For far too long, Republican elites in Washington have practiced the American version of what Mrs. Thatcher so correctly described. Call it the politics of the “socialist ratchet” (Thatcher) or the politics of the “fraternal order” (Reagan) or whatever you choose. But without doubt the practice of this kind of politics by far too many Republican leaders in Washington has produced the Trump Rebellion.

President Reagan frequently quoted these words from Thomas Paine: “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” Thomas Paine also said this: “Lead, follow or get out of the way.”

Your most recent statement about Donald Trump makes it vividly clear that with less than a month to go before a major presidential election — an election that will determine the fate of the Supreme Court, the economy, and America’s role in a world where it faces a mortal enemy — you are refusing to lead and cannot follow the voters of your own party. Which leaves only one honorable choice: get out of the way.

I say this with great respect and great regret.

It is time for you to resign as Speaker of the House.