Politics as usual?

[natickgirl]

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the current political situation of our country.

I've been following the polls, caucuses, primaries (and drama) of the presidential candidates. I've also been keeping up on the news of foreign elections. How blessed we are to be able to vote in peace & private for the candidate we feel best represents our beliefs and values. We are free to discuss our political differences without fear of violence or retribution. Our societies, religions, and governments do not tell us how we should vote, nor do they discriminate against us if our views are different from theirs.

I am particularly proud of Americans for making this election race the most diverse in our history. Think of it...the four most prominent candidates are all from groups of people who have historically been oppressed in some way or another: women, African Americans, senior citizens, and Mormons.

That said, after seeing the results of the Florida "winner takes all" primary, I think our election methods need some serious revision! If one candidate wins 36% of the votes, that means only 36% of the people feel (s)he should be the party's candidate. Why, then should that particular candidate receive ALL 57 of the delegates, rather than only 36% of them? The other candidates should each receive their share of the delegates unless they choose to drop out and "give" their delegates to another candidate through endorsement.

It is the same in the general election in November. Many states are declared either Republican or Democrat if one party wins the majority of the votes (even if it is a very small difference) rather than each candidate getting the percentage of votes (s)he actually received. And, then, there is the difference between the "popular" vote and the electoral vote. Elected officials have the power to vote against the wishes of their constituents, possibly resulting in a win for a candidate who actually received LESS votes from the people.

So much for "We, the people....." It seems to be turning more into "We, the elite elected...." I believe our great country came into being through the grace of God & the goodness and faithfulness of the people, and that our forefathers were divinely inspired to write our Constitution. I am concerned about that our political system is becoming more & more corrupt as money, connections, and special interest groups seem to hold more power in the eyes of elected officials than the actual will of the people.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Are you planning to vote in your state's primary? Are you satisfied with the current system? What do you think can/should be done to improve our country's political situation?

(Sorry, I guess this is more like a blog....but, I don't have a blog.)

[5ft Diva]

This is something I've wondered about in the past, but didn't know much about. You bring up a really good point.

So explain to me again how it works??? How does 36% translate into 57 delegatory votes? Why is it set up this way? I'm guessing it wasn't this way in the beginning. When did it change?

If it really is set up that each person's vote doesn't count individually then I can see how the attitude of "Why Vote?" has evolved. It sounds like a system set up to misrepresent the people....in cases like these.

I have very little thoughts to contribute to this because I don't know very much about the process. I think I know and then when I find out what I thought I knew wasn't correct it frustrates me. The whole political thing is an uphill battle for me. I would love to understand the American government (and process) better.

[natickgirl]

Everyone get out and vote today...if your state is holding a primary election!!!

I have to admit this is my 1st time voting in a primary. I used to hate politics & never paid attention in economics, history, or political science classes. But, the older I get the more I realize how important it is for each of us to get involved in how our city/county/state/nation is governed. If we don't, then we have no right to complain when other people step up & make their voices heard, right?

To answer your question, not all states have the "winner takes all" for their delegates. Most states either split it as the votes fall, or have some other way of splitting it such as winner takes 75%, winner of each congressional district gets all of that district's votes, etc. The more populated a state is, the more delegates are up for grabs. States like Florida, California, & New York have far more delegates than states like Alaska, Wyoming, Nevada, etc. A candidate needs to win a simple majority of the delegates (50% plus 1 more) to win his party's candidacy for the general election.

Oh, and if that weren't confusing enough, the Republicans & Democrats split their delegates differently, even within the same state. It's such a mess!

Now, get out & vote!

[5ft Diva]

Thanks for answering that question. It's clear as mud!