As I am writing this the Iowa Caucus has melted down, showing once again that we don’t need a lot of help to screw up an election. Whether it be hanging chads or apps that don’t work, we are pretty good at this all by ourselves.
But at the same time this embarrassing show has taken place, the Supreme Court has taken on a case of supreme importance. It will decide whether state law can force electors in the Electoral College to follow the popular vote vs. their own conscience. The founders voted for an independent mind to protect against foreign influence.
Some 250 years ago, it was the English and the French.
Today it is the Russians and the Chinese (and the Iranians and the North Koreans, etc.). But the idea was the same. An informed elector would rise above the fray and make a sound decision.
I would argue that the Electoral College system is also somewhat effective against big money. Many believe that the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United opened the door to corporations buying elections.
But what about the NRA, NEA, Planned Parenthood or AARP? These organizations spend a lot of money and carry a lot of influence; so much so that the Russians courted the NRA during the last election.
And then there are Bloomberg and Steyer, billionaires committing unimaginable sums to further their interests.
And the less-wealthy candidates are buying the election by committing the public treasury.
Student debt forgiveness without changing the environment that created debt is a one-time give-away to those currently indebted.
Medicare for all? Without going into the political debate of whether healthcare is a “right,” just consider the cost. Here’s the political message: vote for me and I’ll set you free!
Again, electors can be the last defense against big money, whether it be from outside or inside the government.
Certain factions, including here in Delaware, have wanted to neuter the Electoral College by enacting state laws to override the independent electors’ right to make up their own mind.
In the process they have dismantled the most effective tool we have to defend against mishandled voting procedures, foreign influence and big money.
If you believe that these are problems, you should support the independent elector.
Lee McCreary
Rehoboth Beach
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