The One Vote Dilemma!

Anyreader of this blog, 18 or older, has probably heard this a hundredtimes before. In fact, it is a mantra of our times, so well worn, ithardly needs a description. Invariably, it follows the query, "Why aren't you voting?" And ,just as predictable, "One vote counts!"  

So,let's start here. TRUE? or FALSE? The facts are TRUE. The record booksare filled with elections, appointments, legislation, many, many closeraces, tight views, party lines, city councils, state legislatures,national elections - all closing on a single vote difference.Therefore, it must be observed and encouraged for all to seize the moment when the time comes to vote. RIGHT? or WRONG?

Answer: WRONG! It is a false dictate that rarely makes the difference.It is a fallacy promoted by patriotic voters who cherish the belief that democracy requires each and every citizen to cast their vote, no matter the topic or relevance to the individual. And, finishing off this diatribe, even those who believe in the mantra, and vote, never know when the result is a one vote margin, whether it was their vote, yea or nay, or the lady across the street, or the college kid trying a voting booth for the first time, that did it!

Now, let's get down to the"dilemma" of the one vote fallacy. A few weeks ago, the Massachusetts vote to fill the vacancy in the United States Senate, turned the voters of that state upside down. The seat held for so many years by DemocratTed Kennedy, was handed over to Republican Brown - and in a dramatic turn of events for the Democratic Party, and President Obama, the 60/40balance in the Senate became 59/41 - and under Senate rules, the Republicans can choose to bring down any legislation they oppose by the tried and true method of a filibuster. And the Democrats cannot prevent it!

Sure, there are ways to seek 'cloture' (closing off a filibuster), negotiating with the opposition to allow changes in the Bill, not desired by the majority, or, even,let them filibuster - a good time to catch up on unpaid bills, long deferred correspondence, etc. None of the steps are fun or friendly. The country at large is hostage to a 'device' introduced into the Senate about 150years ago - and, despite many attempts to change the rule, it still has the effect of the minority telling the majority..."we don't like your legislation!".

Now, you have it. One vote can bring down the house (or Senate!). One vote can thwart the opinions and ambitions of a vast majority of voting citizens. One vote can pass a bill in city council that raises bus fares for everyone. One vote can be a disaster for some - a boon for others. It is not the democratic way for an election, a bill passage, a proposition banning smoking, that many believe should result in a vote of the majority. ViewPoint would like to see a move by the Congress to establish a ratio for all voting, at every level, somewhere between 55 and 60%, meaning that anyone running for office must have that percentage of the voting citizens for the result to be accepted. No more one vote victories or defeats. The majority rules in a democracy. Once accepted and legalized, at the national level, it will trickle down to all levels.

And, don't forget the filibuster. It belongs in the Smithsonian - with a beautiful frame to remind future generations of man's stupidity to fellow men!

Richard Carlton

February 2, 2010

Issue No. 3