Our Current Redistricting Process Is a Joke

The Interocitor has a great post (with snazzy graphics no less) on the lunacy of our current redistricting system and the consequent need to pass Prop 77 in order to reform it. It includes "before/after" maps of two districts, showing what they looked like before the latest redistricting hatchet job, and what they look like now. A brief glance at the before/after maps indicates something is awry. Electoral districts should not look like squished bugs on a windshield.

Notice one key thing: Each of the two districts Interocitor highlights was formerly competitive. But thanks to our gerrymander-happy, protect-their-own-ass, incumbency-friendly Legislature, competitive districts no longer exist in California. Yes, you read that correctly. They have gone the way of the dinosaur. In the last election of 153 seats not a single one changed party hands. Not. One.

Is it not just a blatant conflict of interest to have politicians drawing their own political districts? Isn't that like having CEO's stack the Board that elects them? Or having the auditors on the payroll? Don't voters realize that politicians exercise total unfettered control over the very process that is supposed to keep them accountable? The recent (depressing) poll numbers suggest not. Can someone explain this disconnect to me?

The Interocitor states that he will walk barefoot in the snow to vote for Prop 77. I will be right behind him.

[UPDATE: Will be cross posted at the Bear Flag League Special Election Blog, as soon as my dumb ass can figure out how to do it.]