In fact, we are not just about words. In the coming months, we will be releasing free on-line mapping tools that will enable the public to become more actively involved in redistricting. You can see a hint of where we are going with our software development in the principles for transparency and public participation that are referenced and linked to in our op-ed.

So, read the opinion editorial again and look at the principles statement. We have much more in common than you might think from reading your blog post.

EDITOR NOTE: Fair enough. The author of the piece does not call for the adoption of the Tanner proposal.  But it would seem the simple solution to this problem, to the extent a problem exists, is to have a longer time period for public comment.  Of course this is something that can be done through putting pressure on legislators by citizens and the media.  There is no need to delegate a legislative function to “commissions.”  It is also good that citizens learn more about how redistricting works by having the chance to use software.  But in the end, redistricting decisions belong with state legislators, not with Congress in any form, and not with commissions.