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Is the California Recall a Partisan Ploy?
Is the California Recall a Partisan Ploy?
It's easy to empathize with Republicans living in California. For a long time, the state has been dominated by the Democratic Party, and Democrats are quite willing to exercise their influence in self-serving ways. No doubt California Republicans feel as though they cannot get a fair shake or even be heard. Unfortunately, this frustration seems to have led some to desperation when it comes to the upcoming recall election for Governor Gavin Newsom. Most of us were taught that the "founding fathe
07 Sep, 2021
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4 min read
New Report: Congress' Approach to Public Engagement Stuck in 1970s
New Report: Congress' Approach to Public Engagement Stuck in 1970s
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on The Fulcrum and has been republished with permission from the publisher. ‍ Ineffective communication between members of Congress and their constituents has led to a breakdown in trust in government and democratic institutions, a recent report found. Lawmakers are inundated with constituent messages every day, but they lack the resources and training for how to respond effectively. As a result, most Americans do not feel heard by their repres
02 Sep, 2021
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3 min read
Patriotism and Freedom: The Two Most Misused Terms In US Politics
Patriotism and Freedom: The Two Most Misused Terms In US Politics
Two of the most frequently used words in right-wing America, “freedom” and “Constitution,” are also among the most misused. Many American conservatives believe the “Constitution” gives them the “freedom” to do just about anything they like. They are free to own guns and carry them openly, free to refuse to be vaccinated, free to refuse to wear masks in public places, free to refuse to accept the results of a free and fair election, and, to some, even free to invade government buildings and threa
24 Aug, 2021
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5 min read
The Media Has To Stop Worshipping A Partisan-Controlled Elections Process
The Media Has To Stop Worshipping A Partisan-Controlled Elections Process
Editor's Note: This piece originally appeared in the Portland Press Herald and has been republished on IVN by request and with permission from the author. ‍ Greg Kesich’s July 25 column in the Portland Press Herald, “The View From Here: Party politics times five,” is excellent in its analysis of a worn-out theme: partisan elections. Whether two parties or five, the parties do wage a 24/7 uncivil war. But given their vital role, can’t the media help end it? America needs a more honest election
24 Aug, 2021
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3 min read
The Surprise Democrat Who Could Win California's Recall Election
The Surprise Democrat Who Could Win California's Recall Election
There appears to be a stronger possibility that the recall election against California Governor Gavin Newsom may not go in Newsom’s favor. With polls showing an even split among voters on the question of removing him, attention turns to a potential shocker in the Golden State. Democratic Party leaders are urging their members to vote against the recall, but they are also urging them to skip the second question on who they would want to replace Newsom should the recall be successful. The proble
18 Aug, 2021
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3 min read
The Census, Power Politics, and Slavery
The Census, Power Politics, and Slavery
Thanks to the Constitutionally-mandated periodic census, the House of Representatives will look a lot different for the 2022 midterm elections, with some states gaining seats, some losing them, and partisan gerrymanders sprouting across the nation like sunflowers. As a result, Republicans, it seems certain, will be in a far better position to retake control of the chamber. The cause of this upheaval, the 2020 census, was the most controversial in recent memory. Ordinarily, this once-every-ten-y
12 Aug, 2021
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5 min read
New Tools That Can Be Used to Uncover and Fight Partisan Gerrymandering
New Tools That Can Be Used to Uncover and Fight Partisan Gerrymandering
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on The Fulcrum and has been republished on IVN with permission from the publisher. To the casual observer, gerrymandering can be difficult to spot, especially with recent technological advancements. But two new tools make it much easier to uncover partisan map manipulation. And it's no coincidence that "good government" groups are unveiling these free tools now. On Thursday, the Census Bureau will release the updated population data states need
10 Aug, 2021
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3 min read
Polls Point to Problems for Gavin Newsom in Recall Election
Polls Point to Problems for Gavin Newsom in Recall Election
A new poll on the recall election that could oust California Governor Gavin Newsom from office shows the state electorate is now evenly split on his fate. With the September election quickly approaching, this could spell disaster for Newsom. The latest Emerson College - Nexstar poll shows that 46% of California voters surveyed support the recall vote, while 48% said they were opposed to it. According to the poll, 80% of Republicans say they support the vote, along with 54% of independents. A
04 Aug, 2021
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3 min read
The Ballot Count in AZ's Audit Is Complete: Here's What Is Happening
The Ballot Count in AZ's Audit Is Complete: Here's What Is Happening
It is hard to believe that 9 months after the 2020 election, we still aren’t completely done with it. Well, we are. The election results are certified. It’s a done deal at this point.   However, there are still calls from some to continue to audit vote tallies in critical battleground states. One audit in Maricopa County, Arizona, is being decried as a sham on one side, but on the other side is being used to build a movement for more audits like it. Arizona State Senate President Karen Fann
03 Aug, 2021
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7 min read
America... The Monarchy
America... The Monarchy
In June 1776, a group of American colonists met in Philadelphia to declare their independence from Great Britain and the end of George III’s dominion over what would become the United States. Almost all agreed that being ruled by a self-perpetuating monarch who had no qualifications beyond being born into the job; who remained fixed in power without the approbation of his subjects; who could dictate policy and arbitrarily twist the law as he pleased; and who could delegate authority to a group o
27 Jul, 2021
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5 min read