Finally, and with so much turmoil in the world that needs to be addressed by Congress, U.S. House Republicans have elected a speaker.

The elevation to this position of Rep. Mike Johnson is good news for him, for Donald Trump, whose approval was necessary for a Republican speaker to be elected, and for the far-right members of the GOP, particularly the extremists who toppled the far-more-moderate Kevin McCarthy. It is bad news for the country.

Johnson’s acceptance speech was that of a dignified, intelligent, articulate and affable gentleman. It was deceiving.

Johnson is a prominent election denier/liar who actively attempted to overturn the legitimate result of the 2020 presidential election. He opposes marriage equality, women’s reproductive rights and providing aid to Ukraine: wrong and out of step on all of these issues. He is a perfect leader for his deep South home state of Louisiana, but one who is not reflective of much of the rest of the United States.

An ultra-right-wing speaker is wholly inappropriate in a U.S. House that is narrowly divided, 221-212. There is no mandate for a radical Republican like Johnson to lead this body.

I will try to look at the bright side. By betraying tens of millions of Americans with this choice for speaker, the Republicans may enable Democrats to score significant gains in future elections.

Oren Spiegler

Peters

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