The major media will not give a straightforward appraisal of why no one wants to take the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives. This is one of the most revered positions in our nation’s government. He or she is third in line for the presidency and considered the second most powerful person in Washington. So why are experienced politicians reluctant to seek the position? The truth is that less than 40 members of the House are extremists and obstructionists who insist on having everything their way with no concern for the needs of the American people.

Whether they call themselves the TEA Party, or the Freedom Caucus, they are one and the same. They are not legislators, they are representatives of the one-percent. They choose not to deliberate or compromise. Their only method is to dictate or abstain from performing the job for which they were elected.

Mainstream Republicans have encouraged Paul Ryan to seek the position. Ryan has served in the House since his election in 1999. He is considered a strong negotiator who is able to work across party lines.

But Ryan has made demands from his party before he accepts the nomination. He said that he will only take the position of Speaker if he is guaranteed support from all factions of the GOP.

“If I can truly be a unifying figure, then I will gladly serve,” Ryan told reporters after the meeting. “And if I am not unifying, that will be fine as well. I’ll be happy to stay where I am.”

He recognizes that the problem for our broken government is the result of a divided Congress.

“We have become the problem,” Ryan said. “If my colleagues entrust me to be the speaker, I want us to be the solution.”

He has also stated that he will not give up the time he spends with his family. In addition, he wants to change the House rules and insure that each member will be more effective.

His challenge to Republicans and the TEA Party have placed him in a position of power even before he accepts the Speaker’s gavel. By stating that he does not need the position and doesn’t want it unless his terms are met forces his constituents to avoid further division within its own ranks.

Ryan will be the first Republican to take control of extremists within its ranks. John Boehner failed to lead the House effectively, and the belief is that Ryan can be more successful.

The nation waits.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of Gage Skidmore