Saturday, May 24, 2014

"Why Our Political System's Screwed, in One Very Basic Chart"

Behold: the fatal chart of our Republic:

This proves that we're all hypocrites, or unable to control our political destinies, or both.


That chart, along with a bunch of other disturbing data, comes courtesy of the National Journal. Even though voters claim to hate Congress now more than ever, not a single incumbent has lost a primary.

...NJ explains this with the usual "politics is local" wisdom: We hate Congress, but we like our individual congressional representative. Plus, most districts are gerrymandered in partisan ways. And of course, there's always the chance that those incumbents can lose the general election, though they rarely do...


This is why I don't call it a reelection rate; I prefer the term "recidivism rate."


Hat tip: BadBlue News.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Could there be a better reason for term limits of four years? Is America as a nation so lacking in people blessed with intelligence, talent, and honesty that we must suffer the same old paltoons decade after decade? Must we watch fathers pass on their offices to their offspring in some heriditary rite?

The America I knew is dead. Long live the Politburo.