From Krist Boardman:
Surprise! I am supporting Delegate Kathy Szeliga and Governor Larry Hogan in their legislative effort to form a non-partisan commission to address the gerrymandering mess that is in Maryland politics. This comes from a Democrat (me) who is a member of the Harford County Democratic Central Committee (I am not speaking for them!). If you look at the First, Second and Third Congressional Districts in Maryland, you will see how shamefully those districts have been gerrymandered.
The conventional wisdom is that gerrymandering is done to put the minority party at a disadvantage as the Republicans are in Maryland, and as Democrats are now in many Southern states. Why politicians of any stripe should try to change voting results by twisting districts into unrecognizable pretzels tells us more about them and their true disregard for the voters than it does about anything. My theory though is that gerrymandering is done as much to thwart challengers of incumbents of the same party as it is done to thwart the minority party. I can say this as I was a challenger and lost to Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger in the primaries of 2006 and 2010, first based on my opposition to the Iraq War and next as an opponent of the Afghanistan War. The power of and monies of incumbents plus the gerrymandering which makes it nearly impossible to determine where the districts actually are when campaigning makes it difficult for voters to have meaningful choices in this kind of system and in the case of recent history allows the perpetuation of terrible and costly foreign wars that Mr. Ruppersberger has never opposed. So I give great credit to Gov. Hogan and Del. Szeliga for attempting to right this wrong. Gerrymandering is beneath contempt as it is more about retaining power than giving the voters and taxpayers a true say in their own public affairs.
As a candidate in the Second District I was outraged at how gerrymandered that is, but the Third District represented by Rep. John Sarbanes is even worse. In the First District Rep. Andy Harris who lives in Hunt Valley or Cockeysville, represents all of the Eastern Shore counties. Isn’t that a disgrace? Of course I blame the Republicans such as former Gov. Bob Ehrlich for ousting Kent County Republican Wayne Gilchrest because Gilchrest was too much of an environmentalist for Ehrlich; and what does Andy Harris care about the environment on the Eastern Shore anyway since he has too many other causes such as abolishing affordable health care and he doesn’t live there?
There are many, many more examples of how gerrymandering has corrupted the process and turned voters off. You need only look at state and county legislative districts and see how they are drastically manipulated and also listen to some legislators’ stories to realize how bad this problem has gotten.
Some Democrats are resisting this effort to correct gerrymandering by saying that it shouldn’t be done until Republican-led gerrymandering in the South is undone, but that’s not right either. Why is it okay to subvert the voters’ will in this state just because it is being subverted in other states? Of course it should be corrected in the South but if it can be done here sooner then it should be.
I’m no fan of President Trump but what he says about the system being “rigged” could easily be applied to gerrymandering.
I know my Democratic Party “friends” will likely rebuke me for taking this position but they are wrong. Public servants are to serve the public. I hope more Democrats will support the Hogan-Szeliga measure and make fair elections a reality in Maryland, the sooner the better.
Your concerns for “fair elections” are noble, yet meaningless. It doesn’t matter who you vote for because you have to pick one monster or the other, not whom you would really like to be there representing you. This is because the people should be able to represent themselves. We now have the internet and everyone has a social security number. Using these two devices, the people should be able to vote upon their own legislation and truly be governed by themselves. All laws, could be instituted, amended or repealed online by the people themselves, in the privacy of their own home. This would eliminate the two party system and would end the government as we know it today. Government would then truly serve the people because the people would be the government. An impartial court, with no political affiliation what so ever, would then read over the law and declare it constitutional or not constitutional. The two party system of this state has already turned our government into at least an Organized Crime Syndicate and in most cases a Terrorist Organization. The people aren’t as stupid as the politicians think they are and the people deserve the right to govern themselves because what is currently in place has become ungodly and evil. I am not a Republican or a Democrat, I am an American and I am ashamed of what my government has become. Let’s get rid of each and every leech that wants to rule us and let the people decide their own fates. We have the means and the apparatus to do just that…….and gerrymandering wouldn’t matter.
