Hermit

We both agree that the EC is broken though we might vary on what to do about it. My point about the pipeline was not about the EC specifically, but rather the idea that urban majorities can and do abuse rural minorities... be they white, Native American or so on.  Ditto for the River example.
 
You said "Why is this even a concern?  There are fewer people in densely populated areas, therefore there are fewer people in densely populated areas.  Why is this a special voting bloc that needs some kind of special protection?"
 
And the answer , historically and sometimes currently, is YES. Rural dwellers themselves are a minority. Urban and Suburban dwellers have them out numbered... and neither quite understands the other. It's not unreasonable for rural citizens to fear a possible Tyranny of the Majority situation of Urban focused politicians screwing them over through ignorance (and sometimes Malice). Now, you can go on about how the EC does NOTHING to help less populated states against abuses, but from their perspective at least it makes them important every four years. Disproportionately important (Again, we agree the EC is broken) but from their viewpoints, it is a protection. The fact it is a weak protection doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't help them at all.
 
Maybe it's my anti corporate bias coming out, but if we could undo Citizens United, it might help with the abuse of the EC because, less populated states are often in a economic and influential chokehold by certain big money interests because they're cheaper to manipulate IMO. Trying to buy florida influence is a war... an expensive one. A company wants to own the Dakotas? Set up shop , make their economy reliant on you and gain a near monopoly there, then own their messages political and otherwise... and you can get it for a comparable bargain. 
BUT again, personal bias there.
 
And, in case it need be said, again, Your mileage May and probably does vary and I get that. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I have a theory...
Florida is God's Etch a Sketch
 
*Shake shake shake*

Not without the water they get from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada, they wouldn't. Without resources from these small flyover states, California has no economy at all.
 
That's part of the problem I see with a lot of the current political rhetoric. The big states and the small states need each other. You can talk about how New York and California are makers and the smaller states are takers, but New York can't by any stretch of the imagination feed itself. There is an interdependence that all states, large and small, red and blue, need to acknowledge.

Not sure about "Will always" . What do you consider primarily rural? Because if it's states that have the majority of their population outside of cities, there may not be as many of them as you think.  If you mean the less populated states period, that still varies. Wyoming and Vermont each have 3 Electoral votes. They don't tend to vote for the same party though- on the opposite end of things for population, Texas and California aren't always drinking buddies (Though I do hope Texas will flip blue sooner rather than later, but that's me)
 
Speaking of California , it can pretty much steam roll any small state it wants economically  if not always politically. What I hear is that if it suddenly left the USA it would be the 5th Largest economy in the world. If it wanted to bully Idaho it has ways
 
Many folks think the Electoral College is broken, I'm one of them, but I think it can be solved more gracefully and smoothly by having the electoral votes divided along percentages via popular votes than throwing it out entirely which will possibly cause a panic/resentment in less populated states. Maybe I'm too cautious there.
 
 
 
 

We both agree that the EC is broken though we might vary on what to do about it. My point about the pipeline was not about the EC specifically, but rather the idea that urban majorities can and do abuse rural minorities... be they white, Native American or so on.  Ditto for the River example.
 
You said "Why is this even a concern?  There are fewer people in densely populated areas, therefore there are fewer people in densely populated areas.  Why is this a special voting bloc that needs some kind of special protection?"
 
And the answer , historically and sometimes currently, is YES. Rural dwellers themselves are a minority. Urban and Suburban dwellers have them out numbered... and neither quite understands the other. It's not unreasonable for rural citizens to fear a possible Tyranny of the Majority situation of Urban focused politicians screwing them over through ignorance (and sometimes Malice). Now, you can go on about how the EC does NOTHING to help less populated states against abuses, but from their perspective at least it makes them important every four years. Disproportionately important (Again, we agree the EC is broken) but from their viewpoints, it is a protection. The fact it is a weak protection doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't help them at all.
 
Maybe it's my anti corporate bias coming out, but if we could undo Citizens United, it might help with the abuse of the EC because, less populated states are often in a economic and influential chokehold by certain big money interests because they're cheaper to manipulate IMO. Trying to buy florida influence is a war... an expensive one. A company wants to own the Dakotas? Set up shop , make their economy reliant on you and gain a near monopoly there, then own their messages political and otherwise... and you can get it for a comparable bargain. 
BUT again, personal bias there.
 
And, in case it need be said, again, Your mileage May and probably does vary and I get that. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We both agree that the EC is broken though we might vary on what to do about it. My point about the pipeline was not about the EC specifically, but rather the idea that urban majorities can and do abuse rural minorities... be they white, Native American or so on.  Ditto for the River example.
 
You said "Why is this even a concern?  There are fewer people in densely populated areas, therefore there are fewer people in densely populated areas.  Why is this a special voting bloc that needs some kind of special protection?"
 
