Reapportionment in Verse

If Congress were responsible
They’d say, “This is too much!
Seven hundred thousand people?
I feel so out of touch!”

Your representative would think,
“These voices aren’t all heard!
My district is too large!
Please cut it to a third.”

If Congress were responsible
No state would be at large.
Five Montanans, three Vermonters,
Their citizens in charge.

Your official might say,
“Is it still 1910?
The Cubs won the Series,
But America’s changed since then!”

If Congress were responsible
They’d see work of highest demand.
With 100 subcommittees!
They could sure use some extra hands.

Your congressperson would wonder,
“Who is Soros? Who are the Kochs?
What about Smith, Garcia, Brown?
You know, my neighbors and my folks.”

If Congress were responsible
“Four thirty five” would not cut it.
The House got capped in ’29,
Just in time to see stocks plummet.

Your rep might grumble over it,
Fifteen hundred to govern all.
But things like cost and logistics
Could be raised at a district-wide town hall.

– Andy King, 2017

Article by Andy King