No. 52 of 108
August 4, 2025
The Texas Legislature is redrawing the district lines to intentionally create more favorable electoral possibilities for five more GOP congressional seats. Rarely does redistricting occur that is not tied to population shifts as measured in the decadal census. “Unprecedented.” If successful, five more GOP seats would serve as a bulwark in what is expected to be a tightly competitive mid-term election. The U.S. House is currently 219 GOP, 212 Dems, 4 vacancies (3 Dem deaths, 1 GOP resignation). To slow down the process, many Dem House members left Texas to deny a quorum and prevent an immediate vote. “Fighting for democracy.” “Forfeited their seats.” “What Texas is doing is not illegal.” Illinois, New York and California are the populous Democratic-leaning states actively considering redistricting as a political response to the Texas effort. “Gloves are off.” A 5-4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court six years ago made it easier to implement partisan gerrymandering.
Just because something is “not illegal” doesn’t mean it will end well. The saying “all is fair in love and war” is generally attributed to John Lyly, who wrote in a 1578 poem, "The rules of fair play do not apply in love and war". This was a commentary and cautionary tale on the chaotic and ruthless nature of love and warfare, abandoning mores and rules. The saying is often used to justify what others would call cheating. There is the act itself, the acts that follow, and the cascade of acts. Not illegal. So, be aware of any and all temptations to go down the road paved with “all is fair in love and war”, for love will pass and war will not.