Susan Collins had senators in bipartisan meetings use talking stick

[brooklynite]

Source: CNN

During bipartisan talks between senators to discuss passing a funding bill to end the government shutdown, Sen. Susan Collins whose office was being used for the negotiations, figured out a civil way to create discussion.

Collins, R-Maine, introduced her fellow colleagues to her talking stick during discussions, a Republican senator told CNN.

Whoever was holding the stick was the only senator allowed to talk -- to prevent cross-talking.

Collins used a decorative stick given to her by a fellow member in a previous era of tough negotiations.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/22/politics/susan-collins-bipartisan-talks-congress-shutdown-talking-stick/index.html

[nolabear]

1. BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!

Actually it has a bit of brilliance. But I'd LOVE to have seen it.

[oberliner]

2. It would be cool if we had adults governing this country

Instead of children.

[dubyadiprecession]

14. Don't forget the loony old codger at the "Adult daycare center at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave".

[Irish_Dem]

28. Exactly. Most of us would be fired from our jobs if we acted like congress. nt

[Freethinker65]

3. Next time use finger puppets.

And these are our elected representatives. Ugh.

[lagomorph777]

6. The Billionaire Tax Cut is written in finger paint.

so finger puppets, sock puppets, or Putin's puppets would not be a stretch.

[Purrfessor]

4. Does she also have a shouting stick and profanity stick? Might be useful.

[lagomorph777]

5. I can picture RePutins using it as a hitting stick.

And wrestling on the floor for it.

[Renew Deal]

7. She's funny

Whatever works...

[gibraltar72]

8. She handed

the shitty end to the Dems. Can't name one person other than Trump less likely to honor a promise than McConnell. Or As Susan says fool me once shame on you fool me twice and thice and so on and so on.

[SpankMe]

9. This is a modification of the classical Republican game...

...where - rather than a stick - the one holding the gun is the only one allowed to talk. I've heard it really keeps the rest of the crowd quiet.

[Canoe52]

31. Lol nt

[Phoenix61]

10. It sounds silly but it works

Everybody gets a turn to speak. The quieter ones are more willing to speak up because they don't have to worry about being yelled over. People tend to calm down and be more willing to consider someone else's point of view when they feel they have been heard.

[zipplewrath]

17. What it really helps with

Quite honestly, in meetings, I have the biggest problem with adults having "side" conversations. Not only is it distracting, but it basically tells the main speaker that people aren't paying attention. With these sticks, at least you can shut those down. Although really you just need to say something along the lines of "one meeting please".

[TomVilmer]

18. Yes, it is a very good meeting practice...

... especially among grownups. And it is one of the very few ways, that can keep me from interrupting in meetings - so I recommend the use of it!

[Gothmog]

11. This makes me smile

[procon]

12. Kindergarteners learning basic social skills. Next, snack time with sippy cups! nt

[Dave Starsky]

19. That was the first thing I thought of.

I have pre-K kids in my family who, somehow, just know when to shut up and let other kids share what they have to say. They would either be insulted by this stupid stick being handed to them or be baffled as to why anyone would ever need it.

We are living in a country where the people WE ELECT to help govern us require Romper Room toddler play tools in order to even talk civilly about matters that affect the whole nation. Just amazing.

[Irish_Dem]

27. I agree, you can get 10 yr olds to operate at a higher level. nt

[PoliticAverse]

13. There was no conch available? n/t

[ProfessorPlum]

22. +1

[MurrayDelph]

34. That was my first thought

Last edited Tue Jan 23, 2018, 12:33 AM - Edit history (1)

The second was wondering who was Piggy, but I dismissed that one

[bronxiteforever]

15. Funny that I dont remember this stick during tax reform bill.

[pecosbob]

16. What they need is a truthing stick...

but I'd be open to using a cattle prod.

[Plucketeer]

20. A truthing stick?

would be reduced to saw dust in a New York minute!

[WhiteTara]

23. No, it automatically starts whacking

the liar until they confess the lie.

[pwb]

21. Reading the above responses makes me hope they are Russian bots.

Jesh people. I thought it was a good idea. Or have we met the enemy and he is us?

[Dave Starsky]

32. It IS a great idea, for little kids.

It is sad that this is a required measure for the supposedly responsible adults who are supposedly running this country, so that they can discuss public policy.

It is a maxim of the GOP that if you can just talk over someone and be louder, you will win any argument. That's how little kids feel. I am grateful that someone, even a Republican, realizes that that doesn't get constructive work done.

[Binkie The Clown]

24. Straight from Blisshaven Preschool.

[BumRushDaShow]

25. She could always try the Sister Mary Elephant technique

[Ohiogal]

26. I guess when grown adults act like pre-schoolers

You have to use the same solutions they use in pre-school!

[BHDem53]

29. They should have used a dipstick.

[sofa king]

30. And did a Republicans threaten to beat someone with the stick?

Of course he did. Of course it was a he. And of course he was only joking. But not really.

[YOHABLO]

33. What is she, the cub scout den mother?