Speaker of the House

Friday October 27, 2023

Mike Johnson's election as U.S. Speaker of the House represents a compromise between far-right and mainstream Republicans, raising concerns about the impact of his deeply conservative views on governance and legislative dynamics.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 27, 2023

The Far-Right Freedom Caucus: A Force Shaping the Speaker’s Chair

Amidst the disgraceful incidents involving legislative speakers Kevin McCarthy, Anthony Rota, and John Bercow, Greg Fergus's election as the first person of colour to hold the position of Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada marking a promising shift towards inclusive and accountable parliamentary leadership.

October 5, 2023

In the ever-shifting landscape of American politics, the ascendancy of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House has not gone unnoticed. For those in the know, Johnson’s rise represents a compromise that ultimately pleases the far-right Freedom Caucus while avoiding the extremism symbolized by Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio. However, it is a worrisome sign for those who believe in the importance of a pragmatic and balanced approach to governance.

Mike Johnson’s relative obscurity on the national stage might be seen as an advantage by some Republicans, allowing him to introduce himself to the public on his terms. Still, there should be no mistake about his deeply conservative views on social issues, particularly regarding abortion rights and same-sex marriage. These positions will undoubtedly become ammunition in the Democrats’ efforts to paint more mainstream House Republicans with the brush of extreme conservatism as they seek to regain control of the chamber.

Opinion: Trumpist Mike Johnson is the US House speaker. There’s plenty to fear  

September 9, 2023

While Johnson is not a member of the far-right Freedom Caucus, he shares many of their positions, and this alliance was underscored by the vocal support he received from some of the most extreme House Republicans upon his nomination. His positions are far to the right of the ousted Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, who, despite his partisan attacks, understood the need for bipartisan cooperation to keep the government running. McCarthy’s willingness to pass critical legislation with Democratic votes eventually led to his downfall, a fate that may await Johnson if he fails to adapt to the realities of governing.

The fact that Johnson is the first head of the arch-conservative Republican Study Committee to hold the speaker’s gavel is a testament to the increasing influence of the far-right within the Republican Party. His ascent indicates the willingness of hard-right conservatives to break with party norms and ignore the majority’s position in their pursuit of their ideological goals. This could have significant implications for the dynamics of the House in the coming months and years.

NYT Opinion: The Speakership Is Yours, Mike Johnson. Good Luck With That.  

February 26, 2021

As the mid-November deadline for keeping the government open approaches, Johnson’s ability to navigate the spending impasse and work with a divided House will be put to the test. Whether he shares McCarthy’s willingness to cut deals with Democrats remains to be seen, but it’s clear that his alignment with the far-right will be a significant factor in his decision-making.

In the end, Johnson’s election as Speaker of the House reflects the ongoing struggle within the Republican Party between the hard-line, far-right faction and the more moderate, pragmatic members. It remains to be seen how this power dynamic will affect the legislative process, governance, and the ability of the House to address the pressing issues facing the nation. The far-right Freedom Caucus may have gotten their man in Johnson, but at what cost to the country’s ability to govern effectively and responsibly? (AI)

 

Thursday October 5, 2023

Amidst the disgraceful incidents involving legislative speakers Kevin McCarthy, Anthony Rota, and John Bercow, Greg Fergus's election as the first person of colour to hold the position of Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada marking a promising shift towards inclusive and accountable parliamentary leadership.

October 5, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 5, 2023

The Speaker’s Oath Betrayed: A Trilogy of Disgrace

In the grand halls of parliamentary democracy, the role of the Speaker is sacrosanct. They are meant to be impartial arbiters, guardians of decorum, and champions of justice within the legislative arena. Sadly, recent history has witnessed the disgraceful fall from grace of three individuals who held this esteemed office: Kevin McCarthy, Anthony Rota, and John Bercow.

Analysis: MPs are worried about Parliament’s reputation — and a new Speaker won’t fix things  

Kevin McCarthy: A Short-Lived Stint with Self-Interest

Kevin McCarthy’s brief tenure as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives was marked by a glaring lack of statesmanship. In a time of political polarization and pressing issues, McCarthy’s pursuit of personal agendas took precedence over the welfare of the nation. His attempt to fund the government with a bill laden with spending cuts and border policies was a textbook example of partisanship overriding national interest.