“An impartial court, with no political affiliation what so ever….”. Who will be on this court? Robots? It is impossible for a human to be involved in anything (not just politics, but anything….) without being biased in some way, shape or form. It’s human nature. Those who claim to be “impartial” are kidding themselves. If it was as cut and dry as you desire, then why do we need all those Supreme Court justices? Why not just ONE “impartial” justice? Don’t get me wrong….I despise the ruling elite class (no matter if there is a D or an R after their name). It’s just not as simple of a problem to solve as you’ve outlined, in my opinion.
Personally, regarding matters of law, I believe that no court should be politically motivated or affiliated in any way, shape or form. Law isn’t about politics, it’s the law. At least it should be that way. However, our court systems have strayed so far away from being just about law that its pathetic. In this State alone, you have the Maryland Judiciary recommending law in thru a Judicial Task Force, which is in total violation of the separation of powers doctrine of the US and Maryland Constitutions. So, I know where you’re coming from. Constitutionality of laws should be black and white. It either is or it isn’t. I don’t think any judges in Maryland are qualified to handle what I’m speaking of because the law has literally become lawless. When the law becomes lawless, well, it isn’t the law at all. I would probably recommend the appointment of former military judges to handle this and tell them that they are to follow the oath they originally took when they were in the military. The oath of military and US judges is different than those of the Courts of Maryland because they have taken an oath to uphold and honor the Constitution of the US. The oath of Maryland judges say they are to support the Constitution of the US but are to hold their allegiance to the State of Maryland as their highest priority. This is the excuse they use for not following the Supreme Court decisions and the Constitution of the US and Maryland. However, the Maryland Constitution says specifically that the Constitution of the US is the “Supreme Law of the Land” and by not following this they have acted as criminal and terrorists. Military judges my friend are the only answer…..
Soul crusher.. You are a soul brother, thanks your a genius
Genius? No. I doesn’t take a brain surgeon to see that much of the legislation that is passed nowadays is disapproved by the people the legislation is going to effect. Let the county council, delegates and senators introduce legislation, but give them no vote on its passing. Let the people pass it. Have a comment section on the online ballot so people could give a brief reason why they don’t want it. This way, those who legislate could amend the proposal to satisfy the people they represent. Legislator’s often talk about what the people want, however the truth is they haven’t a clue what the people want and only know what the government wants. We live in an era where technology could improve the legislative process, but our legislators are in a system designed 200 years ago and have used it for purposes other than serving the people…..
Spoiler alert…. Rod Rosenstien is coming…
Don’t you mean “becoming”? Last I checked, he was going to be made Deputy United States Attorney and investigate the whole Russian and white house hoax. To this day, I haven’t seen any evidence that I find credible relating to Russia/White House connection. The words and opinions of the intel community doesn’t mean squat unless there is evidence to back it up. Rod Rosenstein will have plenty on his table other than the problems of a State that has lost its way…..
Nine people on trumps staff have all been caught meeting with Russians and none of them remember what they discussed even though one meeting has a transcript of the conversation and no one is sharing evidence with soul crusher…..
I’m sorry but…
Bawahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!
There is no evidence that these meetings were actually discussing the election, period. So what, if a member of the Senate on a Foreign relations committee of some sort didn’t disclose it. If it wasn’t about the elections or sanctions involving Obama, then it doesn’t matter. Quite frankly, even if the sanctions were discussed, so what. A new incoming administration sometimes needs to keep the peace. I’m not offended by it. Why are you?
“If it wasn’t about the elections or sanctions involving Obama, then it doesn’t matter”
That’s just it Einstein they know what at least one of them was about and Flynn had to resign. Now I realize the NSA hasn’t kept you in the evidence loop but that doesn’t change the facts.
