Maps Emerge in Redistricting Discussions the Baltimore

¶ … Maps Emerge in Redistricting Discussions The Baltimore Sun article Two Maps Emerge in Redistricting Discussions sounds, unfortunately, like politics as usual. Many people are becoming completely disenchanted with government, and issues like this have much to do with why that is taking place. The issue at hand here is that Democrats in Maryland are redrawing the congressional maps to give themselves a huge, obvious advantage in the next election (Linskey & Fritze, 2011).

While option one gives them less power than option two, both provide help and support for the Democratic candidates and current Congressmen while taking away opportunities for Republicans. It makes the Democrats appear blood-thirsty and focused on their own agenda, instead of considering what is right for the people of Maryland and the United States. Understandably, many people are outraged by the borders for the new maps - which will have to be approved but seem well on their way.

The boundary lines of the Congressional districts have to be redrawn every 10 years in response to population changes as show by the census. Because the census was last conducted in 2010, it is not time for the boundaries to be readjusted. However, the way that they are being manipulated is what a large number of people have a problem with and are trying to stop.

For example, many of the black leaders in Maryland are concerned that the influence of black voters will be lowered by the way the map will be changed (Hill, 2011). Whether that actually happens, of course, remains to be seen. It is also something that is difficult to measure and largely a matter of conjecture and opinion.

Still, it is a very real concern for many black leaders in Maryland today, and they are understandably upset with the way they feel the Democrats are manipulating the map to get what they want. This shows a lack of regard for the people, and that is something that has long been a complaint where politicians are concerned. Rep. Bartlett and Gov. O'Malley met in October to discuss the redistricting, as well, because Rep. Bartlett was very concerned about how the new maps would change his district (Associated, 2011).

Because it was Gov. O'Malley's advisory panel that had a hand in how the maps would be changed, it seemed fitting that Rep. Bartlett took his concerns straight to the Governor. However, whether anything is done about the issue remains to be seen. Politics, overall, seems much less about the people than it used to be. Instead, it has become a game and a competition.

Who can win and who can get the most votes are much more important now than what is best for the people of a particular state or even the entire country. The U.S. has seen a high degree of turmoil in recent years, and that does not appear to be lessening. The redistricting push in Maryland is likely only going to make voters in that state even more disenchanted with what government is supposed to be offering them.

Not being able to get politicians to listen to the "little people" can be highly frustrating, but it can also bring about problems such as riots and protests. Some of that is already being seen in the U.S., and there is likely to be more of those kinds.