When his initial bill failed, McCarthy’s willingness to compromise came too late, exposing the consequences of political brinkmanship. The chaos that ensued ultimately led to his removal from office, marking the first time in U.S. history that a Speaker was ousted by their own House. McCarthy’s legacy will forever be marred by his failure to uphold the noble principles of the Speaker’s role – impartiality, fairness, and putting the nation’s interests before party politics.

Anaylsis: McCarthy’s Extraordinary Downfall Reflects an Ungovernable G.O.P.  

Anthony Rota: A Gaping Blind Spot in Judgment

September 27, 2023

Anthony Rota’s tenure as Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada will be remembered for a grave lapse in judgment. His decision to honuor Yaroslav Hunka, a man later revealed to have served in the Nazi Waffen-SS, exposed a shocking blind spot in Rota’s understanding of history and sensitivity.

Rota’s initial praise of Hunka as a “war hero” was not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive to those who suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime. His failure to conduct due diligence before introducing Hunka tarnished the sanctity of his office and cast a shadow on the entire Canadian parliamentary system. The subsequent calls for his resignation were inevitable and well-deserved.

John Bercow: A Legacy Tarnished by Bullying and Denial

John Bercow’s legacy as Speaker of the House of Commons of the UK will forever be tainted by allegations of bullying and harassment. His tenure was characterized by reports of mistreatment from former staff members, with Bercow denying these claims and attempting to suppress their voices.

Even in the face of damning evidence and an independent investigation that upheld multiple allegations against him, Bercow remained defiant, dismissing the findings and casting aspersions on the integrity of the process. His refusal to accept responsibility and his attempts to undermine the credibility of the Independent Expert Panel only deepened the stain on his legacy.

News: Former speaker John Bercow ‘to star in The Traitors US’  

The role of a Speaker demands the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and accountability. Bercow’s behaviour not only failed to meet these standards but also cast a long shadow over the institution he was meant to serve.

These three individuals – Kevin McCarthy, Anthony Rota, and John Bercow – serve as stark reminders of the importance of upholding the Speaker’s oath with unwavering commitment. Their failures have not only damaged their own legacies but also eroded the trust and respect that should be inherent in parliamentary leadership.

As we celebrate the election of Greg Fergus, the first person of colour to assume the Speakership in Canadian history, let us hope that his tenure will be characterized by a return to the noble principles of impartiality, fairness, and service to the nation. The disgraceful chapters authored by McCarthy, Rota, and Bercow should serve as cautionary tales for all those entrusted with the role of Speaker, reminding them that the office is far greater than any individual’s personal ambitions or shortcomings. (AI)

 

Friday December 7, 2012

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 7, 2012

Near-brawl erupts in House of Commons

Peter Van Loan and Thomas Mulcair drop f-bombs in Parliament

A confidential report says A verbal dust-up in the House of Commons almost wound up in a bench-clearing brawl. Peter Van Loan, the government’s House leader, appeared to set off the incident when he stormed across the floor of the Commons to confront his NDP counterpart, Nathan Cullen.

Microphones were shut off but video tape shows Van Loan waving his finger at Cullen and speaking in a heated manner.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, Cullen’s seat mate, stands up, whereupon a number of New Democrats surround Van Loan and appear to urge him to leave.

Finally, Defence Minister Peter MacKay rushes over, puts his hand on Van Loan’s shoulder and ushers him back across the centre aisle of the Commons to the government benches.

The contretemps was sparked by an NDP attempt to have a vote on the government’s omnibus budget bill ruled invalid because Finance Minister Jim Flaherty had been absent, even though he was named as the mover of the motion to pass the bill.

Speaker Andrew Scheer dismissed the matter Wednesday as a technical foul-up, but an angry Van Loan apparently felt compelled to register his annoyance directly with Cullen.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, Van Loan said he walked over to the NDP benches to discuss the vote issue, a snafu he blamed on Deputy Speaker Joe Comartin, a NDP MP.

“I conveyed my disappointment to the NDP House Leader for the hypocrisy of his complaint which related to a mistake by a member of his own caucus last night,” Van Loan said. (Source: Winnipeg Free Press)