With the counts of last year’s census complete, it is time for the Texas Legislature to begin to redraw the district lines for state representatives. In an article from The Austin American Statesman, the issue of redistricting is examined by the Editorial Staff, and important questions are brought up. Some of the issues at hand include the dominating Republican Party’s likelihood to re-draw the district map in order to combine two Democratic incumbents into the same district, thereby booting an official currently serving, out of office. The authors argue that this is a prime example of blatant politics diluting the voice of the minority, and I completely agree. The Texas districts have been mangled and “gerrymandered” so much under Governor Perry that just by looking at the map, anyone would be drawn to say “huh?!” Because the results of the census indicate that Texas is due to gain four more seats in the House, redistricting obviously is necessary. Playing political games that would remove high quality leaders that affiliate with the national Democratic Party would be a serious injustice to the citizens of Texas. Kirk Watson and Lloyd Doggett have done great things in legislature for the state of Texas, as well as the nation during their terms. I do not believe that people who are making progress and improvements for communities and the country should be removed from office simply because the Republican Party has monopolistic goals. Diluting the minority is in no way democratic. It is not America. It should not be ignored nor allowed without insightful investigation and prudent thought.
Source:
The Austin American Statesman
"Redistricting: Blatant politics should not target incumbents or dilute minority voting"
Editorial Staff - 1-8-2011
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