Very good article. The reality of a free country (Venezuela) and a smart one always with magic numbers to achive what they want. They, the rich, never the poors. THAnks Julian, your articles are always an inspiration.
I don't agree with your characterization of the electoral college; the EC was as the initial Senate designed to "firewall" the voter influence from one state to affect the outcome of another; particularly to protect the rights of smaller and/or rural states. Abraham Lincoln destroyed civil liberties and the founding fathers dream of a federalist society. He believed in a "central government uberalles" and said as much. He suspended the bill of rights and destroyed the states trying to leave the union. His Gettysburg address is a lie from the outset. The founding fathers wanted a federalist (states rights) republic. After the 17 amendment (direct election of the senate) , the electoral college is the last vestige of federalists government because it is still controlled by state government.
That's a good point-- which I was aware of it -- but did not include -- although I should have, to be fair. You are quite correct I think about the demise of federal society and its replacement with -- ummm... 'unionism'. However, the presidency was originally seen I think as having little sway in domestic issues, being instead responsible for responding to foreign threats affecting all states. The function of the electoral college unfortunately made it easier for elites to ignore the popular will in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Thank you for this comment. Frankly, the Republic was a compromise from the get-go.
Very good article. The reality of a free country (Venezuela) and a smart one always with magic numbers to achive what they want. They, the rich, never the poors. THAnks Julian, your articles are always an inspiration.
Not sure if you were writing satire or just plain drivel.
Ummm...satire? One man's drivel is another's Irish Stew.
Excellent article! Thank you!
Putting on my writer's hat: "American Borg" would be a great novel title. If I still had the stamina to write novels, I'd probably steal it.
You're right. I've been toying with an idea for a novel for a long time. Always get about 50 pages before I realize I need a good villain.
I don't agree with your characterization of the electoral college; the EC was as the initial Senate designed to "firewall" the voter influence from one state to affect the outcome of another; particularly to protect the rights of smaller and/or rural states. Abraham Lincoln destroyed civil liberties and the founding fathers dream of a federalist society. He believed in a "central government uberalles" and said as much. He suspended the bill of rights and destroyed the states trying to leave the union. His Gettysburg address is a lie from the outset. The founding fathers wanted a federalist (states rights) republic. After the 17 amendment (direct election of the senate) , the electoral college is the last vestige of federalists government because it is still controlled by state government.
That's a good point-- which I was aware of it -- but did not include -- although I should have, to be fair. You are quite correct I think about the demise of federal society and its replacement with -- ummm... 'unionism'. However, the presidency was originally seen I think as having little sway in domestic issues, being instead responsible for responding to foreign threats affecting all states. The function of the electoral college unfortunately made it easier for elites to ignore the popular will in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Thank you for this comment. Frankly, the Republic was a compromise from the get-go.