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Back To Business
Author: Raine
Date: 12/26/2013 14:04:29
With the holiday behind us and the New Year fast approaching, I suppose it is time to get back to the business of blogging.
It's not too soon to start thinking about 2014 and the mid-term elections. It's widely-known that many Republican states have redistricted to favor Republicans. It's well-known that many of these states have changed voting rules to make it more difficult for people to vote. It's also well-documented that those disenfranchised by these new laws are minorities and elderly (who tend to vote for Democrats).
Much of this damage was done when the Supreme Court gutted the voting rights act earlier this year. That opened the floodgates to stories like this. North Carolina now has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the nation. And people like TX Governor Perry claim that there should be even tougher lD laws to shut down on 'voter' fraud. The problem is that fraud isn't the problem.
What's happening here is disenfranchisement. Now there is a lot more proof to back it up.
This study is is highly disturbing and backs up what many of us have said for years. There is hope, though. We now have someone in the people's corner to keep tabs on voter suppression.
This is going to be a big year, I can feel it!
and 
Raine
It's not too soon to start thinking about 2014 and the mid-term elections. It's widely-known that many Republican states have redistricted to favor Republicans. It's well-known that many of these states have changed voting rules to make it more difficult for people to vote. It's also well-documented that those disenfranchised by these new laws are minorities and elderly (who tend to vote for Democrats).
Much of this damage was done when the Supreme Court gutted the voting rights act earlier this year. That opened the floodgates to stories like this. North Carolina now has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the nation. And people like TX Governor Perry claim that there should be even tougher lD laws to shut down on 'voter' fraud. The problem is that fraud isn't the problem.
Between 2000 and 2010, there were:
649 million votes cast in general elections
47,000 UFO sightings
441 Americans killed by lightning
13 credible cases of in-person voter impersonation
What's happening here is disenfranchisement. Now there is a lot more proof to back it up.
According to new research by University of Massachusetts Boston sociologist Keith Bentele and political scientist Erin O’Brien, the states that have enacted tougher voter ID laws in the past few years are also the same states where both minority and lower-income voter turnout had increased in recent years.
Focusing further analysis on just 2011, when the vast majority of voter ID regulations were passed, the researchers found that states which passed the legislation were highly likely to have:
- Republicans in control of both houses of the state legislature and the governorship
- Strong probabilities of being swing states in the 2012 elections
- Minority turnout which was higher in the 2008 election and with high proportions of African-American voters
- Larger numbers of allegations of fraud in 2004, though these had a “much smaller substantive impact relative to partisan and racial factors”
Karlan will take over as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division’s voting rights section. In this role, she will oversee the Justice Department’s most important challenges to voter suppression laws — including its efforts to restore federal oversight of Texas’ election law and its challenge to the nation’s worst voter suppression law in North Carolina.
As a senior member of the Civil Rights Division, Karlan will work under soon-to-be Assistant Attorney General Debo Adegbile, who President Obama recently nominated as the nation’s top civil rights attorney. Like Karlan, Adegbile is himself a leading expert on voting rights law – indeed, he twice appeared before the Supreme Court to try to save the Voting Rights Act from the Court’s conservative majority.
This is going to be a big year, I can feel it!
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 14:09:17
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 14:09:17
I cemented my reputation as a blaspheming atheist last night. I watched "Nude Nuns With Big Guns."
Comment by 
Raine on 12/26/2013 14:34:35
good morning everyone. 
Raine on 12/26/2013 14:34:35
good morning everyone.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/26/2013 14:42:57
wickedpam on 12/26/2013 14:42:57
Morning 
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 14:47:57
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 14:47:57
Mondo will be rooting for the follow teams today. Swansea and West Ham. :drinks a lager and munches a pie:
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 14:56:39
you home today?
Raine on 12/26/2013 14:56:39
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mondo will be rooting for the follow teams today. Swansea and West Ham. :drinks a lager and munches a pie:
you home today?
