Toss it out

Re “Join the compact” (Your Views,

Nov. 27): The author fails to tell the complete story on the purpose of the Electoral College. The Electoral College’s purpose was to ensure large states like New York and California (in the present day) did not dominate the political landscape and set up virtual domination of the executive branch.

The Electoral College’s purpose today is even more necessary than at the time of the founders. In the halls of Congress deals are struck, many of a financial order. Without the Electoral College, Virginia could be a backwater compared to California in terms of Virginia getting its fair share of federal funding.

Consider our fine shipyards as a prime example. Large states like California might form alliances with other large states and potentially get a disproportionate amount of shipbuilding contracts or repair work. In addition, support services to the shipyards (i.e. material) would not be able to remain in business.

The National Popular Vote Compact is an attempt to have a few large states rule the U.S. economic outlay of federal goods and services. The compact could also adversely affect members of minority groups in that our shipyards and other facilities train and hire from across all classes and races. The shipyards have aided so many of our minority youths go from fire watch to first class mechanic. The National Popular Vote Compact belongs on the rubbish heap of history.

Charles Pierce, Norfolk