BREAKING: Speaker of the House to Resign


The Speaker of the House will, in a very historic move, resign this week.

No joking at all.

The Speaker, facing a rebellion from back bench members of the House over ethics problems, mismanagement, and the Speaker’s own desire to block inquiries into allegations about the ethics of members of the Speaker’s own party, has decided to announce the resignation later this week.

It is historic and we’re glad the Speaker has chosen to do the right thing.

This also hasn’t happened in 300 years.No, I’m not talking about Nancy Pelosi. She’s too into self-interest to care about either the reputation of the House of Representatives or the Democrat Caucus.

I’m talking about Speaker Michael Martin of the British House of Commons.

For some time Mr. Martin has been under fire for questionable personal behavior. Historically, the British Speaker must remain above reproach and not be accused of partisan operations. In fact, the British take the role so seriously, they typically give the position to a member of the party opposite, no one runs against that person, and the Speaker is squired away in a palace away from the temptation to play partisan favorites.

But when Betty Boothroy retired, Labor put up a hard charging partisan in Michael Martin. He never really abandoned the partisan hackery. It even rubbed members of Labor the wrong way. When Martin did become more fair, he also became more egocentric, abusing staff and finances.

In the latest lapse, the ethically compromised Martin did not keep the reins tightly pulled and allowed members of the House of Commons to pull a fast one on the British public by abusing expense accounts.

Mr Martin’s critics say he was the driving force behind repeated attempts by Commons authorities to block details of MPs’ expenses from coming out under Freedom of Information legislation.

He was also criticised for attacking MPs in the Commons who had campaigned for more transparency or questioned his decision to call police to investigate the leaking of expenses details to the Daily Telegraph.

Whether in the British House of Commons or the American House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House, as chief voice for the whole House, sets the tone and ethical balance. As Martin failed, so failed his House.

Nancy Pelosi’s corruption, ethical lapses, and vanity set the tone for the American House. As Labour will go down in flames at the next election — in fact, the Queen is said to be looking into dissolving the House without the advice of her government — the Democrats quite possibly will too.

And they will have Nancy to thank unless she takes a lesson from the other Speaker of the House and resigns.


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39 Comments Leave a comment

Great comparison, Erick...

randy streu (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 8:43AM EST (link)

But darn you for getting my hopes up.

Oh well

pac_NY (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 8:54AM EST (link)

I was just about to call family members to send them the good news to brighten their day.

He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. -Psalm 104:32

Well, it's still good news.

Moe Lane (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:38AM EST (link)

It’s just that it’s good news for our ally. :)

yeah, that Speaker was a left wing hack

Doc Holliday (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 10:14PM EST (link)

too bad labour will get to appoint another one before the Tories throw them out on their bums.

Molon Labe!

 
 
 

The 300 years was a dead giveaway

Joliphant (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:14AM EST (link)

But I was hopeful for that brief moment.


“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777

Yeah, but that was right before the big reveal.

randy streu (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:39AM EST (link)

I’m still calling you several naughty words, Erickson.

 
 

Obama handed Pelosi her fate.

Common_Cents (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:25PM EST (link)

In some presentation, Obama made a special effort to recognize Pelosi for her hard work. Isn’t that the kiss of political death?

Obama=Golfer in Chief, Leading from, behind, the Back Nine.
Leaders don’t create movements. Movements create leaders. Get involved. Your future depends on it.
Govt “invests” YOUR tax money for POLITICAL return rather than economic return.

 
 

It's just a matter of time before Nancy goes too.

itrytobenice (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:01AM EST (link)

Gibbs said yesterday that Obama still supports her. That’s the last stop on the (under the) bus tour.

Proper grammar saves lives.

Let’s eat Grandma.
Let’s eat, Grandma.


Activists Taking Action: Unified Patriots

Heh. Good point. nt

randy streu (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:08AM EST (link)

Next step will be

bk (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:59AM EST (link)

“It’s a matter for the House to decide on their leadership. I don’t have any sayso in that.”

 
 

That was cruel Erick...;^(.....nt

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:16AM EST (link)

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 

Oh Man !

skicougar (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:37AM EST (link)

I was just about to give redstate “props” for beating drudge on this.

Oh well, I guess i’ll just have to settle for “hope and change” that this becomes true one day.

Eat ‘em up Houston Cougars !

Just checked,

ceili_dancer (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 10:42AM EST (link)

He did beat Drudge with this news. Nothing on the front page and he was following the story.

 
 

Erick, it's a cruel cliffhanger to me!

Rod_Patrick (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:46AM EST (link)

That’s despite my full awareness of what’s going on at the British Parliament and the resignation of its Speaker of the House.

 

GRRRRRRR - I have one for you:

tankertodd (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:47AM EST (link)

From the local news: “These three common household products, when combined, create a poisonous gas. We’ll tell you which products at 11.”

———————————
The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race – Chief Justice Roberts

Could be worse

Finrod (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 10:15AM EST (link)

“We’ll tell you which, when you vote for Kent Brockman as mayor!”

Let’s get down to brass tacks here. How much for the ape?

