(gets out popcorn)

[james_davis_nicoll]

Chaos in Speaker selection leaves observers wondering if the living will envy the dead:

“It is total confusion — a banana republic,” said Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), a Boehner ally, as he recounted seeing a handful of House Republicans weeping Thursday over the downfall of McCarthy and the broader discord. “Any plan, anything you anticipate, who knows what’ll happen. People are crying. They don’t have any idea how this will unfold at all.”

Comments

[nathan helfinstine (from livejournal.com)]

There's no guarantee that parliamentary systems can form governments, see for instance Belgium 2010-2012, where no majority coalition could be formed despite many many attempts.

I don't think of the Belgians as particularly insane.

[graydon saunders (from livejournal.com)]

How much of the problem in Belgium in 2010-2012 was a consequence of significant political factions absolutely determined that reality will change if they want it enough?

It doesn't have to be particularly insane; it just has to be an unwillingness to face facts.