02/02/02 - Alexander, don't get stuck in a `Time Warp': Dear Alexander Small,
I am one who holds the belief that IRVing is the best possible method for single seat elections, fear not, no one is going to eat you first born. Because you have only been interested in alternative elections methods for a short time, it is understandable that you may favor Approval Voting or Broda Count or Condorcet. The cuteness of the ABC methods can be addictive on first exposer. You should grow out of it in time. If you are of normal intelligence, then sometime in you life you will come full circle and return to IRVing. Most do, but some get stuck in a `Time Warp' and never get beyond the mire of the ABC methods. A few of the people on this backwater EM list are suffering that condition, which should make you feel at home for now. `Me thinks' they like the way these three methods deceive the voters. So, save your $15 and have some respect for others. Those people at CVD have every right to support any method they chose to support. Likewise you have the same rights, so go join some group that supports what you currently believe to be the best method. If you have no special favorite and are mostly anti-IRV then you could join MikeO's `Merry Band' that is working to cut IRVing off at the pass and save the free world for Ralph Nader. MikeO is our resident `Old War Horse", but I digress. Anyway, why should the CVD change their position to suit you? What's so special about you that the CVD should march to your drumbeat? Over the years, a few fools from this list have tried to do what you propose, but with little if any success, and rightly so. The CVD is a functioning body, they are on the move and marching to their own drumbeat. You and the fools are the ones that are out of step. Don't get stuck in a `Time Warp' and end up like some on this EM list. Regards, Donald Davison ----------- Original Letter ------------ From: Alexander Small <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2002 12:51:02 -0800 (PST) To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [EM] Question on CVD I've only been interested in alternative election methods for a short time, but it seems from my limited exposure that the largest organization devoted to such reforms is the Center for Voting and Democracy. Unfortunately, they advocate instant runoff, and I've concluded (as have most here, I think) that IRV is rather undesirable compared with Approval and Condorcet. Do people think it's worthwhile to nonetheless pay the $15 to become a member of CVD and try to persuade them to change? This is akin to when the NAACP director bought stock in the TV networks so he could go to shareholder meetings and lobby for more diverse casts on prime time shows. Or, do people think that joining is simply pledging support to a flawed election method, with little hope for changing their position? Alex Small