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 14:58:47
Nope, but I have the internets. If I was home I would be watch soccer until my eyes bleed.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 14:58:47
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Mondo will be rooting for the follow teams today. Swansea and West Ham. :drinks a lager and munches a pie:
you home today?
Nope, but I have the internets. If I was home I would be watch soccer until my eyes bleed.
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/26/2013 15:06:02
TriSec on 12/26/2013 15:06:02
Hi all.
I posted late Christmas Day....my oldest friend made his most credible attempt yet at suicide on Christmas eve. Well over 100 pills, according to the estimates of his family.
He nearly did it - his sister-in-law found him on the living room floor without a pulse, the EMTs only just got him back.
As of this morning, I do not know where he is (hospital wise), or indeed if he is alive or dead, or what condition he may be in at this hour.
I no longer ask for blog candles - I only ask that he find peace. I have requested of the deity I believe in whether that is on this earth or at said deity's side, so be it.
I posted late Christmas Day....my oldest friend made his most credible attempt yet at suicide on Christmas eve. Well over 100 pills, according to the estimates of his family.
He nearly did it - his sister-in-law found him on the living room floor without a pulse, the EMTs only just got him back.
As of this morning, I do not know where he is (hospital wise), or indeed if he is alive or dead, or what condition he may be in at this hour.
I no longer ask for blog candles - I only ask that he find peace. I have requested of the deity I believe in whether that is on this earth or at said deity's side, so be it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 15:09:27
he and I have become friends via the BoF. I am saddened by this. I like you wish that he finds peace as well.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 15:09:27
Quote by TriSec:
Hi all.
I posted late Christmas Day....my oldest friend made his most credible attempt yet at suicide on Christmas eve. Well over 100 pills, according to the estimates of his family.
He nearly did it - his sister-in-law found him on the living room floor without a pulse, the EMTs only just got him back.
As of this morning, I do not know where he is (hospital wise), or indeed if he is alive or dead, or what condition he may be in at this hour.
I no longer ask for blog candles - I only ask that he find peace. I have requested of the deity I believe in whether that is on this earth or at said deity's side, so be it.
he and I have become friends via the BoF. I am saddened by this. I like you wish that he finds peace as well.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 15:24:21
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 15:24:21
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 15:40:02
I'm so very sorry, Tri.
Raine on 12/26/2013 15:40:02
Quote by TriSec:
Hi all.
I posted late Christmas Day....my oldest friend made his most credible attempt yet at suicide on Christmas eve. Well over 100 pills, according to the estimates of his family.
He nearly did it - his sister-in-law found him on the living room floor without a pulse, the EMTs only just got him back.
As of this morning, I do not know where he is (hospital wise), or indeed if he is alive or dead, or what condition he may be in at this hour.
I no longer ask for blog candles - I only ask that he find peace. I have requested of the deity I believe in whether that is on this earth or at said deity's side, so be it.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/26/2013 15:48:14
EEEWWWW
wickedpam on 12/26/2013 15:48:14
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala, an entire article extoling the virtures of Helman's mayo. :shudder:
Satan's Condiment!
EEEWWWW
Comment by wickedpam on 12/26/2013 15:49:12
oh wow Tri, I'm so sorry. I too hope he's able to find some peace.
wickedpam on 12/26/2013 15:49:12
Quote by TriSec:
Hi all.
I posted late Christmas Day....my oldest friend made his most credible attempt yet at suicide on Christmas eve. Well over 100 pills, according to the estimates of his family.
He nearly did it - his sister-in-law found him on the living room floor without a pulse, the EMTs only just got him back.
As of this morning, I do not know where he is (hospital wise), or indeed if he is alive or dead, or what condition he may be in at this hour.
I no longer ask for blog candles - I only ask that he find peace. I have requested of the deity I believe in whether that is on this earth or at said deity's side, so be it.
oh wow Tri, I'm so sorry. I too hope he's able to find some peace.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 15:49:26
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 15:49:26
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala, an entire article extoling the virtures of Helman's mayo. :shudder:
Satan's Condiment!
