Letter: Questioning Robert’s Rules is ‘laughable’

To the Editor-

Union Brigadier General, engineer, and author Henry Martyn Robert (1837-1923) published the first edition of his Robert’s Rules of Order in 1876.

Today, his parliamentary procedure for conducting meetings is used nationwide from the United States Congress to neighborhood church groups.

Robert’s Rules of Order has been embraced by America for 145 years which offers encouragement for Mayor Wiza and other individuals “to tighten the common council meeting format to more closely adhere to parliamentary procedure” (Mayor Mike Wiza, Wednesday, 21 April 2021, Metro Wire).

Many residents in this city attended an elementary school that opened daily with the pledge to the flag, singing the national anthem, and “Beautiful Wisconsin.” After school, we participated in the Scouts, 4-H Club, and other youth groups that used Robert’s Rules of Order.

There are citizens in this city who attend state and national societies which use impressive ‘spit and polish’ to demonstrate our deep love for this country.

The contrast of the way we live our lives and the level of respect for our country expressed by some leaders is astonishing and the fact that the common council is wondering if they should use Robert’s Rules of Order is laughable.

Jean C. Edens
Stevens Point

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