By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The recent gerrymandering efforts spearheaded by Texas Republicans, at the urging of the White House, represent a critical threat to American unity. This escalating battle, fueled by both Republican and Democratic states, mirrors the Trump era’s unprecedented challenge to national cohesion. This confrontational approach fundamentally alters the vision of the United States, transforming it into a landscape of fiercely opposing political blocs rather than a cohesive nation. This trend is as divisive as events that took place during the Civil War.
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The Texas Gerrymandering Fight Could Ignite a National Fire
The specter of Texas gerrymandering is casting a long shadow, and the consensus seems to be that it could very well ignite a national fire. The core concern is the blatant disregard for fair representation, where one party manipulates district lines to maintain power, effectively disenfranchising voters. Every Democrat voted to ban gerrymandering, while every Republican voted against it. The echoes of this partisan divide resonate with a sense of impending crisis.
The situation in Ohio serves as a stark example, where Republicans are accused of ignoring the state constitution’s requirement for bipartisan approval of district maps. The state Supreme Court, despite acknowledging the violation, has been unable to intervene due to its Republican control. The historical precedent is present too. Some believe that if blue states retaliated against red states, the red states would collapse quickly. This is fueled by the economic realities of the country. Blue states are the economic drivers, their tax revenue funding the red states. The threat is implied, that the West Coast could cut off financial support, crippling the Midwest.
The potential for a national conflagration stems from the feeling that electoral fairness is being eroded. Many people worry about the implications of a future where the census could be manipulated. This will shift electoral votes from blue states to red states, potentially leading to a shift in power. The fear is that the country is on a path toward implosion, with some suggesting the beginnings of a cold civil war already underway.
The root of the problem is perceived as the Supreme Court’s failure to eliminate partisan gerrymandering, despite having the obligation to do so. Consequently, the sentiment is that blue states must now act in self-defense, mirroring the tactics of their opponents. The feeling is that they must now engage in this tactic, but to do so in equal measure.
The sense of urgency and frustration is palpable. There is frustration with the state of things and the feeling that the Republicans are taking advantage of that. Some see the situation as election fraud and describe it as a form of political warfare, a concerted effort to dismantle democracy.
There is widespread support for states like California and New York to retaliate. California in particular has the potential to change the dynamic of the house. The idea is to level the playing field and counter what is perceived as a concerted effort to undermine electoral fairness.
There is a sense of betrayal by Democrats’ perceived weakness and their willingness to play nice. The belief is that civility has bred cowardice and that it’s time for Democrats to fight back. This sentiment is that Democrats need to fight back and gerrymander the states they can.
The stakes are high, with many viewing the situation as a direct attack on American values and the democratic system. The process needs to start now.
To fight back, here are some methods:
* **Ballot Initiatives to Establish Independent Redistricting Commissions**: Citizens directly place redistricting reform on the ballot, bypassing partisan legislatures.
* **Flip Local and State-Level Offices**: Redistricting often starts in state legislatures and governors’ mansions — but local elections often determine who holds those seats.
* **Public Comment & Legal Pressure During Redistricting Cycles**: Public testimony is used as evidence in future court challenges.
* **Pressure and Elect Judges (Especially State Supreme Courts)**: Support candidates committed to fair maps and voting rights.
* **Raise Awareness Locally**: Host local forums, film screenings (e.g., Slay the Dragon), or town halls on gerrymandering.
* **Legal Watchdogging and Citizen Lawsuits**: Citizen groups can become plaintiffs in lawsuits over unfair maps.
* **Use the Census and Community Mapping Tools**: Help local communities draw and submit “community of interest” maps.
The fire was started with Rucho v. Common Cause, and it is only growing from there.