EEEWWWW
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 16:13:01
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 16:13:01
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL! West Ham!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 16:15:17
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 16:15:17
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today 
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 16:31:07
Wolfie was a sweet kitty.
Raine on 12/26/2013 16:31:07
Quote by Mondobubba:
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today
Comment by 
BobR on 12/26/2013 16:43:08
so sorry...
BobR on 12/26/2013 16:43:08
Quote by Raine:Wolfie was a sweet kitty.Quote by Mondobubba:
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today
so sorry...
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 16:45:58
Oldest friends trying to kill themselves, kitties being euthanized, we are an upbeat bunch today.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 16:45:58
Quote by Raine:Wolfie was a sweet kitty.Quote by Mondobubba:
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today
Oldest friends trying to kill themselves, kitties being euthanized, we are an upbeat bunch today.
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 17:00:25
WE couldn't figure out how to record it, but I twerked for Oma on Skype last night.
She said I need to get my Ass out of Bob's face.
Raine on 12/26/2013 17:00:25
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Wolfie was a sweet kitty.Quote by Mondobubba:
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today
Oldest friends trying to kill themselves, kitties being euthanized, we are an upbeat bunch today.
She said I need to get my Ass out of Bob's face.
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 17:01:40
Then I put ribbons on my boobs for her -- and she said I have nice daisies.
It took her a while to figure out that we could see her too.
Raine on 12/26/2013 17:01:40
Quote by Raine:WE couldn't figure out how to record it, but I twerked for Oma on Skype last night.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Wolfie was a sweet kitty.Quote by Mondobubba:
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today
Oldest friends trying to kill themselves, kitties being euthanized, we are an upbeat bunch today.
She said I need to get my Ass out of Bob's face.
It took her a while to figure out that we could see her too.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 17:09:42
Rock on Oma!
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 17:09:42
Quote by Raine:WE couldn't figure out how to record it, but I twerked for Oma on Skype last night.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Wolfie was a sweet kitty.Quote by Mondobubba:
VJ is having her kitty Wolfie put to sleep today
Oldest friends trying to kill themselves, kitties being euthanized, we are an upbeat bunch today.
She said I need to get my Ass out of Bob's face.
Rock on Oma!
Comment by TriSec on 12/26/2013 17:58:39
TriSec on 12/26/2013 17:58:39
Well, I shall follow my own maxim today. "It is impossible to feel gloomy whilst listening to Duke Ellington."
I have the Second Sacred Concert queued up this afternoon.
I have the Second Sacred Concert queued up this afternoon.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 17:59:10
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 17:59:10
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!
LIVERPOOL! Mondo is happy!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!
LIVERPOOL! Mondo is happy!
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 18:00:53
Raine on 12/26/2013 18:00:53
I did it.
I watched the entire Star Wars Holiday Special.
It was so awful it was awesome.
And, I learned that Bob Mackie was the costume designer for said special.
I watched the entire Star Wars Holiday Special.
It was so awful it was awesome.
And, I learned that Bob Mackie was the costume designer for said special.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 18:07:44
Mrs Mondo was a big Star Wars fan as you know. She saw it when it first aired. She didn't realize at the time, but she was hate-watching it. Yes, she did mention that the costumes were designed by Bob Mackie a little fact that I had buried away until you mentioned it.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 18:07:44
Quote by Raine:
I did it.
I watched the entire Star Wars Holiday Special.
It was so awful it was awesome.
And, I learned that Bob Mackie was the costume designer for said special.
Mrs Mondo was a big Star Wars fan as you know. She saw it when it first aired. She didn't realize at the time, but she was hate-watching it. Yes, she did mention that the costumes were designed by Bob Mackie a little fact that I had buried away until you mentioned it.
Comment by TriSec on 12/26/2013 18:09:24
TriSec on 12/26/2013 18:09:24
Liverpool! *spits*
I will find a way to blame them for the Sox winning the World Series this year, I swear!!
(And curiously, I am an honorary Lilliputian myself, but the Nova Scotian kind.)
I will find a way to blame them for the Sox winning the World Series this year, I swear!!
