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A Vote for Democracy
Author: Raine Date: 11/05/2012 13:44:23

Over the weekend, the NYT wrote an Op-Ed that everyone would benefit from reading.

This year, voting is more than just the core responsibility of citizenship; it is an act of defiance against malicious political forces determined to reduce access to democracy. Millions of ballots on Tuesday — along with those already turned in — will be cast despite the best efforts of Republican officials around the country to prevent them from playing a role in the 2012 election.

Even now, many Republicans are assembling teams to intimidate voters at polling places, to demand photo ID where none is required, and to cast doubt on voting machines or counting systems whose results do not go their way. The good news is that the assault on voting will not affect the election nearly as much as some had hoped. Courts have either rejected or postponed many of the worst laws. Predictions that up to five million people might be disenfranchised turned out to be unfounded.
(snip)

One of the saddest signs of the politicization of the voting process and the counting of ballots has been the armies of lawyers assembled by both parties in the swing states where the vote is likely to be the closest. Much of this would be unnecessary if not for the requirements that Republicans have tried to put in place, which force Democrats to make sure that provisional ballots are not thrown out or mishandled. (In Nevada, Republicans are already preparing their challenge by claiming, with absolutely no evidence, that some machines are malfunctioning in Mr. Obama’s favor.)

Public outcry, with support from the courts, may eventually remove these threats to democracy. For now, those who contribute to a heavy turnout on Tuesday will send a message that Americans reject any underhanded effort to place political gain above a franchise for which people have given their lives.

People have died for this right. Tomorrow I will gladly cast my vote not just for the candidate who I believe will best lead this great nation of ours, I will cast my vote in honor of those that went before me.

We are almost there.

Raine

43 comments (Latest Comment: 11/05/2012 17:40:09 by TriSec)
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Comment by

wickedpam on 11/05/2012 13:45:53

Morning

Comment by

wickedpam on 11/05/2012 13:54:09

So am I the only one who thinks that when Obama is re-elected the Repubs will throw us off the "fiscal cliff" out of spite?

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 13:56:13

Speaking of Republican douchebags, John Cusack to play Rush Limbaugh in new biopic

That was my head esploding. Not so much that blog crush John Cusak is playing El Rushbo, but they are making a bio-pic about him in the first place.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 13:56:35

Quote by wickedpam:
So am I the only one who thinks that when Obama is re-elected the Repubs will throw us off the "fiscal cliff" out of spite?

I don't know... the GOP loves that military spending.

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 13:57:11

Quote by wickedpam:
So am I the only one who thinks that when Obama is re-elected the Repubs will throw us off the "fiscal cliff" out of spite?

No, I think they will too. And I hope that they do. Because this will expose them for alltime for what they are, and maybe the party will be destroyed forever and some Republicans with damn common sense might be able to rebuild.

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 13:58:39

And

that the NYT had to write that. We all lived through the 80s; remember when things like that used to be written about the Soviet elections?

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 13:59:04

Quote by wickedpam:
So am I the only one who thinks that when Obama is re-elected the Repubs will throw us off the "fiscal cliff" out of spite?

No.

Comment by

wickedpam on 11/05/2012 14:02:15

I just don't feel like I trust most of them anymore.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 14:02:16

ICYMI: Romney campaign refused to let people leave rally.

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 14:03:58

Your Affordable Care Act at work:

I am very pleased to let you know that Fallon Total Care, the integrated care organization FCHP formed with Magellan Health Services, has been selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to move forward in the selection process for the stateâ€™s new program to provide integrated health care to individuals aged 21 to 64 who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Fallon Total Care was selected to participate in 10 counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester. Only six organizations have been selected to participate in this innovative demonstration program which will become a national model of care. This is extraordinary news and a significant achievement that many of you were involved in making happen. Congratulations to the FTC team!

Job-Killing regulations, my ass! This is huge; and the health insurance boom goes on.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 14:04:23

Quote by TriSec:
And that the NYT had to write that. We all lived through the 80s; remember when things like that used to be written about the Soviet elections?

