abuses, as outlined in the below letter obtained by HUMAN EVENTS, would also include the repeal of six-year limit for committee chairmen and other House Rules reform measures enacted in 1995 as part of the Contract with America.

[TEXT OF LETTER AT LINK]

[jagusafr]

You’re absolutely correct: we need to say, “We gave a good effort to getting along. We now know where that path leads. Like Israel, we now need to go after our tormentors with singleness of purpose and eliminate the threat.”

[jwparkerjr]

Sadly, it appears that stupidity on the part of the libs running Congress is not enough in and of itself to bring about a conservative romp. The stains were part of the story, but the GOP had a good campaign that year. The Contract with America, complete with the full page ad in Reader's Digest, and a much more cohesive campaign message, completed the Daily Double for the GOP.

If a total inability to govern, not to mention an ability to avoid damage to the country, were enough then we would have taken back Congress this year.

Nope, the Democrat's total lack of skills to lead will have to be coupled with some sort of decent campaign by the GOP. That was certainly lacking this year! What a piss-poor effort was put forth at every level. Say what you want about Newt and his buddies, they got us in the driver's seat. Too bad we didn't find out until then that no one knew how to drive, much less had a valid license. It would have helped to have known that before we all hopped in the car expecting a great ride!

[pfflier]

Elections in 2010 and 2012 bring the Republicans back into power

Wishful thinking.

[savedbygrace]

Dims play hard ball. Republicans put on lipstick and a sexy red dress.

Guess who’s gettin’ screwed?

[sono]

Integrity!

[Will88]

Rumors have been around that some rule changes might be made in the Senate to weaken the Republicans. But, not to worry, I’m sure McCain will revive the “Gang of 14” and prevent any mean, unfair and uncollegial actions, being the great leader and reacher across the aisles that he is.

[massgopguy]

This from the party that demanded and GOT Power Sharing when they were decimated in the House.

[wastedyears]

With the way things have been going, write a very, very strongly worded letter of disagreement.

[wbill]

“Hey! I was told that I’d have a chance to speak?”

[rwfromkansas]

Nice to see you back.

[freekitty]

No matter what, Pelosi and her kind need to go.

[TexasGreg]

That botox bitch is not getting away this.

Yes, she is. At least ... she is for 2 years. If the House flips in 2010 (as seems likely given the kind of groundwork that is being lade for a national disaster), my prayer is that the linguini-spined Republicans keep the rules as Nancy has re-written them. If she protests, and I were in the House, I would point out that these are HER rules and SHE will have to live with them ... at least for 2 years. Yes, it opens us to charges of hypocrisy ... but my response would be that it's really only reciprocity.

[o_zarkman44]

Went to a gun show yesterday. Was packed. Especially at the table with the AR-15’s. I saw a lot of people buying everything high power and semi automatic. Cases of ammo too.
I didn’t buy another gun, but did get some more ammo and acessories.
I don’t think the crowd had hunting on their mind either.

But who has the balls to step up and lob the first round?
Once it happens, the dems will institute draconian measures to cut off the legal sale of arms and ammo. Just like cutting off congressional debate. If they do it, the people have no choice but to rise up. In my opinion...

[freekitty]

Can’t wait for the stories about Pelosi to come out. They will as her hands aren’t clean.

[nicolezmomma]

Boehner has got to go...

Whoever responds to this effectively should be the next RNC chair

[Rebelbase]

Is this strictly a democrat plan or are there RINO signatories?

[McGruff]

In 1992 William Jefferson Clinton was elected president. Two years later the Republicans introduced the Contract with America and regained control of the House leaving the Clinton Administration badly wounded. Let's hope history repeats itself. Pelosi’s certainly doing her part.

[Pharmboy]

Wow! Haven’t seen you here in a while. Nice to see you...

[Lancey Howard]

A goose-stepping overstep?

Nah. You and I find this stuff interesting, but the sheeple, the mindless chattering class?
What do they care?

[An.American.Expatriate]

In other news, Senate Majority Leader (Dirty) Harry Ried announced a change to the Senate Rules which will all a simple majority vote to end a filibuster .....