(And curiously, I am an honorary Lilliputian myself, but the Nova Scotian kind.)
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 18:12:53
Step off, Herr TriSec. Don't you be hating on my team now. Who are fucking up. The loathed Man City has equalised. We are displeased!
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 18:12:53
Quote by TriSec:
Liverpool! *spits*
I will find a way to blame them for the Sox winning the World Series this year, I swear!!
(And curiously, I am an honorary Lilliputian myself, but the Nova Scotian kind.)
Step off, Herr TriSec. Don't you be hating on my team now. Who are fucking up. The loathed Man City has equalised. We are displeased!
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 18:15:31
That part amazed me almost as much as Chewbacca's father virtual reality pleasuring himself to Diane Carrol --
Raine on 12/26/2013 18:15:31
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I did it.
I watched the entire Star Wars Holiday Special.
It was so awful it was awesome.
And, I learned that Bob Mackie was the costume designer for said special.
Mrs Mondo was a big Star Wars fan as you know. She saw it when it first aired. She didn't realize at the time, but she was hate-watching it. Yes, she did mention that the costumes were designed by Bob Mackie a little fact that I had buried away until you mentioned it.
Comment by TriSec on 12/26/2013 18:17:30
TriSec on 12/26/2013 18:17:30
Pre-Special Edition, it was the Holiday Special that featured the debut of Boba Fett....
Lucas had long gone out of his way to suppress the Holiday Special in all it's manifestations - how did it get out?
Lucas had long gone out of his way to suppress the Holiday Special in all it's manifestations - how did it get out?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/26/2013 18:24:36
Scoopster on 12/26/2013 18:24:36
Afternoon all.. 
Ahh but Mr Lucas is no longer in control of the rights to things Star Wars! It us now in the hands of the evil Disney empire!
Quote by TriSec:
Pre-Special Edition, it was the Holiday Special that featured the debut of Boba Fett....
Lucas had long gone out of his way to suppress the Holiday Special in all it's manifestations - how did it get out?
Ahh but Mr Lucas is no longer in control of the rights to things Star Wars! It us now in the hands of the evil Disney empire!
Comment by TriSec on 12/26/2013 18:56:06
TriSec on 12/26/2013 18:56:06
Now I feel like knifing my enemies today.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 19:14:13
Bwaaah!
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 19:14:13
Quote by Raine:That part amazed me almost as much as Chewbacca's father virtual reality pleasuring himself to Diane Carrol --Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I did it.
I watched the entire Star Wars Holiday Special.
It was so awful it was awesome.
And, I learned that Bob Mackie was the costume designer for said special.
Mrs Mondo was a big Star Wars fan as you know. She saw it when it first aired. She didn't realize at the time, but she was hate-watching it. Yes, she did mention that the costumes were designed by Bob Mackie a little fact that I had buried away until you mentioned it.
Bwaaah!
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 19:25:27
bootlegged.
Mermeia....
"I don't need to ask how you find me. You see, I am your fantasy. I am your experience. So experience me. I am your pleasure. So enjoy me. This is our moment together in time. And we might turn this moment into an eternity.""I don't need to ask how you find me. You see, I am your fantasy. I am your experience. So experience me. I am your pleasure. So enjoy me. This is our moment together in time. And we might turn this moment into an eternity."
Raine on 12/26/2013 19:25:27
Quote by Scoopster:
Afternoon all..Quote by TriSec: I
Pre-Special Edition, it was the Holiday Special that featured the debut of Boba Fett....
Lucas had long gone out of his way to suppress the tHoliday Special in all it's manifestations - how did it get out?
Ahh but Mr Lucas is no longer in control of the rights to things Star Wars! It us now in the hands of the evil Disney empire!
bootlegged.
Mermeia....
"I don't need to ask how you find me. You see, I am your fantasy. I am your experience. So experience me. I am your pleasure. So enjoy me. This is our moment together in time. And we might turn this moment into an eternity.""I don't need to ask how you find me. You see, I am your fantasy. I am your experience. So experience me. I am your pleasure. So enjoy me. This is our moment together in time. And we might turn this moment into an eternity."
