It is time to develop an Independent Redistricting Commission in Wisconsin to draw district voting maps and permanently end gerrymandering.
Political parties often use power to corrupt the levers of government for their own interests. A corrupt way to maintain power is to draw district voting maps to favor one political party. This power grab is called gerrymandering.
George Washington had an interesting take on political parties. In his farewell address in 1796, Washington warned the nation about political parties. He indicated that political parties will utilize cunning and corruption to subvert the power of the voters. If he were around today, he would say that gerrymandering of voting districts is the ultimate way to grab and hold power. A legislature gerrymandered by one political party does not need to respond to the concerns of the people.
Look no further than to Texas to see the power grab by Republicans through the gerrymandering of U.S. Congressional voting districts. This was at the request of Trump and with the new maps Republicans could artificially control Congress. This cheating looks like bullies changing the playground rules to win the baseball game.
In response to this attempt to further gerrymander congressional districts, Republicans and Democrats alike are planning to redraw voting maps all over the U.S. When will this corruption end?
Before democracy disappears in Wisconsin, voters should support an Independent Redistricting Commission. Take power away from political parties to draw district voting maps and end gerrymandering. To learn more, visit fairmapswi.com.
Jerry Iverson,
Grand Chute
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Write: Letters to the editor, The Post-Crescent, P.O. Box 59, Appleton, WI 54912. E-mail: pcletters@postcrescent.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: LETTERS: Grand Chute reader wants voting districts drawn without political input
Reporting by Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
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