Robert's Rules of Order
We, the people of the United States of America, have fallen victim to the shoddy example set forth for us by the discourteous, self-serving talking heads of television, who have, in recent years fallen into abominable habits of rudeness and interrupting each other in so-called public discourse, sucking us thereby into similarly reprehensible habits of barbarity in our town meetings and other gatherings. Therefore,
We, the people of the United States of America, must resolve to rediscover a few precious principles of courtesy and order, so that we may explore our public disagreements in a constructive, peaceful manner, with an intention to achieve consensus and progress.
In Robert's Rules of Order, Second Edition, Robert McConnell Productions, Wiley Publishing Co., these principles of orderly procedure are stated:
Furthermore, let us preserve and pursue, by adopting these simple, though neglected, principles: domestic tranquility, a just and workable consensus, and public health for all our people, both poor and rich, insured and uninsured.
If we do not rise to the challenge of restoring order in public discourse, we are screwed.
We, the people of the United States of America, must resolve to rediscover a few precious principles of courtesy and order, so that we may explore our public disagreements in a constructive, peaceful manner, with an intention to achieve consensus and progress.
In Robert's Rules of Order, Second Edition, Robert McConnell Productions, Wiley Publishing Co., these principles of orderly procedure are stated:
- Promote courtesy, justice, impartiality, and equality. This ensures that everyone is heard, that members treat each other with courtesy, that everyone has the same rights, and that no individual or special group is singled out for special favors.
- Only one member can be assigned the floor at a time.
- Members take turn speaking.
- Members rise to to be recognized by the presiding officer and don't speak out of turn.
- In debate, members do not cross talk, or talk directly to each other, when another member is speaking. All remarks are made through and to the chair.
- Members listen when others are speaking.
Furthermore, let us preserve and pursue, by adopting these simple, though neglected, principles: domestic tranquility, a just and workable consensus, and public health for all our people, both poor and rich, insured and uninsured.
If we do not rise to the challenge of restoring order in public discourse, we are screwed.
Advertisement
Leave a comment