(no subject)
Nov. 7th, 2012 04:55 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gwydion* There was worry that there would be a protracted legal battle if the presidential vote was close, but Romney conceded, sparing us that, at least.
* I still think Chrysler/GM should sue Mitt Romney for libel as his lies sullied their business reputation and caused real problems and distress for their work force. After all he took out all those ads attacking them for doing things they weren't doing, things he knew absolutely weren't true and continue to run ads attacking Jeep after Chrysler/GM issued denials.
* Re: The idea of switching to all online voting. I get why it's attractive, but as someone who grew up in a notoriously corrupt large east Coast city, I am fundamentally wary of any voting method that doesn't come with a paper trail. Can you fix an election with paper ballots? Yes. Obviously. the thing is that computers are easy to hack for enough people that it would render elections meaningless. With a paper trail, at least there's a chance of going back and rechecking if there's a dispute.
* Re: The Electoral College: I know it's in the constitution, but like slavery, the 3/5th solution, and appointed senators it's a bad idea. Yes, regardless of who it happens to favor in a given year. (As of this writing the President was winning the popular vote, but crushing Romney in the electoral college). It would mean that every vote could count and instead of it being all about a handful of swing states, suddenly everyone's interest would matter. Just saying.
* Media Meta moment: Is it wrong that I was amused by how fast the BBC news pivoted from US election coverage to speculation as to how much damage the House Republicans are planning to do to the US economy(and by extension the world economy) in the New Year?
* I forgot to mention that I was behind a car at a stop light and noticed it had a bunch of pro-Zombie bumper stickers along with one big Ron Paul 2012 sticker. I thought, "How fitting!" I have no idea if they were being ironic or serious, but Dude!
* "A Zombie Is a Slave Forever:" http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/opinion/a-zombie-is-a-slave-forever.html?_r=0
* Much as I never drink beer but admire the brains that came up with the Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World" Campaign, I know Jamison's is shitty scotch, but I think their tall tale ads are eye catching and clever.
* I still think Chrysler/GM should sue Mitt Romney for libel as his lies sullied their business reputation and caused real problems and distress for their work force. After all he took out all those ads attacking them for doing things they weren't doing, things he knew absolutely weren't true and continue to run ads attacking Jeep after Chrysler/GM issued denials.
* Re: The idea of switching to all online voting. I get why it's attractive, but as someone who grew up in a notoriously corrupt large east Coast city, I am fundamentally wary of any voting method that doesn't come with a paper trail. Can you fix an election with paper ballots? Yes. Obviously. the thing is that computers are easy to hack for enough people that it would render elections meaningless. With a paper trail, at least there's a chance of going back and rechecking if there's a dispute.
* Re: The Electoral College: I know it's in the constitution, but like slavery, the 3/5th solution, and appointed senators it's a bad idea. Yes, regardless of who it happens to favor in a given year. (As of this writing the President was winning the popular vote, but crushing Romney in the electoral college). It would mean that every vote could count and instead of it being all about a handful of swing states, suddenly everyone's interest would matter. Just saying.
* Media Meta moment: Is it wrong that I was amused by how fast the BBC news pivoted from US election coverage to speculation as to how much damage the House Republicans are planning to do to the US economy(and by extension the world economy) in the New Year?
* I forgot to mention that I was behind a car at a stop light and noticed it had a bunch of pro-Zombie bumper stickers along with one big Ron Paul 2012 sticker. I thought, "How fitting!" I have no idea if they were being ironic or serious, but Dude!
* "A Zombie Is a Slave Forever:" http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/opinion/a-zombie-is-a-slave-forever.html?_r=0
* Much as I never drink beer but admire the brains that came up with the Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World" Campaign, I know Jamison's is shitty scotch, but I think their tall tale ads are eye catching and clever.
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(no subject)
Date: 2012-11-07 08:27 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2012-11-08 02:36 am (UTC)Seriously, paper trail.
(no subject)
Date: 2012-11-07 10:35 pm (UTC)Historically, part of the reason for the college was speed of communications; it could take a long time for the elector to travel to where the convention would be held so they could cast their vote.
But another reason for the college, and the reason it's applicable today is that it makes all states votes count for election purposes. A flat out popular vote would mean that candidates only consider the needs/wants of the most populous states. Currently that means campaigning would be confined to CA, TX, NY, FL, IL, PA, OH, MI, and GA - more than half the country resides in 9 states. To win a popular election, you'd need only campaign there. With the electoral college though, you can win the presidency by only taking a few of those states, and the rest of the country. Hell, you don't even need to win the popular vote.
Sure it's a flawed system, but IMO it forces the candidates to acknowledge the rest of the country, and not just the major population centers.
(no subject)
Date: 2012-11-08 01:56 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2012-11-10 04:07 am (UTC)