Electoral college discourages voting when people think their choice doesn’t matter | Opinion

Electoral College ignores reality

The current edition of the Electoral College does not adequately represent the realities of a divided electorate . The winner-take-all, under representation of minorities, is a dangerous circumstance in a representative democracy. No wonder 30-40 percent of our neighbors don’t vote, seeing no chance of making a difference. Added to the exponential growth of government, the abandonment of constitutional limits, and the current habit of “winners” salivating over the power grab of a “mandate,” remaking America in their own image, the average voter feels like they don’t stand a chance.

It makes no earthly difference if we are governed by the coasts, if we abandon the Electoral College, or today’s reality of a handful of other states. We must return closer to our Founder’s original vision for the Electoral College to work. And limited government. My vote hasn’t mattered for president for 25 years. This should not be.

Margaret L. Beard, West Richland

Kindness better than park closure

Concerning the park closure and orders to charities to stop feeding homeless people, I am appalled at these moves by the City of Richland and similar moves by my own City of Kennewick. I’m a deeply religious person, and I remember my own time on the street fleeing domestic violence

I have been praying and crying for my old neighbors down at the Wye Park area. It was the only safe place to sleep. Everyone down there looked out for me and there is no doubt in my mind that they are good people. Actions against the homeless are counter to the teachings of every major religion, and humanism as well.

Maple, Kennewick

Roundabout art doesn’t inspire

As the much needed roundabout on Court and Rd 68 nears completion, I would like to express my disappointment over the ‘art’ in the circle’s center. Art has many different definitions, to many different people. However, it is completely beyond me that a few boring chunks of basalt, randomly embedded in concrete, can be passed off as art. In my opinion, these chunks of granite are as ugly as sin.

They don’t enhance aesthetics, they hurt. This is a wasted opportunity, that will blight our junction for decades to come. Whoever made this terrible decision should not be entrusted with “art” selection responsibility again. I hope that the center circle is not yet finished.

Michael Harrington, Pasco