Dear Governor Schwarzenegger –
American Idol’s finale, filmed right here in your home city of Los Angeles, can teach us a lot about politics. This season was a strange déjà-vu kind of upset. Every poll, person and bookie thought that Adam Lambert would win. But he was nosed out against all reason by the straight-acting, straight-looking Kris Allen. Even Mr. Allen admitted that Mr. Lambert deserved to win.
The same thing happened in season 2 when Clay Aiken lost to Ruben something-or-other – the winner was not the better candidate or presumed favorite. And it also happened in 2008 when Proposition 8 was narrowly passed against all predictions and logic.
People in groups do things that, as individuals, they know are stupid.
The difference between Prop 8 and American Idol is that the California Constitution was written to prevent impulsive illogical groups from ganging up against a religion or race. And that Constitution, until it is changed, trumps a popular vote.
I don’t expect the Supreme Court to meddle in American Idol results, but I do hope they fix Proposition 8. An impulsive popular vote is not a fair way to decide fundamental human rights.
Sincerely,