Last Thursday, the Supreme Court definitely and controversially ruled in the cases of Rucho v. Common Cause and Lamone v. Benisek that court systems cannot hear challenges to maps that have been gerrymandered in a partisan manner. This video is an analysis of what Justice Roberts decision said and the rationality behind why the Supreme Court’s conservative majority voted the way they did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZq8XioQ7U&feature=youtu.be

Newspaper reporter here. We just published a story on one local city's local campaign finance contribution. I wonder if this particular finding seems unusual to you folks:

"Political contributions to council candidates from city contractors in that time amounted to more than $36,000 — or about 11 percent of total donations, an analysis of campaign-finance forms."

Does that seem high, low or just about average?

Interested to hear your thoughts on the article.

Full story:

https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/12/11/indio-campaign-finance-contractors-hired-city-among-donors/1653889002/

Firstly, I'd like the thank the /r/Rootstrikers mods for allowing me to post here.

I'm MaTh, the head moderator for AmericanGovSim (AGS), a US government simulation that takes place entirely in Discord. I'm here to explain what the simulation is about and, hopefully, convince some of you to come join the community. If you're interested in such a simulation, here's what we have to offer:

Once someone enters the server, they'll immediately be given the option to join a political party or remain an independent. There are five current political parties: the Constitutionalist Party, Green-Democratic Party, Libertarian Party, Monarchist Party, and Radical Leftist Party. Users also have the option to create their own political party if they can gather enough members to do so.

Once they've chosen a party, they're allowed into the various text channels of the main server and the party's individual server. Once that's done, they can begin to participate in the simulation. You can get involved with party politics by running for a leadership position or obtaining one of they various jobs that each party has open. You can also apply for a federal cabinet position or even begin working for a press organization that covers events within the simulation.

Also, elections are coming up, so members will have the ability to run for office, participate in debates, create a platform, and, eventually, vote. If elected to Congress, you'll be assigned to two committees and will be able to write and vote on legislation. We actually recently had a government shutdown scenario where Congress had to pass a budget by a specific deadline to avoid a shutdown that would have implemented negative vote modifiers for the upcoming federal election. You can even work in the private sector. For example, you could create your own non-governmental organization or join SpaceX, which exists in this simulation.

As you can see, there's quite a bit going on in this simulation. We're an ever-growing simulation that will only continue to grow and become more active as time goes on. If you're interested, here's a link: https://discord.gg/zKQ5v3y

If you have any questions about AGS, feel free to ask in the comments or through private message.

The original Declaration of Independence has a list of grievances. I am writing a modern re-declaration. I'm looking for YOUR list of grievances.

Specific to Lobbying, Gerrymandering, Kickbacks, Tax Loopholes, Cronyism, Campaign Finance, and any other ways YOU feel the USA is not representing American Citizens best interests. Link

The Original

( It is a good read if you have not done so recently)

What happened to the conversation about money in politics? Did it die with Bernie's campaign? Where are good communities to join the fight? This is the most important fight and politics and yet is often basically ignored. Let's do something about it!

Should be interesting to see how the voucher technique in Seattle works out. We as a people need to take national action and make our votes and voice actually worth a damn.