C. S. Lewis – "Equality"
Recently reprinted in the Kairos Journal: I believe in political equality. But there are two opposite reasons for being a democrat. You may think all men so good that they deserve a share in the government of the commonwealth, and so wise that the commonwealth needs their advice. That is, in my opinion, the false, [...]
Ronald Reagan, Reconciliation, and Health Care Reform
From Bloomberg story, “Democrats Owe Thanks to Reagan for Health Vote Procedure“: Democrats owe the late President Ronald Reagan a measure of thanks for the parliamentary procedure they’re using this week to try to complete the U.S. health-care overhaul.It was Republicans, concerned that Reagan’s agenda might get bogged down in the Senate, who in 1981 [...]
Can a Member Move to Close Debate After Debating?
One of the fundamental principles of parliamentary law is that all members should have the right to debate any and every question (that is, every motion or proposal) to come before their organization, and that it should require more than merely a majority vote to close debate on any given issue. The motion used to [...]
Jimmy Fallon's Rules of Order
I really think that parliamentary procedure should be a larger part of late night television.
Democracy and Book Reviews
I love books, and have recently begun to enjoy a steady diet of book reviews with my Christmas present for this year–a subscription to Books & Culture. So, when I came across a book about book reviews, I had to take the time to read it. Faint Praise: The Plight of Book Reviewing in America, [...]
Can the Chairman Vote Twice?
From the Hartford Courant, “Hartford Democratic Leadership Dispute To Get State Committee Hearing“: The dispute over who, if anyone, won the Democratic town committee chairmanship last week will be heard March 25 by a three-person panel made up of members of the Democratic State Central Committee. The panel will listen to testimony and view evidence [...]
Setting up a Non-Profit Organization
An article on a blog for writers gives tips for setting up a non-profit organization. The author covers three issues: (1) Whether to pursue 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship; or (2) What your board of directors needs; and (3) How to write your bylaws. On the third subject, the author writes: Most non profits are [...]