The Electoral College: Is it Time to End the Experiment?

A YouTube Commentary, by Jack Charbonneau

US Presidential Candidate, 2020

 

In 1789, practice of citizens directly electing the leader of a country was… limited. Not unknown in the world at that time, a genuine Republic, where power came directly from the People, was not the universal standard throughout the world. The majority of the world was ruled by hereditary monarchs with a “concession” given to the People, in the form of an elected body of SOME sort… to keep the rabble at bay.

Even as our Constitution was being considered, the thought of giving the People the vote for the Executive Officer was terrifying to many. This concern is spoken of in “The Federalist Papers”. How easy it would be for a silver-tongued charlatan to woo the 13 States, especially if the person was fully funded by a foreign adversary.

Anything less than a Republic would be unacceptable after fighting the Revolution. Anything short would dishonor those who died for the cause, and surely lead us back into tyrannical rule. The fear is eloquently expressed in “Federalist 39”-

“It is essential that a Republican government spring from the great body of society, NOT from a small proportion or a favored class. Otherwise, a few tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by a delegation of their powers, might call THEMSELVES ‘republicans’ and claim, for their government, the honorable title of Republic.”

It goes on to rationalize the concept of an “Electoral College”-

“It is sufficient that the persons administering such a government are appointed, either directly or indirectly, by the People and that they hold their appointments… at the People’s pleasure, for a limited period, or during good behavior.”

…either DIRECTLY or IN-DIRECTLY by the People… It is “sufficient“? Wait…

This “experiment” in democracy has been in motion now for over 200 years. Imagine, looking at what has become, now… THEN.

As one reads “Federalist 39” it is easy to forget that the entire article was written in SPECULATION and HYPOTHESIS. No concrete conclusion could be drawn as to how it would go! As I read it, I take for granted that these words, written in argument for a theoretical form of government are now, over 200 years later, FACT.

ALL of it. Every bit of it. It is astonishing how clear these minds were when considering the possible outcomes and pitfalls. The historical precedents drawn upon by these scholars, some now lost to the dungeon of time, seem to have served well as guideposts for forging a new body.

A body not seen before, but envisioned by a few, and longed for by all that hope to see humanity live free, ruled by themselves. Could people rule themselves? Would the People see through the duplicitous nature of a candidate backed by an enemy?

After 200 years of experimentation, we can conclude the answer is- YES!

…but what about Donald Trump?

The PEOPLE of the United States have now, TWICE in twenty years, NOT been fooled and voted the correct way. Seeing through the bitter and divisive 2000 Election cycle, seeing that the term “Compassionate Conservative” was just a feel-good throw-blanket for people on the fence. And knowing the family that George W. Bush came from, the voters said “No!” to the Bush Dynasty and voted for Al Gore. Like myself, most people felt that having someone who was IN The White House for the last 8 years become president, would be beneficial for Our National Security.

And now, with Donald Trump’s blatant disregard for even the smallest of political norms, and his disgusting inability to feel even the slightest compassion for those he perceives as less than himself… EVEN THOUGH it would mean electing ANOTHER CLINTON…. The American people picked the winner. We saw through the Bullshit!

Unfortunately, the “security system” devised 200 years ago could not have imagined the massive amounts of wealth and power held by corporations today. Couple that with unlimited technological advancement, and here we are.

The fear that a majority of the electorate could be fooled into voting for a President that could harm Our nation is what led to the Electoral College. Little did the Framers know, they ensured tyranny’s victory in the end. Now, you don’t need to fool a majority to get what you want. Evil can win even if the majority votes against it.

Evil wins with 46%

The Popular Culture winds turn fast, even faster than the winds in 1789… climate change, I suppose… We must NOT act in terms of popular opinion in the moment. I believe this is NOT a passing fad. In fact, after 18 years of contemplation, a clear conclusion can be made regarding the “American Experiment”–

It IS a success! Mankind CAN govern itself!

“I strongly believe in the response of our citizens, when they are fully informed.” -JFK

In Conclusion-

IF We still believe the betterment of ALL humanity comes from a highly educated electorate, if we commit to steadfastly adhering to the protection of Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of the Press, and we once again, pledge our fates and fortunes, UNITED, I believe the Electoral College can be amended. The strength and beauty of this theoretical form of government, envisioned by god-fearing Men (who were at heart, Humanists) can now be unbridled.

So long as we ALL still hold that fear, that the Framers feared, as ‘gospel’. Our government is only as “good” as its people. Our government is strong only when we are strong TOGETHER. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Male, Female, Humanity, MANKIND… WE ARE ALL, BUT MEN… we are NOT gods.

But unified, in SPIRIT and in ACTION, Mankind can strive to achieve greatness that would HONOR the Gods of ALL Men.

… not too shabby!

-end

Posted to YouTube on 4 March, 2018. Keep your head UP!!

JC