Venkatesh Rao@vgr·Oct 30, 2017Poll: How do you think current contradictions in the US political system will ultimately be resolved?Electoral college reforms12.5%Peaceful state secessions14.2%Civil War 2.025.4%Return to old normal47.8%232 votes·Final results642
Ben Dougan-McGill@ben_d_m·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @vgrCan a state secession from a federalised structure be peaceful?1
Venkatesh Rao@vgr·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @ben_d_mi think so...Scotland and brexit are examples of surprisingly peaceful secession votes1
Ben Dougan-McGill@ben_d_m·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @vgrAh, sorry, my mistake. I understood you to mean states *actually* seceding post-vote as opposed to independence referenda.1
Venkatesh Rao@vgr·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @ben_d_mYeah, it's not been tested yet, but even holding peaceful referenda is a big step. The historical opening gambit has been war.1
Ben Dougan-McGill@ben_d_m·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @vgrYh, referenda can be peacefully and legally done, but for the wrong reasons I would add. Do you think they're +ve for democracy? If so, why?1
Venkatesh Rao@vgrReplying to @ben_d_mI think they can be yes. Same reason breaking up monopolies is good for the economy overall. Many countries are too big perhaps.7:52 PM · Oct 30, 2017
Ben Dougan-McGill@ben_d_m·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @vgrMy issue with referenda are 1) usually suffer from low voter turnout, 2) answer particular question at moment in time ...
Ben Dougan-McGill@ben_d_m·Oct 30, 2017Replying to @vgr... 3) distill very complex and wide-ranging problems into a single question. In theory, democratic, sure. But v different in practice..