Uneducated Canuck here. Sorry, but, I never really followed this before. I just thought it was kinda fucked up. I mean, them southerners just seemed to have no control over their government and I thought it was kinda odd but what do I know eh?

To wit... I just watched an interview with the new "speaker". He said things like... " I am going to...", "We are going to..."

Is he the "leader of the opposition"? Does he hold legislative power? How does he get to say these things? I will... we will... Does the president of the US lead or does he have to fight with a minion while he tries to do his job?

Yes... I know it may sound quite trite, but, seriously, WTF? Is that how it works down south? The speaker gets to make legislation equally with the president? (Again... I am just a good old boy from East Overshoe New Brunswick.)