It’s a trap
That line uttered by Admiral Ackbar in the film the Return of the Jedi spawned (pun intended for you Star Wars fanz) countless youtube parodies and became a widespread meme in our culture. After every television news story about Congressman Paul Ryan running for Speaker of the House, I long for the network to cut away to a three second video of Admiral Ackbar’s declaration…
“It’s a trap.”
As of this writing, the Wisconsin wunderkind of the Republican Party has just returned to capitol hill to fill the role of the reluctant candidate for Speaker of the House, with the stipulation that he will only do so if the party unifies behind him. Barring a last minute plot twist, akin to “Luke, I am your father,” the election for Speaker should happen this week.
“It’s a trap.”
Just as Luke Skywalk learned from the evil Emperor that all was not as it seemed as the rebel fleet approached the partially completed Death Star, the hero of the Republican conference may also soon discover the deflector shield will be quite operational when he and his friends arrive. In other words, even if Ryan is able gain the support from the Freedom Caucus, the group of forty conservatives claiming credit for striking down both John Boehner and Kevin McCarthy, it doesn’t mean they won’t change their mind down the road. Concessions won today may not be honored tomorrow. I speak from experience that occasionally, under extra special circumstances – cough, cough – a lawmaker may change their mind and do the exact opposite of what they said they would do. Ryan should go forward not banking on a “deal” with any of the caucuses. If it takes negotiated concessions to get the job – one you say you don’t aspire toward – then perhaps you really shouldn’t take the job.
“It’s a trap.”
The reason I hate to see Ryan take on a Sisyphus like task is because he is talented, bright, and represents the future of the party. I don’t want to see that ground out as the rock rolls back down hill. And it will continue to roll back down the hill because the institution itself is dysfunctional. The Speaker of the House will always find him or her self in a position where they must make a compromise. Not a capitulation – as many like to characterize it, but a principled compromise. Getting the best deal they can get. There are two challenges every Speaker faces. The first is a chief executive of the opposite party – even when of the same party they may fight. The budget hawks in the GOP spent far more money under President Bush than they would have preferred. Second, and more importantly, the manner in which the Senate operates, requiring a 60 vote threshold to pass anything, virtually guarantees a negotiated settlement. That is the single biggest problem with Congress today – the minority party can block the will of the majority. Until that changes – either by constitutional amendment, popular uprising, or a Sith Lord force choking Senators – the will of the majority of voters will always be blocked.
“It’s a trap.”
Elections have consequences. Sometimes Republicans win, and they should be able to pass the policies they told the voters they would enact. Sometimes Democrats win, and they should be able to pass the policies they told the voters they would enact – even if I don’t like them. I remember telling Republican friends of mine, Republicans who voted for Senator Obama, that President Obama’s healthcare plan was exactly what he said he was going to do. They should have listened because elections have consequences.
“It’s a trap.”
Until such time as “majority rules” actually applies to the US Senate, a Ryan speakership will be pilloried in the press, the punditry and within the House. Those who profit from public pillorying – and make no mistake, there is an entire industry of pillorying direct mail fundraisers profiting – will seek to ruin any future Ryan has. And his future is bright. America is so very much in need of a tax overhaul and that could be his true legacy, but a legacy that would vanish should he wield the gavel. I very much appreciate that Ryan is willing to offer himself up for the thrashing because he believes America is at critical stage that requires leadership. He isn’t wrong. But the institution and the “game” is rigged against him. Better to bide his time.
“It’s a trap!” – For those of you who on whom the meme is lost and don’t get the humor, if you google “It’s a trap” the first result (as of the time of this writing) will bring you to this video. If you watch the video and then reread the column I promise the humor will come through.