Political Quotes

“Even though discharge petitions have rarely been invoked in modern history, they nevertheless embody democracy and its fundamental principle of majority rules, a principle that the gentleman has already talked about earlier. This discharge process offers the only means by which a majority of House Members can secure a vote on a measure that is opposed by the chairman of the committee of jurisdiction and House leadership. What makes the gentleman's remarks a few minutes ago particularly ironic is the fact that the discharge rule evolved from a precursor rule adopted in 1910 as part of the Cannon revolt. The Cannon revolt was a revolt against Speaker Joseph Cannon. It was a remarkable event in the history of this House and is relevant today in more ways than one. Speaker Cannon was, at the time, the longest-serving Republican Speaker in the history of the House, serving as Speaker from 1903 to 1911. Referred to as ``Uncle Joe,'' Speaker Cannon ruled with an iron fist. Historians have not painted him as a great legislator. No. Historians have painted him as a great obstructionist. He blocked legislation, including child labor laws and the right for women to vote. What was his reasoning for blocking this progressive legislation? ``I am tired of listening to all this babble for reform,'' he said.…”