California Prop 50, which takes State Constitutional control of redistricting away from an independent redistricting committee and gives it to the State Democratic party, is obviously praised by Democrats and loathed by Republicans.

The Oxford dictionary defines gerrymandering this way:

"The manipulation of an electoral constituency's boundaries so as to favor one party or class."

While gerrymandering is anti-democratic and unfair by definition, why is it such a popular political strategy? Because when it comes to politics, winning is more valuable than democracy and fairness. Republicans and Democrats in different States prove this. "Just win, baby. I don't care how."

As of late 2025, the Democratic party holds veto-proof super-majorities in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. The Assembly is composed of 60 Democrats and 20 Republicans, while the Senate includes 30 Democrats and 10 Republicans. As far as Newsom and the Democratic party are concerned, no State political under-representation of Republicans is enough. Democrats have a super-majority, but a super-duper majority seems better.

Theirs is an effort that is not illegal. But Prop 50 is certainly unfair, and undemocratic. It's equally unfair when Republican States attempt similar schemes. These desperate, unethical political strategies are simply symptoms of our Country's increasing political tribalism. Win, by any means. But these short term political gains come at a long term cost. Democracy suffers. And make no mistake, both major parties do it.

The clear power grab that is Prop 50 will likely pass. As has been said, "Democracy is two wolves and one sheep voting on what's for dinner." That works great when you're a wolf, and not so great when you're a sheep. Since Republicans in the Federal government enjoy majorities in all three branches of government, they can (and do) ignore the wishes of Democrats. In California, Democrats operate equally unfairly. Whether one is right and the other wrong depends on your political perspective.

My point is this: The consolidation of political power disregards the opinions of the political minority. And that is why we are supposed to be a Republic, and not a strict Democracy. Simple Democracy and majority rule has badly hurt under-represented minorities since our Country was founded.

Sadly, voters' opinion of political under-representation depends on whether or not they benefit by it. In California, Prop 50 demonstrates that fact. Other voters in other States are making similar choices. What we are left with is hypocrisy on all sides. "I condemn the unfairness of what they are doing, so I will be equally unfair."

People are voting, one way or the other, so I guess it is a Democratic process. But that doesn't make it right, or in the long term interest of our State and Country.