Why the Electoral College Stinks

Why the Electoral College Stinks
by Nathan Poole, Columnist

November 8, 2002

Contributor Nathan Poole I was reading the most recent column of one of my TAP peers when I suddenly felt the urge-no, the inspiration-to write a column. I won't mention the columnist's name - I'm not sure how kosher that would be - but I assure you that he doesn't think too highly of the likes of me. I was reading the third paragraph of Columnist X's column when I noticed that he mentioned that the only reason that Gray Davis won reelection was that he ran for reelection in "the land of 'Hollyweird'." Columnist X goes on to write that "San Francisco and Los Angeles are both huge population centers and chock full of leftist nuts." Imagine how shocked I was too read that not only do I live in an area infested with 'leftist nuts', but that, since I voted for Governor Davis, I am a leftist nut.

Columnist X continues by stating, "That same leftist, homosexual, America hating base (led by Hillary and Bill) are the ones pushing for an end to the Electoral College." "If that abomination ever occurs...," the enlightened won writes on, "New York and California will elect every American President thereafter. Scary thought huh?"

No, Mr. X, you are just a little bit off on your otherwise fine analysis of the American political landscape. It would not be a scary thought if New York and California, as you claim, decided all future presidential elections, because if that were to ever happen, the American people would actually decide all future presidential elections.

I have to admit that I was not completely sure about how I felt about the Electoral College before Mr. X did his damnedest to enlighten me. I also must admit that I really wasn't sure if I should remain loyal to the Democratic Party-not because it lost an election, but because it currently seems to lack vision. However, Mr. X snapped me right back into reality. The Democratic Party does indeed have a purpose. The Democratic Party does indeed have a vision.

Put simply, the reason why ridding the American political system of the Electoral College scares Mr. X so much is that Americans-not his own vision of what Americans ought to be-would decide who ran this nation. You see, Mr. X, America is made up of more than just you and your cookie-cutter friends. I am America. My leftist Latina friend who fights tirelessly so that backwards-thinking folks like you do not rule our way of life is America. My homosexual friend who-believe it or not-does not want to indoctrinate your children into his lifestyle, but only wants to live his own life in the manner of his choosing is America.

Basically, what I am trying to say is that the Electoral College Stinks. ***

A native of San Antonio, Texas and a veteran of the United States Air Force, Nathan Poole is employed by the United States Postal Service. He lives in Irwindale, California with his wife and family.

Photo of the author courtesy of staff files