 

Methane, methinks.

blooch Tuesday, May 19th at 10:24AM EST (link)

Breaking Wind: Speaker of the House to hold press conference today.

“Lieutenant Dike wasn’t a bad leader because he made bad decisions. He was a bad leader because he made no decisions.”

 
 

Hmm... I was thinking that I had not noticed any pigs flying by the window this morning... (nt)

larueladue (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 10:51AM EST (link)

"— in fact, the Queen is said to be looking into dissolving the House without the advice of her government —"

hoosierteacher (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 4:20PM EST (link)

I hadn’t read this before. Is there a good link?

Thanks in advance.

“Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep” – Defoe

 

That come-on was just mean!

Scope (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 7:49PM EST (link)

Eric- Have we gone the way of the Tabloids with your Breaking News- that got hopes up, just to dash them?

Scope (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 8:07PM EST (link)

Very respectfully, I am beginning what this site has come to.

To correct my above statement-

Scope (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 8:10PM EST (link)

I am beginning to wonder what this site has become. With all due respect, that was sleazy.

 

To correct my above statement-

Scope (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 8:10PM EST (link)

I am beginning to wonder what this site has become. With all due respect, that was sleazy.

Why is it sleazy to report news from across the pond....

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 9:02PM EST (link)

With all due respect, which really means none, you need to chill out. If you don’t like the site and the diaries that are being written you could, ya know, write one instead of simply trying to snipe at others.

And as far as your question below about the site being moderate or conservative…well obviously it is a bit of both…just like the party.

I suggest you comment less, read more and publish a diary of your own thoughts and suggestions. At least that way you won’t look like an insignificant guttersnipe.

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


Aaron- I wasn't aware that you were assigned the duties of Arbiter of the comments section

Scope (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 7:02PM EST (link)

but, then again you seem to pick and choose what you say to some commentors that you deem to be “insignificant” and don’t deserve any respect for their opinions. You go full battle to allow others, who have absolutely nothing in common with any Republican principle or idea to allow them to make their insane comments, just to give you the challenge to respond, and, convince them “how wrong they are.” How’s that working out for ya?

Aaron, I read as many of the diaries as I can, while I am not at work, I don’t have the luxuary of checking into the site throughout the day, as my job is in “manuel labor” and ‘customer service.” I guess that can be why you may have called me a guttersnipe, which I seriously doubt you know the meaning of the word. According to the Webster dictionary, a Guttersnipe is- “A street Arab” and/or a person of the lowest moral or economic station.”

No no no Aaron, I was of the impression that “name calling” was not something that Redstate was in favor of, and, especialy when those names are more than false and insulting. I am not a “street Arab” nor am I of” the lowest moral or economic station”, however, I must wonder about your ability to understand the proper use of the English language.

I wouldn’t even attempt to write a diary, as I am so intimitaded by the intellect of some diaries posted here. Your’s are not among them.

Awful lot of accusations there Scope...care to back any up...

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 7:33PM EST (link)

Or you wanna just whine some more??

I also didn’t realize you were assigned duties or “arbiter of the Front Page diaries”.

As far as my diaries go I write about Russel Kirk and conservatism…I can certainly tell you haven’t read them, or else you might have a clue about what conservatism is.

Oh and I love how you attack Erick and then play the victim when I call you out on it….a rather leftists tactic if I do say so myself.

I should have let you burn when you went up against Achance instead of defending your pitiful little attempt at civility…how quickly you forget.

And this isn’t the first time you have gone on the attack against me.

So why don’t you answer the original question? Why do *you* think Erick is sleazy?

I really can’t wait to hear you justification…especially after you last response.

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 

Oh and "Manuel Labor"...how is Manuel these days Scope....still paying with nickels??...nt

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 7:39PM EST (link)

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 

Oh and name calling...Like calling Erick sleazy Scope...you mean like that??...nt

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 7:40PM EST (link)

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 

And then there's this Scope...

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 7:44PM EST (link)

must wonder about your ability to understand the proper use of the English language.

Followed by this:

as I am so intimitaded by the intellect of some diaries posted here. Your’s are not among them.

Maybe you were just flustered after all that laboring over Manuel.

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


Whoee Aaron- I guess you have nothing of significance to offer

Scope (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 8:49PM EST (link)

other than showing your ire at my truthful statements. I NEVER called Eric sleazy, I said that the post was “sleazy” which you stated above my commets was “CRUEL.” You can’t have it both ways Mr. Gardner.

“Oh and I love how you attack Erick and then play the victim when I call you out on it….a rather leftists tactic if I do say so myself.”

“I should have let you burn when you went up against Achance instead of defending your pitiful little attempt at civility…how quickly you forget”

I’m not getting on my knees to thank you for “not letting me burn”, as many others have gone up against Achance, and, well he has said himself, he is hated by many. That is a direct quote from the elder. My comments were mild compared to some others that have not bought his bag of tricks.

As far as my diaries go I write about Russel Kirk and conservatism…I can certainly tell you haven’t read them, or else you might have a clue about what conservatism is.