And the answer , historically and sometimes currently, is YES. Rural dwellers themselves are a minority. Urban and Suburban dwellers have them out numbered... and neither quite understands the other. It's not unreasonable for rural citizens to fear a possible Tyranny of the Majority situation of Urban focused politicians screwing them over through ignorance (and sometimes Malice). Now, you can go on about how the EC does NOTHING to help less populated states against abuses, but from their perspective at least it makes them important every four years. Disproportionately important (Again, we agree the EC is broken) but from their viewpoints, it is a protection. The fact it is a weak protection doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't help them at all.
 
Maybe it's my anti corporate bias coming out, but if we could undo Citizens United, it might help with the abuse of the EC because, less populated states are often in a economic and influential chokehold by certain big money interests because they're cheaper to manipulate IMO. Trying to buy florida influence is a war... an expensive one. A company wants to own the Dakotas? Set up shop , make their economy reliant on you and gain a near monopoly there, then own their messages political and otherwise... and you can get it for a comparable bargain. 
BUT again, personal bias there.
 
And, in case it need be said, again, Your mileage May and probably does vary and I get that. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I generally agree with you, unfortunately the population and political disparities are so great I believe they have little opportunity to seek any real amelioration of their concerns. We're talking 15x the population in the areas that have political disagreement with them. I suppose that's democracy at work, but I would not like it if the shoe was on the other foot...
 
Honestly, at a federal level it is. I don't like that experience. So I sympathize, while still voting my interests. 

Probably Next monday

I understand your frustration, but imo?
Because it is still a concern. in our often take all or nothing system, sometimes you do have a smaller population that is indeed totally in need of protection. Frex, a small town might cease to exist without a river, and some huge ass metropolis decides they'll just TAKE that river and drain it dry (Screw your forests, farms, or what not) so they can have that golf course going, that's how it will be under a 'more  populous is always right' stance.. And it does affect minorities at times... for example, certain Pipelines going through or near Native American Reservations rather than richer more populated cities (Despite assurances it would be totally safe ..and the next year there was a spill) ...why? Because the Reservation didn't have the political power to stop the 'will' (or Apathy) of the mostly white majority. 
 
The EC IS broken, needs fixing. I would be prefer if all states split their EC votes along the popular vote split, but I can certainly understand wanting to remove it entirely, but let's not pretend that urban juggernauts are going to be benevolent overlords who totally understand rural areas needs or wants and kindly take that into account. 
 
YMMV
 
 

I understand your frustration, but imo?
Because it is still a concern. in our often take all or nothing system, sometimes you do have a smaller population that is indeed totally in need of protection. Frex, a small town might cease to exist without a river, and some huge ass metropolis decides they'll just TAKE that river and drain it dry (Screw your forests, farms, or what not) so they can have that golf course going, that's how it will be under a 'more  populous is always right' stance.. And it does affect minorities at times... for example, certain Pipelines going through or near Native American Reservations rather than richer more populated cities (Despite assurances it would be totally safe ..and the next year there was a spill) ...why? Because the Reservation didn't have the political power to stop the 'will' (or Apathy) of the mostly white majority. 
 
The EC IS broken, needs fixing. I would be prefer if all states split their EC votes along the popular vote split, but I can certainly understand wanting to remove it entirely, but let's not pretend that urban juggernauts are going to be benevolent overlords who totally understand rural areas needs or wants and kindly take that into account. 
 
YMMV
 
 

Mine checks out beautifully, Dear Commish!

I understand your frustration, but imo?
Because it is still a concern. in our often take all or nothing system, sometimes you do have a smaller population that is indeed totally in need of protection. Frex, a small town might cease to exist without a river, and some huge ass metropolis decides they'll just TAKE that river and drain it dry (Screw your forests, farms, or what not) so they can have that golf course going, that's how it will be under a 'more  populous is always right' stance.. And it does affect minorities at times... for example, certain Pipelines going through or near Native American Reservations rather than richer more populated cities (Despite assurances it would be totally safe ..and the next year there was a spill) ...why? Because the Reservation didn't have the political power to stop the 'will' (or Apathy) of the mostly white majority. 
 
The EC IS broken, needs fixing. I would be prefer if all states split their EC votes along the popular vote split, but I can certainly understand wanting to remove it entirely, but let's not pretend that urban juggernauts are going to be benevolent overlords who totally understand rural areas needs or wants and kindly take that into account. 
 
YMMV
 
 

I understand your frustration, but imo?
Because it is still a concern. in our often take all or nothing system, sometimes you do have a smaller population that is indeed totally in need of protection. Frex, a small town might cease to exist without a river, and some huge ass metropolis decides they'll just TAKE that river and drain it dry (Screw your forests, farms, or what not) so they can have that golf course going, that's how it will be under a 'more  populous is always right' stance.. And it does affect minorities at times... for example, certain Pipelines going through or near Native American Reservations rather than richer more populated cities (Despite assurances it would be totally safe ..and the next year there was a spill) ...why? Because the Reservation didn't have the political power to stop the 'will' (or Apathy) of the mostly white majority. 
 
