Author Archive

Two days to go

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

The most recent news coverage of the potential for voter fraud and the ongoing negativity in the Presidential campaign continues to be constant and consistent. No new claims of massive fraud have surfaced.  However I am seeing more comments about voter “suppression” (http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10875204) than before. I think this is a legitimate concern in many cases because the vote you don’t allow to be placed even by a registered citizen may be more powerful than the vote you try to manipulate in the courts.

The unprecedented early voter turnout also seems to be gong very well. There were a couple of cases where the people in line were being told they couldn’t vote because they wouldn’t get into the polling place in time but in each case the poll officials let it be known that anyone in line at closing time was going to be able to vote. Good civil democracy in action.

Keep your eyes open.

Posted in Civility Mentioned, Media Bias, Voter Reg Fraud, Warnings | No Comments »

The fourth estate

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Well I am keeping an eagle eye on the media coverage of potential manipulation and fraud in the election. Remember the focus is on the Presidential election but there is activity that matters “downstream” from the big races. So far so good. I have seen historically partisan newspapers like the San Diego Union Tribune cover a very emotional gay marriage initiative with balance and fairness: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20081031-9999-1n31field.html

I’ve seen commentary in the Huffington Post strike a neutral point of view on the use of underhanded techniques to manipulate the vote.    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/27/better-machinery-and-regi_n_138183.html

However I’ve also seen some pretty amazing claims such as the one by Mayor Bloomberg as reported by  the NY Post where he is claiming no early votes were awarded to Barack Obama. This is worth looking into because a republican mayor is the one leveling the charge.

There will be more allegations, counter charges and outlandish editorials, but so far the media is doing an outstanding job of looking into the claims and doing their job which is to report the truth so we can move forward. This certainly gives me some level of confidence that the fourth estate is helping us as we look for a civil discourse and a fair election.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Playing with the pencils on the group W bench

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

It might be working. Yes it is beginning to happen! I believe the sense of civility that we’re trying to convey with this site and our actions is beginning to have an effect. Today the movement for a civil election was covered in a radio trade journal. I was contacted with questions by several friends and colleagues. They report a similar sentiment of fear and apprehension about this election. Callers to just want someone “to take the first step” towards a better way of running an election.

Well anyone committing to and Act of Civility or just reading the posts and telling a friend is taking a step in a long journey to a better election process. Like the old Arlo Guthrie song Alice’s Restaurant said:

“And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in
singin a bar of Alice’s Restaurant and walking out. They may think it’s an
organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said
fifty people a day walking in singin a bar of Alice’s Restaurant and
walking out. And friends they may thinks it’s a movement.”

Well we’ve got fifty people singin a bar of Act for Civility so I guess we’ve got a movement.
We just have to wait for it to come around here on the guitar. And sing it when it does.

Posted in Promotion, Uncategorized, Voter Reg Fraud | No Comments »

This is the most important election in a generation

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

The wild political season of 2008 is nearing and no matter which side of the political aisle you reside on it is both exciting and nerve wracking. The race for the oval office has been followed by more Americans than ever before (based on debate viewership and polling data), and the stakes are bigger than any time in a generation. We all know it is healthy and democratic to back your candidate, argue and support their policies, and ultimately respect the electorate and get behind the winner, but once again there is real fear that strident supporters will do whatever it takes to guarantee their party wins. Vote fraud and manipulation is a real possibility no matter how lopsided the election may be.

Unlike 2000, and even 2004, American’s deserve an untainted result in 2008. CBS news, Fox News, CNN, Time and other respected media outlets are documenting the concern of a majority of Americans that voter fraud and manipulation could impact the results of the key elections next week. CBS news investigated the early voting sites and featured it on their pre 60 minutes Sunday news: (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4546479n). Time magazine covered the issue in this week’s magazine: http://www.time.com/… new article. NPR’s Fresh Air also covered the issue on Monday’s show. Clearly the possibility for fraud exists.

After the back and forth of 2000 I was as disillusioned with our political process as I’ve ever been. I had no way of personally impacting the outcome of that election or contributing to a fair and free election in the future. I was encouraged to see the Vigil for Civility campaign because it shows we can all have an impact in our own way. I don’t expect to fly to key states and monitor polling places but I know that I can impact the mind set of acceptance that has once again permeated our fellow citizens. I am making a commitment to participate in the Vigil for Civility in the hope that we can once again trust our system to work effectively so we all have one vote and one voice.

Posted in Media Bias, Ohio, Vigorous Debate, Voter Reg Fraud, polls | No Comments »

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