If you were wondering how long it would take the new Republican-controlled House to do something official that would betray their true motivations you did not have to wait very long! The FIRST VOTE they took was on a rule that eliminates the right of elected delegates to vote at the Committee level. Less freedom in the name of politics and power!
My theory is that Republicans don't want more Democrats having even limited voting rights than necessary; and most if not all of the Delegates from D.C., Guam, etc. are Democrats.
Any sober-minded Congress observer would respond by saying that Republicans always do it this way. But it is more than a little ironic and hypocritical that the first act of these flag-waving, "freedom" loving blowhards is to take AWAY people's rights!
It kind of reminds of me of when W came into office. His first official act was to deny federal funding for international aid programs that had anything to do with reproductive rights, thus telegraphing a totally different posture from the "compassionate-conservative" face he tried to wear during the campaign.
This move by the House GOP will not be noticed by many. But I can't help but be impressed with how quickly they were able to do something that betrays their true motivation: POLITICAL POWER.
Wash Post on how delegates gained rights in 2007
New York Times on Proposed House GOP Rules