Re: Republic

["William K. Medlin" <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

It would appear, as a consequence of your statement, that 
constitutional provisions, developed for over two centuries, for 
extending the federal franchise to all adult citizens (minorities, 
women) legally qualified to vote, are in error, because they somehow 
invite "mob rule". The principle of one man, one vote, is essentially 
violated by the construction of the electoral college. Around l800, 
when non-property owners, some protestant believers,women,Catholics, 
Jews and Blacks (3/5 persons) etc. were not allowed to vote, "mob 
rule" by means of demonstrations and wanton acts of violence against 
authorities (like Shay's  Rebellion against injustices) were indeed 
possible. Otherwise, it's really hard to know, at least in this day 
and age, what you mean by "mob rule". As for the uneducated, most 
American citizens can't even name those Constitutional amendments 
that guarantee them freedom of speech, press and assembly, not to 
mention the franchise for ALL American citizens -- let's see, was it 
the 13th or 14th, no maybe the 15th or 19th -- aw, shucks, when did 
women get the right anyhow? Have these changes promoted mob rule? 
State's rights are protected by senatorial representation -- Delaware 
gets two, so does California. Fair? No, but logical to prevent "mob 
rule", I guess. Why don't you try another tack?
     As for Greek democracy, only the propertied MEN attended the 
ekklesia, or polis assembly. A play by Euripides, called the 
"Congresswoman", ridiculed male chauvinistic values that gave men 
control over their lives. Maybe we haven't come very far after all 
since 350 BC -- ? Think about it.

>After the constitutional convention let out a women   [why should she bother?
>asked Benjamin Franklin what form of government we had  she could't vote!]
>to which he replied "A republic madam, if you can keep
>it." The democracies of Athens ended thousands of
>years ago. The electoral college protects our form of
>government from the uneducated and apathetic masses   [Do you vote on Tuesday
>that would turn it into a mob rule.                  when most folks work? Why
>Bob Hassoldt                                 not Sunday, to let the 
>apathetics                                      
> 
>go to the polls too? Gee, there'd be a mob out there! No,keep it 
>Tuesday]
>Kendrick                                      
>
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