Today's decision by the Supremes has everyone's panties in a bunch and for good reason. On the face of it, it looks like they just rolled back the Civil Rights Era.
But is that what actually happened?
I honestly don't know so I'm asking, not telling.
If I understood correctly, they threw out only the map portion of the Act. The Act is still in force, but not with that map.
My read on that would be that it now applies universally, but I know that's not how it will go.
So I have questions:
What is the practical upshot of today's ruling? What are the likely legislative reactions, both at state and national levels? Will the US Congress be tasked with drawing a new map? Who in Congress, specifically? Will it pass?
Personally, I doubt that anything good can come out of the current Congress, just based on watching them for a while. I'd love to be surprised.
Therefore, it is crucial that we use this as a GOTV issue next year to change the balance of Congress, despite their best efforts at Voter Suppression.
If you could write the revised VRA, what would it include?
Do we need a new map or should all states, all districts be overseen by the DoJ? Racism and discrimination are not bound by geography and it would certainly be fairer (in the eyes of those who have been under this order) if everyone was subject to the same scrutiny.
There are so many moving parts to this, I doubt any of us have the full picture yet, what I'm asking for is your thoughts on how we proceed.
Please keep it civil and give it your best shot.