I don’t rely on what any one person, who follows one person, has to say about Conservatism. And you are correct, I have bipassed your diaries. Go back and read my comments, I doubt that you could ever consoder me anything but a Conservative.

As far as my diaries go I write about Russel Kirk and conservatism…I can certainly tell you haven’t read them, or else you might have a clue about what conservatism is.

Oh and “Manuel Labor”…how is Manuel these days Scope….still paying with nickels??…nt

This is the most despicable statement I have seen on this site yet. This absolutely should be a “BANNABLE” statement. How would you like me to say the JEWS have been robbing all those “nickles” from the Americans. How does that feel Mr. Aaron Gardner. Does it make you feel good? Are you so “arrogant in whatever it is that you do that allows you to knock those that do some “real labor” for a living. You absolutely don’t seem to have a clue about what the “job losses” have done to the country, because you apparently have your little cushy job. Don’t know where you live, and. don’t care. Here where I live there are no jobs for people who are ACCOUNTANTS. You do what you have to do to EARN a paycheck, whatever it may be. Hope you don’t have to come by the same situation. You would never survive, whimps never do. I doubt you could ever grow a vegetable or anything that could resemble “food for your family.” Better start buying those chemically processed canned foods soon Mr. Gardner, a suggestion from someone who has had the ability to use “other knowledge” in order to be employable, and easily independent from the government.

I wish no more banter from you, as I have said everything that I could possibly say to you. “Create” a great evening for yourself.

I see you got that name calling down pat Scope...

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:20PM EST (link)

all you did there was call names and make accusations…I’ve yet to see an intelligent thought come from you.

And as far as me getting banned because I made a play on your words… I doubt it.

And I highly doubt you even know who Russel Kirk is or else you wouldn’t have said that I am relying on one man’s words….since Kirk drew from Burke and the Founders among others. I stand on the shoulders of giants and claim nothing other than that….you on the other hand have yet to name any conservative thinker that you draw from….and no Palin doesn’t count.

As far as me having a cushy job…your right I do…I earned it by educating myself after serving in the military…which I sure a sugarpuff like you would never be able to do.

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 

And I wasn't having it both ways Scope...

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:29PM EST (link)

Cruel and Sleazy have totally different meanings first of all…and mine was meant as humor whereas yours (notice no apostrophe there) was an attack followed up with whining about what the OWNER of RS decides to post….here is a clue…this ain’t your site…it’s his…if you don’t like it leave…or at least have the common decency to email him with your concerns instead of attacking his character…which if you knew the definition of “sleazy” is exactly what you did.

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 
 
 

Still waiting Scope...or have you slinked off again to Labor over Manuel??...

Aaron Gardner (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 8:24PM EST (link)

and I did a quick review of your posting history and it seems you really like taking unprovoked jabs at other conservative posters here….like aesthete, mbecker, achance, and a few others including myself.

Maybe Santa Claus will get you a mirror for Christmas so you can see your own hypocrisy clearly.

conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!

“We’d be much better off if We The People had desired small government enough to keep it.” acat


 
 
 

sleazy? it was funny and in fact true, chill will -nt

Doc Holliday (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 10:17PM EST (link)

nt

Molon Labe!

 
 

I take it you got your hopes up too much

Erick Erickson (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:43PM EST (link)

Sorry to disappoint, but I think it’s a valid post, if a bit too humorous for some of you, to compare and contrast to unethical Speakers in the Anglosphere.

Who will stand on either hand and keep this bridge with me?

 
 

Eric- I have a question

Scope (Diary) Tuesday, May 19th at 8:21PM EST (link)

With some of the most recent diaries, I must ask, is this site moderate, is it conservative, or just what values do you hold dear? When the diaries have come up recently, there has been alot of infighting with the members. There are those that favor “moderate” positions, vehemently, there are those that favor “conservative” positions “vehementaly.” I must go with a poster that had said- “Just tell me what you believe in, and I will vote for or against you.” The truth, the laid-out stands on the issues, the voting record should tell us what we need to know, rather than what someone is saying today, which may contradict what they said yesterday.

This site is getting very confusing!

You've been around long enough to know

Erick Erickson (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:46PM EST (link)

This site has no editorial line unless we write a Directors post, though I tend to set the overall tone by my position.

We have right-of-center activists from across the country and across the spectrum. Some are to the left of the site as a whole and some are further right.

We discuss, we collaborate, and we conspire. But there is a community here. The community is of many minds and opinions.

As for front page posters, the only rule is that the person must be pro-life.

Who will stand on either hand and keep this bridge with me?

 
 

Eric- If you can allow this statement to stand

Scope (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:46PM EST (link)

Still waiting Scope…or have you slinked off again to Labor over Manuel??…

That is so disgusting, it is unspeakable. The posts since then from Aaron Gardner have just deteriorated into the gutter. This is one reason why I asked the question? What has this site become?

Yeah that was cheap

Erick Erickson (Diary) Wednesday, May 20th at 9:48PM EST (link)

I’ve discussed it with Aaron.

Who will stand on either hand and keep this bridge with me?