Do you believe, as did our founding fathers, that the people should elect the President of the United States? Should a system which rewards a man or woman who is supported by the minority of Americans continue to exist? Both of these questions involve the Electoral College. This antiquated idea, established in the 1800’s, often results in the election of presidents who are incompetent and harm the nation they lead.
Having lived only 72 years I cannot judge presidents who served our nation in the past. If they were not in office during my lifetime, I cannot confirm their positive or negative effects on our country. The first president I remember was Dwight D. Eisenhower. I was only six-years-old when he won his first election in 1952, but I was ten when he campaigned for reelection in 1956. I remember the convention and the hundreds of “I Like Ike” signs. He inspired me to take an interest in politics.
When John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, I was a senior in high school. We all cried; we had lost a real hero.
I was affected by the presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson; I lost several friends who were forced to serve in Vietnam.
Each of the 12 presidents who served in my lifetime had some effect on my life. I believe that the two worst presidents in American history lived in the White House while I was an adult and old enough to vote. I am proud to say that I did not vote for either of them.
George W. Bush was woefully unqualified to be America’s 43rd president. He relied heavily on Dick Cheney, who remains one of the most evil men to ever infest our political system. Rash decisions and a poor work ethic resulted in waging two unwinnable wars and a failed fiscal policy which caused a near depression. The Bush administration lied to the American people and divided a nation. When he left office in 2009, I hoped our nation would never experience another president who was as dangerous as George W. Bush.
When the results of the 2016 election were confirmed I became clinically depressed. My greatest fear was realized. The least qualified, most immoral man in America was given the title of President of the United States. He would prove to be lazier than the last Republican president; golfing or watching television for most of his time in office. In two years, Donald John Trump accomplished the goals of Vladimir Putin. Our relationships with our closest allies are tenuous. Our nation is more divided than at any other time since the Civil War. Our government is dysfunctional. The economy teeters on a tightrope between levels of good and disaster.
Why this long story? All twelve presidents won the Electoral College. Only two lost the popular vote; Bush and Trump.
So, do you believe that the people should decide who leads our nation or a failed political system?
Another point of interest. Abolishing the Electoral College is supported by Democrats and Independents; Republicans want to keep the status quo.
Tell everyone; “The Truth Lives Here.”
Op-ed by James Turnage
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