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Call for a Division of the House

One of our oddest beliefs is that the minority should go along with the majority.  It lies at the heart of democracy.  It is probably a commitment to long-term pragmatism.  Without that agreement, a rule of law would be impossible.  The minority could refuse to pay taxes, or get driver's or marriage licences, on the grounds that they did not agree. 

We elect representatives to government offices, and they debate and vote and agree that they will all go along with the majority, at least until they can form a different majority. 

Republicans have apparently decided that they will not go along with a majority.  Either they demand more than a majority, or they have decided to cripple the efforts to get anything done.  It seems to be their plan to stall the whole governing process until they have a majority, in which case they will then demand the minority will have to go along with them. 

And the Democrats apparently agree with them.  Barack Obama seems to think we should not, or cannot, do anything until a substantial number of Republicans agree.  "OK!" the Republicans say, "We vote no!"  Then Barack says, "C'mon, Olympia, work with us!" and she does a Snowe job on him and says, "No!"

Democracy requires give and take; the belief that in the long run, an honest debate and a show of hands is how a democracy works.

Republicans have every right to stall and to try to delay a vote.  They do not have a right to be dishonest about it.  The Democrats have every right to call for a show of hands.  In fact, if they don't, they will be giving up on a long-agreed-upon system. 

"Madam Chair, I call for a division of the House!"  And the Senate, too.

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