Nov 9 2012: The fact that we are discussing removing the Electoral College shows the extent to which we are no longer a republic (small R) but are instead run by an enormous central government. To get rid of the Electoral College is to say that we are simply one large, monolithic governmental unit, ignoring the fact that the initial structure of the government gave very little power to the central government, conferring most to the states. Under that system, essentially, the states as relatively-sovereign units were voting for *their* representation at the federal level. We now see our city/county/state governments as relatively feeble and useless with most of our focus being on Washington, DC. Abolishing the Electoral College would, in effect, crystallize the idea that we are not a plural "United States", but a singular.
Nov 9 2012: We assign such special status to the brain among all the organs. People who would not think twice about being diagnosed with a disorder of the lungs, kidneys or heart cannot accept the fact that the brain can be "broken" too. Likewise, there is medication which can help treat those maladies of the brain just as there is medication for thousands of other physical issues. When we can see that the brain is an organ like any other and, as such, subject to physical imperfections, we can start to de-stigmatize mental illness.
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A comment on Conversation: Should Americans eliminate the Electoral College and elect their presidents through simple majority vote?
A comment on Conversation: What experiences have made you more comfortable with mental health disorders?