My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. While the topic is redistricting – a topic, frankly, that I’m tired of writing about – the underlying message is that people need to get more involved.
Not when the decision has already been made and a rubber stamp of approval is sought, but before the decision gets made, when we actually have a chance to shape the decision. It’s why I’ve been writing about redistricting almost as long as I’ve had this blog. Personally, I’m already looking towards the next redistricting in 2021 and plotting to have a non-partisan -or at least bipartisan – commission in place.
Have to admit it was a little bit funny reading about last night’s redistricting hearing in Hampton, which, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to attend. Yes, Democrats carved up Virginia Beach, because that’s what we get when partisans draw the lines. Put the blame on the Republican-controlled House of Delegates, who refused to pass – or even let out of committee – bills that would have established redistricting commissions. Wonder how many of those complaining were aware of that? My guess? Not many, because the issue of redistricting hasn’t been front and center long enough for people to get a grasp on it.
Bemoan all you will the lines but don’t blame the legislators for putting their interests ahead of ours – because that’s what legislators do. Most of them are only interested in protecting their backsides, and the heck with looking out for the people. Until and unless we elect people who put the people first – and throw out the bums that don’t – we will be stuck with professional politicians looking for their next job.
I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power.
Yeah, what TJ said.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Problem with getting involved on this particular issue is that the pols, one both sides, don’t care what we think.
And they know that these kinds of process issues “don’t move one vote.”
So they have no incentive to car.
Even if it did move one vote, this particular process allows them to move it back into someone else’s district.