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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 15, 2006 Since You Asked In this political time, especially with our state Sen. Alan Bates being named majority whip, I'd like to know how the term "whip" came to be used? -- Keith M., Ashland Well, Keith, animal lovers and unruly legislators may not like it, but "whip" is a British term for a huntsman who whips the foxhounds to keep them from leaving the pack. In the same way, the majority whip keeps order, strategizes for the party, mobilizes votes and enforces attendance. Of course, despite some popular sentiment to the contrary, he or she is not allowed to use a real whip. The term was first used in the British House of Commons in the late 18th century, according to the Web site for the U.S. House of Representatives. It caught on in the U.S. House in 1887 when Rep. James A. Tawney, R-Minn., was appointed whip to bring discipline to his party. Anyone who's ever watched the British Parliament in action can understand why some may have thought a terrorizing implement necessary to create order in that group. Our Congress may appear more subdued in its actions and comments, but we suspect the sting of the whip's lash has had its effect behind closed doors. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to [email protected] . We're sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com