Sound Off!
Use the comments section below to tell everyone what's on your mind today.
posted by Virt at 11:27 AM
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
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6 Comments:
Okay, I'll start sounding off - what a change, right? ;-0
California State Election Issue with National Implications
The Republicans, under the misleading name of "Californians for Equal Representation", are sponsoring an initiative (highly likely to be on the June 2008 ballot) that would apportion California's 55 Electoral College votes per district, changing the current winner-take-all for the state.
This sounds like a great idea, and one that many people will embrace, fooled by the name of the group and the "simple" explanation being given that this is a way to make the election system more representational of the will of the people.
But, California was targeted because there are many Republican districts in California. (Remember, despite it's image, this is the state that elected Ronald Reagan and has a Republican governor now.) It is extremely likely that a Republican Presidential candidate would walk away with around 20 electoral votes; that's the equivalent of the entire state of Ohio. We all know what happens to the national election then....
This district Electoral plan is an underhanded,dirty trick of election-rigging being planned for passage a mere 4 months prior to a national election, too late to undo the damage prior to the Presidential race. It is not just a California state issue, it's a national issue. Unfortunately, only California voters can defeat it.
If the Electoral College cannot be totally abolished and replaced by a direct vote, then yes, having district representation would be much more reasonable than the current system - but only if this change happens in all states simultaneously.
The answer given by Republicans, or even those who haven't loooked deeply is, "We're just trying to make things more equal". But, then why isn't this initiative being proposed in Tennessee or Texas or any other state that is expected to go red, rather than blue?
The response to that is usually "Well, we have to start somewhere and what better place than right here where we live? This is a grassroots issue."
But, look more closely. This movement is fronted by a California Republican, but it is a cynical twisting of democracy backed by a national organization.
If you are a California voter, be alert for this when you go to the polls, and vote against it. If you know a California voter, have a discussion about this issue. No matter where you live, the outcome affects you.
Thanks for letting me "sound off"!
pinko
The Electoral College is the lamest system imaginable in a so-called democracy. It should be abolished as it is an anacronysm and does nothing but get in the way of a fair election.
Everyone's vote should count when electing a president. Even republican votes. I have two republican relatives (hey--it could happen to anybody!), both of whom live in "blue" states. I tease them that at least their votes don't count like mine does, since I both vote democratic and also live in a blue state. But it's not funny.
kb
Thanks pinko for the update on what's happening in CA. From what I've read it seems that any millionaire or corporation can get a proposition on the ballot and then shove it down the throats of confused voters with an expensive PR campaign.
Actually, that shit usually loses. It just wastes our time.
Senator Craig,
Is now saying he will not resign from the Senate. Prior to this he stated “I’m not gay.”
Does Senator Craig think he’s George Bush or does every republican think they can say whatever they want regardless of the truth?
Like I needed another reason to vote for the Gay Old Party.
JD
Craig will never resign during his current term He is too delusional and narcissistic. I doubt he will run for reelection, as the Rethug Party in ID already has greased the skids for Risch.
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