No, there is no evidence to what you’re eluding to or Flynn would have been charged. Sorry, you’re just brainwashed. Like I said, even if it did involve the sanctions, SO WHAT! A new administration was coming in and wanted to preserve a decent diplomatic standing with Russia. I have no problem with that. Why do you? Do you want war with Russia? Would that make you feel good? I don’t. I don’t want to be at war with anyone. Obama instilled sanctions against the Russians and built up troops along the polish borders. Even Gorbachev stated “It seems to me the world is preparing for war”. Do you understand that we are heading to a conflict with both China and North Korea? How many fronts do you think we can fight? Look, Putin is a dictator thug and I have no love for that piece of trash, but I don’t want to fight Russia right now. You are aware they can shoot down our Stealth Fighters aren’t you? What is it that you’re really after?
The NSA did not need to keep us in the loop. James Clapper the former Director of National Intelligence has stated publicly that he has seen no evidence of any collusion between anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign and any Russian representatives regarding the election.
Amen, Ms Moderate. I forgot about that….
Excellent deflect Mr soul crusher you didn’t mention Ronny Raygun or a thousand other things that have zero bearing on Flyns treason.. Try to focus, Russia hacked the election.
What do James Clapper, soulcrusher and ms moderate have in common?
None of them are getting intel updates.
Truth is, LOL does not know if Ms Moderate receives intel updates for not.
Show me the evidence and don’t point to Podesta’s e-mails. His password was “password”. Enough said, believe what you want. http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/12/politics/russian-hack-donald-trump-2016-election/
Show you the evidence? Whaddya think I work for one of the 22 intelligence agencies that confirmed the election was hacked by Russians and 9 Trump flunkies were in contact with Russian spies?
The only person who truly interfered with the election was James Comey. In addition to the election tampering, the man even stated in a recent press conference that “you have no expectancy of privacy using a phone”. This is against the Supreme Court rulings that say we do. If the leader of our nation’s highest law enforcement agency can not comply with the established Federal Law then he needs to go. There is no evidence, other than conjecture, that the Russians actively sought to disrupt our election. Unlike what we did in France in 2012, when we were caught red handed interfering with the French election. Furthermore, a Russian hacker may have hacked our election, but was he working for the Russian Government? He or they seem to have been working for WikiLeaks….
And recently we have learned that the CIA, and who knows how many others, have the ability to hack into systems (including ours) and leave a Russian footprint, making it look like the Russians did it when it was really the CIA.
WikiLeaks has repeatedly stated that the hacked DNC emails they received did not come from Russian operatives.
So, what could be worse than the Russians hacking into our systems and using information to meddle in our national election? ANSWER: When one of our own government agencies does it to influence an election.
My issue is with Boardman’s comment blaming Ehrlich for ousting Gilchrest because he was too much of an environmentalist for Ehrlich, and Harris not caring about the Easter Shore. Why would it be better to have a representative from the Eastern Shore who would, by your definition, not care about the district lands in Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties?
Just say that the Eastern Shore should be its own district and leave it at that.
It should be probably minus southwestern Cecil. However, big contrast between Gilchrest and Harris. Gilchrest always returned calls an helped with several issues. He would even show up in person and put people before pure politics. I can’t get a phone call even acknowledged now. I voted for Gilchrest every time he ran in the general. It was a sad day when he no longer represented the 1st District in Maryland
The only reason Kris/Chris supports this is to benefit himself. Dutch who also uses a nickname is so well known, K/C would never stand a chance against him. Dutch has a large captive following. Other than a few far left thinkers K/C is an unknown. His occasional rants on the Dagger and a few writings are his only exposure. Good luck Mr. Kris/Chris in the next election cycle.
Fair question that Hogans people wont answer. Wasn’t this issue put to a referendum not that long ago and the people voted FOR the redistricting that now people are complaining about?
Legit Ted, what is the question Hogan’s people won’t answer?
If you’re referring to Questing 5 on the Nov 2012 ballot, yes it passed. Hogan wasn’t governor then, it was the furniture thief and Second Amendment shredder OweMalley.
