Elaine Harris Spearman: Divided government looms after House speaker debacle

We are full on into the year of 2023. The Republican Party has set the stage for a stressful year for all Americans after the recent House debacle.

It took 15 ballots for incoming House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to see his dream become reality. The battle was the longest since 1859.

A picture shown across the nation depicted Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., pulling Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., back as Rogers confronted Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. Not to say that Gaetz was not deserving.

It is a sad but well documented fact that many of those elected to Congress have a skewed view of what they need to focus upon for the good of the country. They are eager to challenge and push for public dissertations and investigations that have little to no bearing on making the United States grow and become all that it can be.

The president will now face a divided government, with the GOP-led House, and the Senate narrowly controlled by Democrats. You would think that bipartisan deal making could occur, but as we look historically, it results in standoffs, stalemates and threats to shut down government.

While this is going on, cities and states across the country twist in the mean winds of stubbornness, and that is "my way or no way."

This climate is made rougher by the concession that McCarthy gave to the hardliners to reinstate the “motion to vacate the chair.” They will hold this over his head daily. Republican Ralph Norman of South Carolina said, “If a CEO is not doing the job, you can fire him, same thing in politics.”

Do you know of an elected official who has been fired, as in corporate America? I doubt that you do. The motion will cause what we have already seen. Should the bitter representative who did not get his way call for the motion, we will again witness chaos in the nation's capital.

Many cities and towns across the country are in planning stages to improve where we either live, work or play, or all of the above.

Federal dollars have to be an integral part of state and local growth. Gadsden is one of the cities that has seen the new administration put forth plans that, if achieved, will have a great impact upon a city that has much to offer.

I first heard U.S. Rep. William “Bill” Clay formerly of St Louis, use the phrase, “all politics are local.” The phrase means different things to different people. Citizens on the local level have to care and participate for their concerns to register in Washington, D.C.

Some of the wonderfully ambitious plans were detailed in a recent Gadsden Times article.

It is going to be prime time for citizen involvement. Rather than complain with bitterness on the sidelines, it is time to show up at community meetings and voice your choice. It was said long ago, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”

There have been a great many “new faces” step up to become public servants on boards, commissions and task forces. It is heartwarming to see new people willing to give of their time and talent to help the new administration move the city forward.

The appointees are keenly aware that everyone will not always agree to everything. Some will agree to nothing. That is the nature of the beast. Therefore, all concerned need to start now with the development of a thick skin.

There is no need to be as combative and disagreeable as some of the people to be encountered. Keep in mind that they are exercising their right to publicly dissent.

The local media organization, which is no longer defined as a “newspaper,” has taken a new direction. I find this to be in great concert with the new direction of Gadsden.

The “People to Watch” series was a wonderful addition to the new direction. There have been some great stories and pictures. The most recent article featured two of my favorite people, Jazmine and Corey Winston, owners of one of my favorite restaurants, C&J’s Crab Shack.

Mr. Ernest and I were there on Broad Street and followed them to Rainbow Drive. Mr. Ernest loved this restaurant and Mr. Corey. That love was returned. Our best wishes as they await their new baby in 2023!

Elaine Harris Spearman, Esq., a Gadsden native, is an attorney and is the retired legal advisor to the comptroller of the City of St. Louis. The opinions reflected are her own.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Elaine Harris Spearman looks at political climate in Washington