Economies Of Effort

(Economies Of Effort)

Today is the First Day of Hannukah. Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends. In many, if not most, Jewish households, one is likely to see a menorah, an ornamental candle holder for eight spaces, over the course of about a week, eight days, one candle is lit. One candle lights the next until the whole sequence is illuminated. Where did the tradition get started ? Sadly, some stories have to be told with a history lesson.

The Empire of Alexander the Great was the Rome of the East. When the great Conqueror died pre-maturely. his domain had been split among his generals. The territory that contained Judea went to one of those generals but then, there was a revolt that had overthrown the Hellenistic authority, Jerusalem was re-taken and what became known as the Second Temple. Ritual is very important in Temple liturgy, including consecration with certain oils. As it happened, there was not enough of the precious fluid, but, by economy of effort, or maybe a miracle, the oil lasted some eight days. Therefore, Hannukah, is the eight-day commemoration 

In contrast to those Jews and the Second Temple, there seems to be a marked lack of focus today. Why is Kevin McCarthy's prospective Speakership in doubt ? The California Congressman has yet to secure a Majority that would deliver the Gavel but because the House Republican margin is so slim, the individual House members are seeking more autonomy, a return to regular order. Or, that is what is claimed to be their main objective.

Whatever their motivations what things will amount to blackmail and threatens to mar the beginning of the new Session.  There is such a thing as being too committed to principle. That one's own agenda supersedes what might be considered the "greater good." But before that, one must consider the cost. If this new House GOP Conference wants to display anything other than a destructive turf war, then resolution of the Leadership becomes paramount.

Truth be told, there is a lot happening with the Republican Party beyond who will be the next Speaker. The entire GOP approach to elections is also under review as the anticipated Mid-Term gains failed to materialize. It has been revealed that the other Party starts banking votes with early and mail in ballots, a practice Republicans have never mastered. Will a change in Chairperson, Harmeet Dillon challenging current Chair Rona McDaniel. Will that signal a new direction for the Republican Party ?

In any event, time is short for the resolution of all these crises. Remember, there is only an eight-day supply of oil.