Hi Kakki,
Okay, I do understand that the Electoral College has its roots deep in the
Republic tradition as the Framers intended but, as I remember my Philosophy
of American Political Thought class, we are also informed by the Democratic
tradition which values the 'one vote' viewpoint.
IMO, we are permitted to move forward as times change. (Obviously we don't
want to throw our suffrage for example.) Okay, in historic times, it was
impractical to physically transport all of the ballots to a central location
for counting. Nowadays, the actual counting is done with punch cards which
is usually more accurate and reliable. We have less need for the Republic
tradition and more need for the Democratic tradition, IMO. Am I wrong? I
am NOT advocating throwing out the Electoral College for this election- we
couldn't even if the majority wanted to! But I am in favor of reforming the
process in time. (I'm pretty sure that it would never get done with a
Republican President and a Republican contolled Congress though!)
-----
As for the demeaning characterization of desert states as mere "acreage", I
think the guy has a point, even if he's politically insensitive in his word
choice. If the US is POPULATED by urban dwellers more and more, why give
those in the desert a disproportionate say? I'm with Tom Jefferson on this
one- one "man", one vote. Not Republicism.
I'm REALLY enjoying this discussion, especially knowing that you have
informed opinion. I'm trying to draw you out more than anything, dear.
Kakki said,
All I will say as far as the
Electoral College goes is that I think all adult Americans should go back
and take an American Government refresher course. We are a *Republic* -
that's why our name is the "United STATES". Even though some people think
it is logical to have the one with the most numbers win, that could
eventually lead to the minority of states with the most population getting
preferential treatment over the rest of the other states.
Jim L'Hommedieu
PS- Apologies if this is post is a retread- I'm too psyched to read my
digests first! :)
