Opinion: Whose government is it anyway?
Our political processes are becoming more captive to forces beyond the control of ordinary citizens. Political debates are becoming more polarized. Candidates are becoming more cartoon-like in their pronouncements and self-serving in their actions. Deception is increasing. Donations sometimes appear to be nothing more than legalized bribery, and expenditures just try to bury the opposition. The current redistricting process is a major cause. It occurs after every 10-year census, and most states have a list of conflicting criteria to be met (community of interest, minority representation, geographic continuity, etc.) Some states have established bi-partisan commissions, sometimes the dominant party in the state legislature rules, and sometimes judges (elected or appointed) play a role. The net effect has been for political parties to gain more and more “safe seats.” The Web site fairvote.org has some damning statistics on the lack of competition in most U.S. House races. ...