Oy Vey....
14 nightmare scenarios---and some of them are very likely.....
Election Nightmare Scenarios for 2004
Moderators: Alyrium Denryle, Edi, K. A. Pital
Some yes, some no. The electoral tie is a bit of a hat trick since, even though it requires only "simple" substitutions, most of the states cited are not swing states, they're pretty much decided. Colorado's reforendum bears watching for the sake of interest but it's overall impact will have a lot to do with the results from PA, OH, and CA, the three largest electoral swing states. However, what effect it does have may influence the decision of other states to institute proportional electoral awarding in the future. As for the discussion of electoral switching, while it is certainly possible and not unprecedented, one wonders at the wisdom of announcing such intent ahead of time, thus giving the lawyers plenty of time to sue for your removal. One also must question the ethics of going against the popular will because of personal preference.
In it's beginnings, the electoral college was set up so that ellectors were chosen to be informed decision makers who would make decisions on the people's behalf. However, the system has changed drasticly over the past centuries. With the progressive movement, and the rise and fall of the congressional ellector system, the role of both presidential nomination and ellection are now very much in the hands of the people. Even the party has been largely cut out of the process, relying instead on open primaries and popularly elected convention deligates to determine party nominees. Now the implicit role of the elector is to represent the popular will of the people he/she represents. While the decision to switch a vote is within the elector's rights, I have to wonder if it is not a gross breach of the integrity of the position. As much as I may agree with him on not wanting to see Bush reelected, I must also note that the sort of ellectoral vigilantaism he is planning is rarely good for democracy. Electors are, like all government officials, selected to do a job. In this case, that job is to represent the popular will of the people of their state in the national forum. I don't think it is right to ignore that responsibility because of personal preferance. I also believe that such an action means that there is effectively one man determining the outcome of the most actively participated in and persued election in American government. Somthing which tends to undemocratize the American system.
In it's beginnings, the electoral college was set up so that ellectors were chosen to be informed decision makers who would make decisions on the people's behalf. However, the system has changed drasticly over the past centuries. With the progressive movement, and the rise and fall of the congressional ellector system, the role of both presidential nomination and ellection are now very much in the hands of the people. Even the party has been largely cut out of the process, relying instead on open primaries and popularly elected convention deligates to determine party nominees. Now the implicit role of the elector is to represent the popular will of the people he/she represents. While the decision to switch a vote is within the elector's rights, I have to wonder if it is not a gross breach of the integrity of the position. As much as I may agree with him on not wanting to see Bush reelected, I must also note that the sort of ellectoral vigilantaism he is planning is rarely good for democracy. Electors are, like all government officials, selected to do a job. In this case, that job is to represent the popular will of the people of their state in the national forum. I don't think it is right to ignore that responsibility because of personal preferance. I also believe that such an action means that there is effectively one man determining the outcome of the most actively participated in and persued election in American government. Somthing which tends to undemocratize the American system.
Post 666: Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:51 am
Post 777: Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:49 pm
Post 999: Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:19 am
Re: Election Nightmare Scenarios for 2004
Especially South Charleston's Mayor Robb. He's still declaring his intent not to vote for Bush.
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
Nitram: You -are- beautiful. Anyone tries to tell you otherwise kill them.
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP" -- Leonard Nimoy, last Tweet
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The Cleric
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Goddamit. This is going to suck.
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Sea Skimmer
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My primary fear is that my torch will go out when the mob is on its way to burn down the Supreme Court and the rest of Washington. I'm more confident about my ammunition supply.
"This cult of special forces is as sensible as to form a Royal Corps of Tree Climbers and say that no soldier who does not wear its green hat with a bunch of oak leaves stuck in it should be expected to climb a tree"
— Field Marshal William Slim 1956
— Field Marshal William Slim 1956