Just Say ‘No’ to the Coronation of Paul Ryan

House Republicans reportedly have agreed to the coronation of Rep. Paul Ryan as the next Speaker. And why wouldn’t they go along? After all, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid has endorsed him and Reid’s House counterpart, Nancy Pelosi, seems favorably disposed to a Ryan speakership, as well.

If GOP legislators needed any further reason to vote against Rep. Ryan, he has offered a few of his own. Mr. Ryan has demanded what would amount to their unanimous support. He’s refused to commit to making any procedural reforms, thus preserving the centralized – and virtually absolute – power of the Speaker.

And Ryan has insisted that the option to vote him out of office in mid-term must be eliminated.

In short, as one skeptical Republican put it, Ryan wants more authority, less responsibility and no accountability.

The House, and America, need no more such Speakers.