The News Editorial: More random thoughts on the election

Yes we are now more than two weeks removed from the Nov. 5 General Election but it seems to be what most people are still talking about so here are three more random thoughts on this year’s election cycle. (I promise this is it for this year.)

Despite President-elect Donald J. Trump winning both the electoral college votes and the popular vote this year, talk of abolishing the electoral college rages on.

I am a supporter of the electoral college because in my belief it gives small populations, such as Wyoming a voice in the presidential election, albeit with our three electoral votes a small voice. It is still larger than the voice we would have from our 271,123 voters who cast ballots in this month’s General Election. In comparison, according to NBC New York, Kamala Harris received 1,748,140 votes in New York City alone and Trump 786,294.

Regardless whether you favor the electoral college or do not favor it, it is currently in the U.S. Constitution and changing the Constitution is not an easy task.

Besides in this century and the last century the number of times the president elect did not receive both the popular vote (not necessarily a majority of more than 50%) but the most votes and the electoral college votes is … twice, 2000 and 2016.

Another random thought comes from a letter to the editor last week and a response letter this week regarding a resolution by a Washakie County precinct committeewoman seeking to limit the number of offices a county Republican can hold. Some in the party apparently prefer if you run for an office you must run only for one office, whether that be a precinct committeeperson or a government elected official.

In some precincts there was a plethora of candidates for committeepersons this year, but in others there were unopposed candidates.

The Republicans should rejoice so many want to be active in the party — at least some in certain precincts, while a look at the primary ballot showed few candidates and many vacant races for Democratic precinct committee people.

I hope those who lost during the primary, whether party precinct office or other office, and in the general, will consider running again or being active in their party or government in other ways.

I made that plea a few years ago and council candidate Michael Sanchez ended up seeking appointment to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission and, in my opinion, is a valued member who brings a great perspective to discussions.

There are many boards and organizations in Washakie County and plenty of opportunities to be involved until you decide to run for office again. I hope you seek out those opportunities.

Finally, something humorous. Like him or hate him Donald Trump has provided the next viral dance move and it is one everyone can do.

Unlike the Macarena or the Moonwalk or maybe Gangnam style (or many others), where people (like myself) with no rhythm struggled to master the dance moves can actually do this dance.

His dance moves to the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” now deemed as the “Trump Dance” at the end of this rallies has now gone viral with many college and NFL football players doing the dance for celebrations after plays on the field. Other athletes have also caught the Trump Dance fever including UFC fighter Jon Jones, a soccer player, a golfer, and, of course, many regular people on social media.

It makes me wonder if Mayor-elect Rebecca George or Commissioner-elect Tom Schmeltzer will break out some new moves when they are sworn in, in January.