I've started this, banning Desh, as she destroys every thread she posts in. Also the other two Deshes.
Both parties do it, but it's only in the news today and SCOTUS is involved because the GOP has control of so many state legislatures.
The 13th district here in NC is world famous for Gerrymandering. The 'rats had control of the district mapping for well over 100 years so they basically did whatever the hell they wanted. The 13th was at one time as long as the state in the north-south direction and as skinny in some places as the I-77 right of way. They stretched the district like that to make it black, linking 'hoods from at least two different major metropolitan areas.
When the GOP got the upper hand and got to re-map the districts they did basically the same thing, except that they concentrated on blue v red instead of black and white. They concentrated all the D votes into one district, basically sacrificing it to bolster the surrounding R districts. So naturally the D's call foul.
In this age with computer mapping and GIS, someone just needs to write a simple program to draw districts with an algorithm based on the stated goals: compact areas, follow established political boundaries, uniformity around the state. Program it in, push the button and let the chips fall where they may.
Both parties do it, but it's only in the news today and SCOTUS is involved because the GOP has control of so many state legislatures.
The 13th district here in NC is world famous for Gerrymandering. The 'rats had control of the district mapping for well over 100 years so they basically did whatever the hell they wanted. The 13th was at one time as long as the state in the north-south direction and as skinny in some places as the I-77 right of way. They stretched the district like that to make it black, linking 'hoods from at least two different major metropolitan areas.
When the GOP got the upper hand and got to re-map the districts they did basically the same thing, except that they concentrated on blue v red instead of black and white. They concentrated all the D votes into one district, basically sacrificing it to bolster the surrounding R districts. So naturally the D's call foul.
In this age with computer mapping and GIS, someone just needs to write a simple program to draw districts with an algorithm based on the stated goals: compact areas, follow established political boundaries, uniformity around the state. Program it in, push the button and let the chips fall where they may.
CRIMES AGAINST GEOGRAPHY 
