I can sympathize with giving out too much data here, and I am not trying to pry, merely as I said I can't rebut something without details, and I feel you exceeded what is normal acceptable for anecdotal personal reference requiring no rebuttal.



The issue is that each state controls it's EV distribution, and they have reason to want it to have maximum impact. I'm from Ohio, as you know, it is in my state's best interest to keep itself a block, but I would rather we did not and I think most Ohioans would agree. Virginia is a swing state though, not a blue state, and any non-total allocation of EV is a good thing in my eyes. My biggest feeling is that now that everyone has felt some burn form both ends of the electoral, or at least deep worry beforehand, it may be possible to have a national discussion on the subject that goes deeper then "No change vs Popular only", and tying it to redistricting, another overdue conversation, would seem wise.



Hard to say we're holding hostage something most dems are convinced we totally oppose without sounding like hypocrites. I don't accuse the left of holding the coal industry hostage because I know they specifically want to maim or kill it, not use it as a bargaining chip. NASA, broad bipartisan support, can be a hostage, or the GI Bill. I would like to cut rich people's taxes, I am willing to not do that if something equally juicy is offered, that's bargaining, not hostage taking. Of course I also believe people who take hostages should be killed on principle too, like traitors, so we may be disagreeing about the flavor of the word.



It's expanding VAWA, is it what it is. The left is saying it is a renewal, and a renewal probably would have passed untouched, but it isn't a renewal when you expand something's powers. VAWA does need examination though. As to immigrants, you left off something important, the GOP explicitly objects to illegal immigrants in the provision, not immigrants. As to the Native Americans, I will explain that. The adaptation would give Tribal Authorities jurisdiction over non-Native Americans on Tribal lands. I do not believe I could support allowing a tribal authority to hold a trial on someone accused of rape while visiting a casino. I won't rule it out at all, but that is not something to be done casually and jurisdiction needs serious consideration, but delay over concerns of the impact of changes apparently merits accusation of hostage taking. You're implying racism here but to be honest I don't think you ever looked at the GOP argument, just the accusations at us.



I appreciate the last word, I've tried not to take unfair advantage of that and will not hold you to it if you feel obliged to respond. So you know though, I do not consider this wasted breath, my goal is not to change your mind on party affiliation merely to convince you that the GOP is not acting as the vast dark, treacherous, irrational apparatus you're convinced it is. I feel I've cast light on some of our actions indicating they are logical and rational even if you disagree about them being right, and that is sufficient for me.