In part, here’s what the Washington Post had to say in opposition: “Brazenly partisan redistricting leads to non-competitive elections whose winners need never fear a plausible challenge from the opposing party. The result is a Congress stuffed with incumbents who, lacking any incentive to compromise, provide the building blocks for political paralysis.”
About Wayne Gilchrest, thanks for the comment about him returning phone calls and being a decent and good human being. I remember when Republicans in Harford County were sponsoring him and were pleasantly surprised with what a good candidate and congressman he turned out to be. I also endorsed him with my newspaper The Towne Crier which was operating then. Yes, Wayne was/is a Republican and he served for some 20 years and he went to bat for the Eastern Shore. Not the least of his battles was fighting for clean water and air and the fragile environment on the shore. When people in Harford County wanted to burn mustard agent in an incinerator on the Edgewood peninsula, Kent County residents including Gilchrest on the other side of the bay said no, they didn’t want incomplete particles of mustard wafting in the air and without their opposition it may have been impossible to get the mustard disposed of safely with chemical neutralization. No thanks to Rep, Helen Bentley and former Co, Councilwoman Barbara Reisacher and others who could only think of federal money lining some contractors’ pockets.
Now as for Ehrlich and Gilchrest, Bob was against Ehrlich because Wayne believed in working with everyone and being a peoples’ representative. He didn’t always side with the right wing Republicans and Bob had been one of them for too long and he wasn’t getting good reviews on Wayne from his former right wing House colleagues. With
gerrymandering Andy Harris was able to get into the Eastern Shore district. So Bob got his way and they ousted Gilchrest. This may not have happened if Steny Hoyer’s district did not include counties such as Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties which were in the district from before when Roy Dyson represented the First District and when Gilchrest took over.
The interesting point about Del. Kathy Szeliga sponsoring an anti-gerrymandering bill is that she worked for Andy Harris i n Congress before she became a delegate and this launched her political career. Nevertheless the anti-gerrymandering bill is worthy of support.
Now as for my friend Mr. Jackson who says the only reason I am supporting this is to benefit myself, thanks. I knew Dutch Ruppersberger was a tough candidate but I had been writing him for years about his unquestioning support for the war machine and he couldn’t/wouldn’t answer the letters. We have squandered 6 trillion dollars on Iraq and untold amounts on Afghanistan, a nation no one has ever conquered including the British in the 1850’s,the Russians and even Alexander the Great but it is
hubris that says the U.S. can win there and we still haven’t. Didn’t the founders of our country say
something about foreign wars and entanglements? So someone had to run against Dutch; he never
took a history course that I ever heard of yet he’s been voting on things that are far beyond his depth. The general public hardly cares either and nobody bothers to learn foreign languages any more but I care. So I’m glad I ran against him.
As for whether I run again for anything, that is anybody’s guess. Don’t be so sure I will run in the next cycle. I’ve given all anybody should have to give to the public dialog, Mr, Jackson. Why don’t you run for something and we can shoot you down? .
Nice grammar. You’re a professional writer?
Did you mean Bob was against Gilchrest? You said Bob was against Ehrlich.
You know Ms Moderate, I don’t think you are a female at all. And here I thought we were sistas
I am female, and we are not sistas.
“lining the contractors pockets”
Lol.
So who chemically “neutralized” the “mustard gas”? Who drove trucks from APG to Dupont with the neutralized safe mustard gas?
You didn’t think the work was going to be done for free, I hope. At least your kids didn’t have to breathe
in the particles of incomplete combustion of mustard that would come from burning it in a populated area. You don’t think the ones who wanted to build the incinerator were going to do it for free? If you believe that I know of a bridge I would like to sell you.
It wasn’t anymore free than paying someone to “neutralize” the mustard gas and drive up and down the roads with the shit loaded in trucks.
Like I said long ago…”SoulCrusher for President” Intelligent, informed and true. More then I can say for any representative of the cess’pool of Maryland government.