No need for formalities here. The title of this piece is the “every man’s” version of Robert’s Rules of Order. Not to be confused with Robert’s rules of Odor but, that’s a totally different topic for a future article.
Major media, right now, is all giddy over the prospects of Presidential “debates”. This years “debate” formats and rules have already been dictated for the most part and, no surprise, they’re not even close to what the original “Robert” had in mind ……
Robert’s Rules of Order was written by Henry Martyn Robert, a U.S. Army Brigadier General, after he was unexpectedly asked to preside over a church meeting in 1863. Robert was embarrassed by his lack of preparation and the meeting’s unproductive nature, and decided to write a reference document to help others understand parliamentary procedures. The first edition of Robert’s Rules of Order was published in 1876, and it’s based on the rules and practices of the U.S. Congress, but adapted for non-legislative organizations.
But just for grins, click on the following link for a taste of what real debates were long, long, ago.
Pay special attention to the very last bullet point — “Be Courteous!”
What are the odds of that happening?
Now imagine the 2 major candidates even reading the details … much less abiding by them.. Seriously, take just 30 seconds and picture in your mind these 2 candidates reading this depth of detail. That’s not going to happen, of course, but, here are a few features of formal debating.
It’s only 3.5 pages — you can handle it.
I started this commentary referring to our beloved “major media’s” excitement over these quasi-debates. The problem with their reactions to it, unfortunately, goes deeper than that. The media is skimming over the fact that these are not “debates” and letting the general public believe otherwise.
My final thoughts —- don’t be surprised if these quasi-debates never happen. If they do, the candidates comments will be a rehash, (emphasis on “hash”) consisting of what we’ve already seen in political commercials.
In memory of Henry Martyn Robert, let’s agree to not call them debates.
bobzodyssey.com 
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