Speaker of the House Paul Ryan will not be seeking re-election in Congress, as per a retirement announcement he made April 11. Ryan has been Speaker since 2015 and United States representative for Wisconsin since 1999, and he cited the tax reform bill that passed in December as one of his greatest accomplishments—you know, the bill that only about 30% of Americans approved of, according to a January 2018 Gallup survey.
So now that Ryan is planning to retire, how can Americans possibly say goodbye? How does one say goodbye to a “truly good man” like Ryan? Here are 13 ideas for how you can say your salutations:
1. Throw a party.
Is that too mean? Is this already starting off too mean? Keep reading.
2. Pour yourself a glass of champagne.
Nice is a subjective concept, anyway.
3. Take a nap.
It will forecast what’s to come, because I know I’ll be sleeping easier without him in office. Won't you?
4. Have a spa day.
We deserve to relax after all we’ve been through since January 20, 2017.
5. Have a night out.
We really, really deserve to relax every once in a while, don't you think? After all we've already been through?
6. Go on vacation.
You better do this quick before the tax cuts on the middle class expire. (Also, may I recommend going anywhere other than Wisconsin?)
7. Set off some fireworks.
However, on second thought, considering Ryan’s stance on gun control, you might not want to be making startling noises in quiet neighborhoods. People are still scared, and it doesn't look like that will be changing.
8. Dance the jig.
It seems appropriate; can anyone teach me?
9. Call all your friends and family and tell them the good news.
Seriously; do this. Let them know that Congress might be flipping.
10. Shout it from the rooftop.
Telling your friends and family is good, but maybe you should work to reach more people. Shout it from the rooftop of your building. Shout it from the rooftops of other buildings. Tell the people that you pass on the street. Because seriously: Congress might be flipping. And that's huge news that everyone and their mother should hear. Be the messenger; the world will thank you.
11. Vote in the Congressional midterm primaries.
If you live in Ohio, that’s May 8. Mark your calendar right this moment, and follow through at the polls.
12. Vote in the Congressional midterm elections.
That’s November 6. Again, mark your calendar right this moment, and follow through at the polls.
13. Seriously; vote.
I’m not kidding. This is so important, and I can assure you that your vote counts.