A US concern since 1776

Regarding the Opinion page article "A Better Approach to Boosting Minority Representation?" July 6: The author argues that a system of proportional representation (PR) is the only fair system of representation, while conveniently ignoring its many faults.

For example, PR destroys the link between a representative and his constituents. If a member of congress offends US voters (such as by kiting checks), they know how to throw the rascal out. Japanese and Italian voters are now finding they cannot.

Also, the author barely mentions the role of political parties. With candidates competing to get onto the party's list of candidates, we risk a return to the days of "bosses." The Japanese and Italians are discovering that their elected officials wielded far less power than the kingmakers just for this reason. Sanders Marble, St. Huberts, N.Y.

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