Partisan redistricting for no one!

Kos links, and Jerome cheers on the idea that Democrats should start redistricting states where they have an advantage to gain more seats in the House:

This one comes in under "if it's not against the law then use it" as a means to an end, and that's exactly the rules by which Republicans are playing. That's what DeLay figured out and has practiced, while Democrats in the House have seemingly wished it would go away.

If the system is broken, then fine, overhaul it with a national plan. Otherwise, play by the rules and go for the win.

So I have to ask, what was it about Tom DeLay doing it that we hated so much that we can overcome our disgust for to do it ourselves? Was it strictly that he did it to help the GOP? And we then justify it under the "well, he was doing it" defense? Seems like a ad idea to me.

It's clear by now that the system is broken. DeLay's redistricting, and the same calls from other Republicans in California and Florida are bad for democracy. And if the Democrats fall into this, then they are guilty of being bad for democracy as well. Democrats moving in other states in a tit-for-tat attempt to reclaim lost seats removes the high ground. And that is not something we should do lightly.

Instead, we should speak out against it and find a better way.

Let Democrats figure out a real solution to this redistricting problem, one that benefits the people first. That, in turn will lead to benefits for the party.

Rather then look for short term answers, let's work to find a long term solution.

Here's a quick and simple suggestion. Why not propose non partisan redistricting in every state, every ten years, and not allow the state legislatures to alter these barring natural disaster. However, tie the states together. Until all fifty agree to this solution, none of these changes take place. Maybe even make them state ballot issues where the voters are ultimately responsible for these changes.

Then it's the Democrats that propose the common sense solution to the problem, and the Republican's that appear as obstructionists to the people.

This solution is a quick toss off, and I'm sure there are other logistics to take into account. But there has to be a common sense way to get this sort of thing done. Democrats should figure that way out, and quick.