John Boehner announced earlier today that he’s leaving the post of Speaker of the House. During his remarks he made this stunner of a statement that shows, for those who didn’t believe it already, that it’s way past time for him to turn the gavel over. Be seated for this:

“The first job of any Speaker,” John said, “is to protect this institution that we all love.”

No, John, it is not! It. Is. Not. The first obligation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives is to the country, its security, its prosperity, and its cultural and spiritual health. The U.S. House of Representatives exists to ensure these things for the country. The country doesn’t exist for the care and convenience of the House and those who wish to carve out a comfortable career in it.

And while we’re at it, who is the “we all” that is so in love with the House of Representatives? If you’ve looked at a poll over the last decade or so, John, you would know that the House of Representatives is only slightly less popular than tooth decay. Perhaps this is because you’re not the only member of the House who doesn’t understand what it’s there for. And not the only member who should be headed back to River City, there to seek legitimate work (if, thanks to our inept and elephantine government, there is any to be found).

Best wishes in your retirement.