Two ancedotes, one true, one heard fifth hand. In high school some 30 years ago, I was voted in to student council, and somehow became the parliamentarian (Pre

Two ancedotes, one true, one heard fifth hand. In high school some 30 years ago, I was voted in to student council, and somehow became the parliamentarian (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the lowly Parliamentarian). Eager to wield the little power I had, I was a stickler for the rules. Until someone made a motion to suspend Robert's Rules of Order for the duration of the meeting, which was quickly seconded and approved with all but one vote. Separately, I heard a story that in the Midwest, a rich man was ticketed for speeding, and hired a big shot attorney. At the trial, the defense attorney moved that the charges be dismissed. The old judge looked down at the prosecuting attorney, the defense attorney, and the defendant. He then called a vote, which passed 2 to 1 and the charges were dismissed.