It seems that every four years, without fail, the television channels are filled with “experts” endlessly telling us how the candidates are doing in their quest for the presidency of the United States.

There is talk of the conspiracies that may be afoot, talk of delegate counts, talk of super delegates and how they may be apportioned, talk of the Electoral College and how it may react, what the trends are and how the candidates are reacting to the many different poles that spring up day after day.

The only thing missing in this whole equation is a discussion of the popular vote. No one is reporting on this, because it does not make any difference how the people vote in the long run!

It makes no difference because of the delegates, the super delegates and the Electoral College.

All of these can, and sometimes do, override the popular vote and even negate any majority vote of the people.

This nation has some of the most restrictive and biased voting regulations of anywhere in the world, and the individual states seem to be passing more all the time.

The individual has no say in who is elected in a presidential election. The “winner” is picked by select committees, composed of members given special powers by the political parties, such as delegates, super delegates and the Electoral College.

It is time for the average Jill and Joe to stand up for their rights, make a lot of noise and make their voices heard: Demand that these archaic and useless practices be abolished. It is time for the popular vote, by the people, for the people and of the people be the only criteria for electing the President of the United States of America.

Why should this election be any different than any local or state election? Do the politicians think the public has no valid opinions or preferences?

Maybe it is time to inform them that we have rights also. We have the right to remove them from office if they do not listen to what we say. We have the right to be heard, and the right to protest if our wishes are not given any attention. We have the right to make sure that any politician who deliberately goes against the wishes of the people be made to answer for their indiscretions.

It is my fervent hope that these changes will come to pass, and that reason, discretion and empathy will return to help govern this country.

Larry Wakefield

Aberdeen