The EC IS broken, needs fixing. I would be prefer if all states split their EC votes along the popular vote split, but I can certainly understand wanting to remove it entirely, but let's not pretend that urban juggernauts are going to be benevolent overlords who totally understand rural areas needs or wants and kindly take that into account. 
 
YMMV
 
 

No. I already answered this one with someone else.
 
 
Just the one from First Knight

just because it reminded me of my favourite joke when I went to university...
 
An eccentric billionaire wanted a mural painted on his library wall so he called an artist.
 
Describing what he wanted, the billionaire said, "I am a history buff and I would like your interpretation of the last thing that went through Custer's mind before he died. I am going out of town on business for a week and when I return I expect to see it completed."
 
Upon his return, the billionaire went to the library to examine the finished work. To his surprise, he found a painting of a cow with a halo. Surrounding this were hundreds of Indians in various sexual positions.
 
Furious, he called the artist in. "What the hell is this?" screamed the billionaire. "Why that's exactly what you asked for" said the artist smugly. "No, I didn't ask for a mural of pornographic filth. I asked for an interpretation of Custer's last thoughts" "
 
And there you have it" said the artist. "I call it, 'Holy cow, look at all those ****ing  Indians' 
 

I understand your frustration, but imo?
Because it is still a concern. in our often take all or nothing system, sometimes you do have a smaller population that is indeed totally in need of protection. Frex, a small town might cease to exist without a river, and some huge ass metropolis decides they'll just TAKE that river and drain it dry (Screw your forests, farms, or what not) so they can have that golf course going, that's how it will be under a 'more  populous is always right' stance.. And it does affect minorities at times... for example, certain Pipelines going through or near Native American Reservations rather than richer more populated cities (Despite assurances it would be totally safe ..and the next year there was a spill) ...why? Because the Reservation didn't have the political power to stop the 'will' (or Apathy) of the mostly white majority. 
 
The EC IS broken, needs fixing. I would be prefer if all states split their EC votes along the popular vote split, but I can certainly understand wanting to remove it entirely, but let's not pretend that urban juggernauts are going to be benevolent overlords who totally understand rural areas needs or wants and kindly take that into account. 
 
YMMV
 
 

I understand your frustration, but imo?
Because it is still a concern. in our often take all or nothing system, sometimes you do have a smaller population that is indeed totally in need of protection. Frex, a small town might cease to exist without a river, and some huge ass metropolis decides they'll just TAKE that river and drain it dry (Screw your forests, farms, or what not) so they can have that golf course going, that's how it will be under a 'more  populous is always right' stance.. And it does affect minorities at times... for example, certain Pipelines going through or near Native American Reservations rather than richer more populated cities (Despite assurances it would be totally safe ..and the next year there was a spill) ...why? Because the Reservation didn't have the political power to stop the 'will' (or Apathy) of the mostly white majority. 
 
The EC IS broken, needs fixing. I would be prefer if all states split their EC votes along the popular vote split, but I can certainly understand wanting to remove it entirely, but let's not pretend that urban juggernauts are going to be benevolent overlords who totally understand rural areas needs or wants and kindly take that into account. 
 
YMMV
 
 

Fantasy race: This isn't a prominent feature in our movie, but Zarko the Dhampir has a legion of less-than-human demonic servants.  These are in the form of Kishi, two-faced hyena demons from Bantu mythology that, like the original dhampir, try to seduce human women with sweet human talk and faces, and then consume them.  Writhing masses of these things are included in the CGI scenes where Zarko is prominent, but like hyenas they hold back when a powerful combatant appears ready for a fight, and let their leader do the fighting.  They are mostly present for atmosphere (borderline horror) at the scariest scenes.

Thanks for the suggestion, I enjoyed a great deal

Going to use this thread to post updates whenever there is a new Adventure Seed or one page story released for Metahumans Rising. 

"Amazing Grace and the theme song of Gilligan's Island are pretty much interchangeable lyrics and tune wise. Later, you will drop your guard and test this statement" 

Mother might be moved to a hospital which is just a walk up the road from me.

"Well, sir, when a Indian Daddy loves an Indian Mommy VERY MUCH..." -Private Smartass, right before the arrow hit him in the head.

Designated Heir: William Atherton as Duke Hath Thornpeck, Uncle (Mother's side) to the King and (spoiler) secretly covets the throne!
Obligatory Fantasy race: Paizo Goblins, most in service to the Mountain King out of sheer terror
 
 

"Well, sir, when a Indian Daddy loves an Indian Mommy VERY MUCH..." -Private Smartass, right before the arrow hit him in the head.