The possible takes many forms
Envisioning what is possible has taken on a high focus these past few days. First, imagining the possible is a critical skill as athletes compete for Olympic medals. Second, imagining what is possible has become dreadful as we, once again, face the havoc brought on by wanton killings in our schools. Third, reasoning touches the possible in our governance. Legislators across the nation consider what is possible for their constituents.
The possible engenders hope for future success
I love the Olympics – both the winter and summer games. The backstories of athletes forming dreams at an early age, overcoming adversity, striving to continually improve, and holding on to hope through it all is inspiring. Inspiring for the individual – the team – the nation. It points to the best of us – the rest of humankind. The events are more than the entertainment we watch, incorporating the strength and speed and style. They remind us that we, in our everyday lives, could well afford a few dreams of our own. They encourage us to consider and nurture the possible.
We like to pay attention.
The possible engenders fear in a chaotic crises
Juxtaposed against the Olympic backdrop we are shaken awake to the cold, harsh reality that humankind is also capable of an evil we cannot comprehend. It’s in our midst. It’s too close. Horrific images of the possible are captured in pictures and video and, especially, in our imaginations.
We shudder with worry and fear and reach for explanations, any explanations, which will restore sanity and safety. Why is such travesty possible?
We need to pay attention.
The possible invites solutions in state chambers
Legislators constantly consider what is possible. Be they questions of taxes, or safety, or education, or rights, or justice, legislators must reach for the future while clinging to today’s reality. Hard questions are asked, agreements are reached, and the possible future is shaped. Sometimes, the dreams of what are possible nurtures further hope.
Will we pay attention?
Imagining the possible takes on the winner-takes-all approach
As you’ve read in these blogs before, the bane of the Electoral College is the winner-takes-all approach. I’ve repeatedly pointed out that the Electoral College is an ingenious mechanism to capture the nation’s popular vote as well as the individual state voice. It is the winner-takes-all approach, used by all 50 states and the District of Columbia, which messes up the voting results by disenfranchising large swaths of voting citizens.
The possible visits California and Texas
Equal Voice Voting is a viable counter to this WTA malady. Because it is, I am caught up in the vision of what’s possible with two recent lawsuits recently filed against the winner-takes-all (WTA) approach. One is predominantly a blue (Democrat) state and the other red (Republican).
Five major law firms with 30 attorneys are identified with these lawsuits. The suits recognize the harm voters endure in our presidential elections with the WTA approach. Further, the suits declare that the WTA approach is even unconstitutional as it metes out an undue burden to voters, making them unrepresented with the national vote.
What’s possible? Imagine the suits being won and these two large states no longer need rely on their voting electors being chosen as per the WTA approach. What would happen in these two states if all votes counted! Imagine that these two states cast a more representative voice of their constituents in the election. It would be a scenario of which our Founding Fathers would be proud. It would be a scenario our Founding Fathers considered possible, had they but known these two large states would later come into existence.
Equal Voice Voting invites the possible
Equal Voice Voting calls for the abandonment of the WTA approach. Further, it calls for all popular votes to count on a state-by-state basis. Every vote counts – for the individual – the state – the nation. The individual vote and independent state voice is vital to the nation! Apportioning a state’s popular vote along a proportional division would encourage voter turnout. It would also give appropriate representation to every viable presidential candidate.
Hope, somewhat like what we witness in the Olympics, comes alive when we realize that abandoning the WTA approach is possible. We are concerned (fearful?) when such legal maneuverings may be resisted.
If you are a legislator, is it possible you will see a better vision for all of your constituents and consider Equal Voice Voting?
If you are a voting citizen, will you tell your legislator it’s possible?