Episode 25 – Secession and the Electoral College

Mark Geise Show – Mark Geise

In this episode, I discuss further fallout from the presidential election. First, I discuss the idea of secession and why I fully respect the right of states to secede from the U.S. Many people called those that took those positions “racists” or “neo-confederates” not too long ago, but now that the tables are turned, these same people are supporting the secession movement in California. These people do not stand an any principles whatsoever; instead, they try to use whatever means they can to achieve their ends. California, if you would like to secede, go for it. I want the people of a state to be able to determine how that state is governed. However, I would like to see those that have demonized the South for its decision to secede prior to the Civil War admit that they are hypocrites.

Next, I discuss the electoral college. The electoral college has substantially changed since it was implemented in the Constitution. I believe there were two main motivating factors behind the electoral college: (1) the Founders did not trust direct democracy and (2) the small states wanted to have some level of insurance that they could not be steamrolled by the more populous states. The electoral college actually gives those in smaller states (in terms of population) slightly stronger representation than those in larger states. The walls between the people and the election of the president have gradually been broken down, and now only two states do not simply allocate all of the state’s electoral votes to the winner of that state’s popular vote. Also, many states now have laws against faithless electors (delegates to the electoral college voting differently than they pledged. These developments are antithetical to what the framers of the Constitution intended, and Alexander Hamilton and James Madison decried these developments during their lifetimes. If we had maintained that original system intended by the Constitution, Hillary Clinton actually would have had a chance to ultimately win this election. The electors may have been scared of Trump’s populism and controversy throughout his campaign and would have voted differently than the populace they represent in the elector college. Once again, though, the progressives reap what they sow. They champion the idea of a “Living Constitution”, saying that it must change with the times. What they really mean is that it must change to benefit their agenda, but that is beside the point. It is hilarious to watch them be damaged by movements away from the original Constitution that they themselves have championed.

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Suggested Reading/Referenced Articles:
“Californians are calling for a ‘Calexit’ from the US — here’s how a secession could work” – Business Insider
Video: “Secession: The Reasonable Option Everyone Resists | Tom Woods” – YouTube
“My Letter to a Smear Artist” – TomWoods.com
“The Electoral College Is an Instrument of White Supremacy—and Sexism” – Slate Magazine
“Spoiler: That plan to have the electoral college elect Hillary Clinton isn’t going to work” – The Washington Post