As I am sure many that are knowledgeable regarding our Constitution, and the intention of the founding fathers in creating the Electorial College was to insure that states with large population, like New York and California, would not carry authoritarian dictates regarding our Presidential election! states with small population would become illegitimatized as their "popular votes" would be drowned out by the few states with large populations! As the New York Times stated today they have supported the elimination of the E-College for 80 years, I wonder why given the overwhelming majority, and thus their extreme liberal positions, would impose on an entire nation! If we ever allow a Constitutional Convention to happen as is mandated to change the Articles of our Constitution we can kiss our democracy good-bye! Be careful what you wish for...
I want to thank Mr. Galyean for his service to our country and his obvious integrity and commitment to the FBI and our country! I still hold the FBI in the highest respect irregardless of the shame that it's political director Mr. Comey has brought upon this outstanding agency. Unfortunately the directors actions will reflect negatively upon the FBI for years to come and it saddens me to see the impact one individual can have on an agency that deserves to be held as the truly finest example of law enforcement in the world.
Opposing opinions allow us to see the issues from different perspectives, not just our own and should be viewed as an opportunity to find real solutions. While it doesn't give everyone all they might want it can still provide real workable solutions, and a foundation for a continued exchange of ideas!
We should ask ourselves how we can incorporate other's ideas, be forward thinking, inclusive, and contribute to an honest, open debate on the issues that affect us all ... that's is the best of a democracy at work!
The media and politicians would prefer that we continue to buy into all their smoke and mirrors and arguing amongst ourselves, thus keeping us distracted from what is really important; solutions based on honest facts not sound bites and hyperbole and fulfilling the will of the people. If we the people stop playing by their rules, which is no rules, and start continually confronting them ALL with honest facts, we can at least begin the process of reversing the status quo that they have created!
It isn't fantasy or wishful thinking, if only we start educating ourselves and acting instead of fighting amongst ourselves!
I think the people and the country could be put in the best direction if only voters did real research on the facts and issues instead of forming their vote based on media opinion/bias, politicians saying and promising anything just to be elected! Yes, the issues and problems facing our country are serious, but isn't that all the more reason for all of us to get the best "facts" available and then vote according to what the candidates have a proven track record of solving? Then follow what they do, not just at election time but all the time, and hold them accountable! Write, email, telephone your elected officials and make it clear we are watching, that we are no longer an electorate, but a country of people that are informed, and watching what laws they pass, how they are spending our hard earned tax dollars! After all, it's our money they are spending and if they are not accountable they will do what they have been doing to us for over a hundred years!
There are many websites out there that track the laws being proposed and put them in a language we can understand, and act on if we disagree, or if we agree! We have only ourselves to blame if we are unhappy with what "our" government officials are doing to us and our country! Left, right, progressive, liberal, or conservative, it is time to stop allowing politicians and the media from manipulating our opinions and keeping us pitted against each other! This is our country, and until we all start fulfilling our potential, and responsibility, to be an electorate that is educated and armed with the facts about the issues, laws, and the candidates nothing is going to change!