Someone posted in here earlier that the Electoral College should be abolished.
Here's why this is not a good idea: if the Electoral College is abolished, and, the new system is to go by the popular vote only, then only the voters in New York, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas will ever see a presidential candidate in person again. The candidates will go where the votes are...big population centers. So, for the rest of us in BFE...aka Dakotas, Nebraska, Colorado (the small states)...we will largely be ignored.
I would like to see the Electoral College system changed...give every state an equal amount of Electoral Votes, and the Electors have to abide by the state results. This way, South Dakota becomes just as important as California...
OK, I know I'm living in a dream world, and likely, abolishing or changing the EC will not happen. Democracy is an imperfect thing.
I would like to add one final comment, quoting the man I really wanted to be President, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. At the GOP Convention, these were a small part of his remarks. Very ironic foreshadowing of the current crisis we find ourselve in today. I think both Bush and Gore need to take these words to heart, as should all Americans...
"To achieve the necessary changes to the practices and institutions of our democracy we need to be a little less content. We need to get riled up a bit, and stand up for the values that made America great. Rally to this new patriotic challenge or lose forever America's extraordinary ability to see around the corner of history. Americans, enter the public life of your country determined to tell the truth; to put problem solving ahead of partisanship; to defend the national interest against the forces that would divide us. Keep your promise to America, as she has kept her promise to you, and you will know a happiness far more sublime than pleasure.
It is easy to forget in politics where principle ends and selfishness begins. It takes leaders of courage and character to remember the difference. "
Sorry the post is so long, but I thought it important.
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