MOTIVE makes the point that it isn’t “science” whis is true, but a recent article in “American Science” magazine points there IS a logical way to apportion the votes within the various states. I won’t go into it because it’s logical, mathematically precise and so is obviously beyond the intelligence of the average legislator!
I would propose, instead, a method I used on my two boys as they were growing up for dividing dessert plates. Allow one party to divide the electorate into districts and the other party to make the decision of fairness.
Of course, time constraints would have to be placed and, in the event of “deadlock” the decision would have to be “kicked upstairs” to the federal judiciary. And, yes, I understand this would STILL be a flawed process, but it beats the screaming of “Daddy, HIS piece is bigger than mine!” we’re seeing and hearing now!
Guernica brings up the thought that our commander and chief wants the military to build low-yield nuclear weapons that could be delivered by cruise missile in order to send a warning. He says he wants small 10 kiloton bombs the size of Hiroshima’s to make more credible threats. Wow, instead of the MOAB we could have sent a nuke. George H.W. Bush banned nuclear weapons on cruise missiles because an adversary could assume a nuclear strike on the launch of any cruise missile.
Getting back to gerrymandering, it’s gotten so blatantly obvious that there is going to be a backlash. Looking at PA, VA, NC something’s got to give…. maybe the courts…
But more dangerous to our republic are computerized voting machines, that were put in place after Cheney’s 2002 HAVA, Help America Vote Act, that were easily hacked, look up Michael Connell GOP computer wizard, and that are now easily hacked by foreign players. Time to go back to paper ballots, or some other verifiable system that secures the vote.
IIRC, some folks, some time ago, experimentally created (several ?) computer-drawn, NON-Partisan, science based, data-guided District maps – that seemed to much less favor any party or demographic. Their methods apparently have not been studied or further developed by the folks responsible to legally do those maps. The GOP is just trying a ‘more-of-the-same’ reply to the Court’s mandate (Well – DUH !). A reasonable re-drawing may require a State constitutional change (to eliminate Partisan advantage) – something unlikely in the highly partisan environment in PA (and elsewhere ?). Hopefully, PA can be dragged (kicking and screaming) into the 21st Century by the same technology that allowed them to scientifically secure their unfair advantage.
If the GOP can’t gerrymander, how are they ever going to win? It isn’t like there is an electoral college for Congressional seats. Maybe they can stop Democrats from showing up? Maybe the Russians will help them in the 18 election, like they did for Trump.
The districts SHOULD all be the most compact, regular shapes possible (square or similar) with equal populations. Only redistrict AFTER a census to adjust population numbers.
I just heard Devin Nunes could be charged with obstruction of justice for his antics on the memo trump claims “totally vindicated” him. Please God make it so.
Motivemagus about 6 years ago
It certainly isn’t science!
I must say the progress on this front has encouraged me as few things have this past year or two.
wellis1947 Premium Member about 6 years ago
MOTIVE makes the point that it isn’t “science” whis is true, but a recent article in “American Science” magazine points there IS a logical way to apportion the votes within the various states. I won’t go into it because it’s logical, mathematically precise and so is obviously beyond the intelligence of the average legislator!
I would propose, instead, a method I used on my two boys as they were growing up for dividing dessert plates. Allow one party to divide the electorate into districts and the other party to make the decision of fairness.
Of course, time constraints would have to be placed and, in the event of “deadlock” the decision would have to be “kicked upstairs” to the federal judiciary. And, yes, I understand this would STILL be a flawed process, but it beats the screaming of “Daddy, HIS piece is bigger than mine!” we’re seeing and hearing now!
Dtroutma about 6 years ago
Guernica was a pleasure compared to what Trumpites have planned.
jvscanlan Premium Member about 6 years ago
The Penn GOP changed a few lines and produced the same crap the court shot down
feverjr Premium Member about 6 years ago
Guernica brings up the thought that our commander and chief wants the military to build low-yield nuclear weapons that could be delivered by cruise missile in order to send a warning. He says he wants small 10 kiloton bombs the size of Hiroshima’s to make more credible threats. Wow, instead of the MOAB we could have sent a nuke. George H.W. Bush banned nuclear weapons on cruise missiles because an adversary could assume a nuclear strike on the launch of any cruise missile.
Getting back to gerrymandering, it’s gotten so blatantly obvious that there is going to be a backlash. Looking at PA, VA, NC something’s got to give…. maybe the courts…
But more dangerous to our republic are computerized voting machines, that were put in place after Cheney’s 2002 HAVA, Help America Vote Act, that were easily hacked, look up Michael Connell GOP computer wizard, and that are now easily hacked by foreign players. Time to go back to paper ballots, or some other verifiable system that secures the vote.robnvon Premium Member about 6 years ago
Guernica portrayed a brutal assault upon civilians who were victims. Shame not pride should be the response from the perpetrators.
Robert C. Premium Member about 6 years ago
IIRC, some folks, some time ago, experimentally created (several ?) computer-drawn, NON-Partisan, science based, data-guided District maps – that seemed to much less favor any party or demographic. Their methods apparently have not been studied or further developed by the folks responsible to legally do those maps. The GOP is just trying a ‘more-of-the-same’ reply to the Court’s mandate (Well – DUH !). A reasonable re-drawing may require a State constitutional change (to eliminate Partisan advantage) – something unlikely in the highly partisan environment in PA (and elsewhere ?). Hopefully, PA can be dragged (kicking and screaming) into the 21st Century by the same technology that allowed them to scientifically secure their unfair advantage.
Mr. Blawt about 6 years ago
If the GOP can’t gerrymander, how are they ever going to win? It isn’t like there is an electoral college for Congressional seats. Maybe they can stop Democrats from showing up? Maybe the Russians will help them in the 18 election, like they did for Trump.
Daeder about 6 years ago
“It’s not fair that we aren’t allowed to cheat any more!” — the GOP
deadheadzan about 6 years ago
gerrymandering has been a plague on PA for as long as I can remember, and I am75.
Masterskrain Premium Member about 6 years ago
That’s the ONLY WAY the Republicans can win…BY CHEATING!!!
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] about 6 years ago
End redistricting. Just either have them all of regular shapes that never change or do away with them.
Radish the wordsmith about 6 years ago
Well then, impeach the Supreme Court!
Nothing shall stand in the way of the Republican thousand year Reich!
Heil to the thieves.
Radish the wordsmith about 6 years ago
Remember when dead fascists used to be funny?
This just in, Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.
RAGs about 6 years ago
The districts SHOULD all be the most compact, regular shapes possible (square or similar) with equal populations. Only redistrict AFTER a census to adjust population numbers.
amethyst52 Premium Member about 6 years ago
I just heard Devin Nunes could be charged with obstruction of justice for his antics on the memo trump claims “totally vindicated” him. Please God make it so.
KevinSheridan about 6 years ago
Interesting take on gerrymandering, btw, from 538.com https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/hating-gerrymandering-is-easy-fixing-it-is-harder/