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 19:28:26
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 19:28:26
:mutter: We hatessss Manchester City! We hatesss them! :rends garment: I will had it to City, they shut Suarez down completely he didn't even come close. 
Comment by TriSec on 12/26/2013 19:45:27
TriSec on 12/26/2013 19:45:27
*snap-hiss* (swings lightsaber about wildly; accidentally severs own limb)
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 19:51:22
What have said about playing with your lightsabre in the blog, Tri? Do you listen. Grab your arm and get in the auto surgeon. :eyeroll: Sheesh.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 19:51:22
Quote by TriSec:
*snap-hiss* (swings lightsaber about wildly; accidentally severs own limb)
What have said about playing with your lightsabre in the blog, Tri? Do you listen. Grab your arm and get in the auto surgeon. :eyeroll: Sheesh.
Comment by TriSec on 12/26/2013 19:53:14
TriSec on 12/26/2013 19:53:14
I work with an office full of party-poopers, FYI.
There's nobody here. NOBODY. So I have my speakers hooked up instead of a headset. The only other person on the floor says: "That's too loud, can you turn it down?"
Freakin' NO!
There's nobody here. NOBODY. So I have my speakers hooked up instead of a headset. The only other person on the floor says: "That's too loud, can you turn it down?"
Freakin' NO!
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 20:01:54
If you were listening to Swedish death metal I think that might be an issue. But, I assume you are still listening to Ellington, so that person needs to shut their pie hole.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 20:01:54
Quote by TriSec:
I work with an office full of party-poopers, FYI.
There's nobody here. NOBODY. So I have my speakers hooked up instead of a headset. The only other person on the floor says: "That's too loud, can you turn it down?"
Freakin' NO!
If you were listening to Swedish death metal I think that might be an issue. But, I assume you are still listening to Ellington, so that person needs to shut their pie hole.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 20:02:15
If you were listening to Swedish death metal I think that might be an issue. But, I assume you are still listening to Ellington, so that person needs to shut their pie hole.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 20:02:15
Quote by TriSec:
I work with an office full of party-poopers, FYI.
There's nobody here. NOBODY. So I have my speakers hooked up instead of a headset. The only other person on the floor says: "That's too loud, can you turn it down?"
Freakin' NO!
If you were listening to Swedish death metal I think that might be an issue. But, I assume you are still listening to Ellington, so that person needs to shut their pie hole.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 20:24:48
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 20:24:48
Comment by wickedpam on 12/26/2013 20:37:20
I love Hyerbole and Half!
"Jesus loves Kenny Loggins."
wickedpam on 12/26/2013 20:37:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
We don't hit the baby Jesus...it isn't nice/
Hyperbole
I love Hyerbole and Half!
"Jesus loves Kenny Loggins."
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 21:22:05
She is hilarious.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 21:22:05
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
We don't hit the baby Jesus...it isn't nice/
Hyperbole
I love Hyerbole and Half!
"Jesus loves Kenny Loggins."
She is hilarious.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/26/2013 21:50:38
wickedpam on 12/26/2013 21:50:38
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 21:50:47
Raine on 12/26/2013 21:50:47
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 21:53:56
Thanks, I can't unsee that. WHERE IS MY EYE BLEACH?
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 21:53:56
Quote by Raine:
Thanks, I can't unsee that.
WHERE IS MY EYE BLEACH?
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 21:54:19
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 21:54:19
I prefer this one
Comment by BobR on 12/26/2013 22:06:11
Is this what you meant?
BobR on 12/26/2013 22:06:11
Quote by Mondobubba:
I prefer this one
Is this what you meant?
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 22:08:48
Yeah, right, whatever Mulder.
Mondobubba on 12/26/2013 22:08:48
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I prefer this one
Is this what you meant?
Yeah, right, whatever Mulder.
Comment by Raine on 12/26/2013 22:17:55
Raine on 12/26/2013 22:17:55