Monday, February 08, 2010
Gerrymandering is the enemy
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W.D. Clarkson
Clarkson, of Check, is a psychiatrist in private practice in Roanoke.
The current health care debate has demonstrated one of the worst examples of legislative sausage-making in our history. In addition to the propaganda blitz, there has been a marked polarization of Congress that most of us decry.
Our country is neither far right nor far left, with most of us in the middle. We would prefer that our representatives be willing to make compromises that reflect the will of the majority.
To remedy the mess in Washington, the call has gone out for term limits, clean house and start over. But that only gets at the tip of the iceberg, not the underlying problem. The real issue, of which many are unaware, is gerrymandering, the bizarre way that state legislators in the majority carve out voting districts, in effect choosing voters who will ensure their party's candidates are re-elected year after year.
This makes it nearly impossible for an opposing candidate to be elected. Incumbents are often unopposed, essentially disenfranchising a large body of voters in that district. Since these well-ensconced politicians don't have to make compromises at the local level to be elected, they certainly see no need to do so at the national level. Roanoke's 6th Congressional District is a prime example.
It doesn't have to be that way. Iowa is probably the only state that has equitably drawn districts that allow all voters equal voice. But don't expect entrenched politicians to change a process that provides lifelong tenure, good health care, a host of other perks and a comfy retirement. Politicians don't respond to good causes, only to votes or hefty campaign contributions. It would take a groundswell of popular support (votes) at each state level to bring about change.
As for drawing up voting districts equitably, a computer can do a better job and allow the politicians to sit on the sidelines and watch.
