[OFB Cafe] Electoral College (was Re: Bio Fuels)

[Timothy Butler]

> I've heard Americans say that it's undemocratic to have more than two
> candidates for an office.  I don't know if that's a common belief,  
> but it
> both makes my skin crawl - and I see where they're coming from.  In  
> our
> system of "first past the post" ensures that if we have 5 candidates  
> for a
> post, the winner rarely needs more than 30% of the vote.  At least  
> you guys
> get a clear winner almost every time.

	True, quite true. I suppose things always looks greener on the other  
side. I often envy the fact that you guys actually get more than two  
candidates. I'd really like a system that included run off elections,  
I think. It goes back to our earlier discussion of political  
positions. Within the context of the two parties that actually get  
elected in the U.S., I'm Republican, but I'd be thrilled to have the  
chance to vote for someone who I actually wanted rather than typically  
voting for the lesser of two evils.

	Of course, Americans often like to see things in black and white, so  
the two party system fits that perspective neatly.

	-Tim

---
Timothy R. Butler | "The theologian who labors without joy is not a
Editor, OfB.biz   | theologian at all. Sulky faces, morose thoughts
tbutler at ofb.biz   | and boring ways of  speaking are intolerable in
timothybutler.us  | this field."
                                                       -- Karl Barth