The redistricting proposal is indeed alarming. In normal times, when parties were doing normal politics, I would agree with you that it should be rejected. But we are in an extra constitutional emergency at present: the Republican Party has become a fascist personality cult that is actively trying to convert our democracy into an authoritarian kleptocratic dictatorship on the model of Putin’s Russia. They have to be stopped by whatever means are necessary in order for any reasonable party, the Common Sense Party very much includes, to have the institutional environment to achieve its goals. We cannot achieve fiscal responsibility, regulatory reform, lawful public safety, or any other such worthy goal in an America ruled by Trump’s lawless decrees. It is because, and only because, of that context that I reluctantly support redistricting as a temporary measure. The right long term path would be for the Common Sense Party to support nationwide multi member district proportional representation, as Lee Drutman has advocated. That is the de-escalation mechanism that can free us from this destructive arms race. But in the meantime unilateral disarmament is not a viable option.
Gerrymandering needs to done away with at national level
Gerrymandering is a Huge problem and it needs to fixed in ALL states simultaneously otherwise we...
I agree that we are in a crisis and must utilize the few means available to save our democratic Republic. Fair congressional districting will be moot in an authoritarian USA.
My only concern with this proposal is that the bill’s language leaves loopholes for the gerrymandering to continue past the 2030 elections. If we see that coming, the Common Sense Party will have to lobby to return to our brilliant California Citizens Redistricting Commission as created under our great past governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I greatly respect Tom Campbell and agree with him on most issues. I hope he will come to realize the threat to our democracy and will decide to support the redistricting.
Thank you for your kind words, Carolyn. This is, indeed, a most difficult issue; and I respect your point of view. In my view, however, in order to do good for the nation, this proposal would do harm to California. The harm is to create Congressional districts that do not reflect the communities of interest that underlie our current, non-partisan lines.
Kind regards,
Tom
Yeah, I get that. But I’m afraid the house is engulfed in flames and you’re worried about soaking the carpet in your bedroom. Please don’t downplay the seriousness of the Country’s current situation. We can fix the carpet later, when the fire is out
I am very much of this same opinion. As the MAGA Republicans rapidly gain power, we will have fewer and fewer tools at our disposable to fight them. It’s exactly the responsible Moderate’s insistence on fairplay and objective balance that has stifled timely resistance to this horrific administration. I’m afraid that, without such drastic measures, California will ultimately be faced with secession. If it weren’t for the temporary nature of this redistributing, I don’t think I could support it. As much as “sinking to their level” rankles, I think it’s time to fight fire with fire.