What a great idea

Let's hope this is another example of new, good things originating in California and spreading. In 2008 voters approved an initiative that took redistricting of congressional districts away from politicians and set up a system to have it done by ordinary citizens, creating the Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Using a bingo ball kind of selection process, the state auditor drew random names from three pools of applicants to select three Democrats, three Republicans, and two people without party affiliation. Those eight people will then select six more from the same pool but with the object of making sure that the panel reflects the state's ethnic and geographic diversity.

Now that seems like getting back to basic democracy, instead of letting whichever party happens to be in control of the legislature and governorship at the time gerrymander the districts in secret backroom deals. And of course they manipulate the system to the utmost to enhance their power and ensure their reelection.

A good idea whose time has come.

Ralph