Yes, I do. I'm still trying to write a good closer for this election, but that editorial stuck with me all day. It's absolutely antithetical to everything this nation stands for --and it all the doing of the Republican party.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 14:05:37

Quote by TriSec:
Your Affordable Care Act at work:

I am very pleased to let you know that Fallon Total Care, the integrated care organization FCHP formed with Magellan Health Services, has been selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to move forward in the selection process for the stateâ€™s new program to provide integrated health care to individuals aged 21 to 64 who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Fallon Total Care was selected to participate in 10 counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester. Only six organizations have been selected to participate in this innovative demonstration program which will become a national model of care. This is extraordinary news and a significant achievement that many of you were involved in making happen. Congratulations to the FTC team!

Job-Killing regulations, my ass! This is huge; and the health insurance boom goes on.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 14:10:02

Nate Silver? How about Sam Wang?

Comment by

wickedpam on 11/05/2012 14:13:48

Quote by Raine:
Nate Silver? How about Sam Wang?

and yet I still worry that all the numbers have been bogus and they are going to steal it again

My usual nerves before an election.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 14:14:20

2008:

FiveThirtyEight: 348.5 EV. Error: 18.5 EV.
Electoral-vote.com: 353 EV. Error: 12 EV.
Our last-day Median EV Estimator for Obama: 352 EV. Error: 13 EV.
Our prediction: Obama 364 EV, McCain 174. Error:1 EV.
Variance-minimized polling snapshot (post hoc): Obama 364 EV, McCain 174. Error: 1 EV.
Closest: Princeton Election Consortium.

He's not as well known as NAte, but the man is pretty good.

Plus... he'll eat bugs.

A few days ago, the word was that Team Romney was buying ads in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. If he wins either of those states I will eat a bug. Ohioâ€¦a really big bug. And yes, I will post a photo.

Comment by

trojanrabbit on 11/05/2012 14:15:27

Quote by wickedpam:
So am I the only one who thinks that when Obama is re-elected the Repubs will throw us off the "fiscal cliff" out of spite?

I have no doubt they will. Then throw in endless impeachment hearings.

The volume of derp is already set at 11. We may see it cranked up to 12.

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 14:23:31

Quote by Raine:
Nate Silver? How about Sam Wang?

Nate has the President rebounding to pre-debate numbers today.

Sandy turned out to be his biggest endorsment, methinks. But...that's what competent leadership will do. It doesn't matter what letter you have after your name - people remember what you do in a crisis.

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 14:25:44

Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Raine:
Nate Silver? How about Sam Wang?

Nate has the President rebounding to pre-debate numbers today.

Sandy turned out to be his biggest endorsment, methinks. But...that's what competent leadership will do. It doesn't matter what letter you have after your name - people remember what you do in a crisis.

There are still people who think that isn't leadership.

Then what the hell is it?

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 14:33:48

Quote by Mondobubba:

There are still people who think that isn't leadership. Then what the hell is it?

I know. My own cousin in SC is part of the foilhat brigade. He should know better - he runs a TV station down there. (News Director.) His FB status yesterday - "THe President is campaigning in Vegas while they are still recovering bodies from Sandy".

I posted back - "What do you expect him to do, pick up a shovel and dig their graves?"

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 14:38:13

Oh for fuck's sake we have been doing this web shite for what, 20 years or so and you are telling me you don't understand basic linking????

Comment by

trojanrabbit on 11/05/2012 14:38:46

Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:

There are still people who think that isn't leadership. Then what the hell is it?

I know. My own cousin in SC is part of the foilhat brigade. He should know better - he runs a TV station down there. (News Director.) His FB status yesterday - "THe President is campaigning in Vegas while they are still recovering bodies from Sandy".

I posted back - "What do you expect him to do, pick up a shovel and dig their graves?"

I thinks he expected Obama to attend a birthday party or something....

Comment by

BobR on 11/05/2012 14:47:18

Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:
There are still people who think that isn't leadership. Then what the hell is it?

I know. My own cousin in SC is part of the foilhat brigade. He should know better - he runs a TV station down there. (News Director.) His FB status yesterday - "THe President is campaigning in Vegas while they are still recovering bodies from Sandy".

I posted back - "What do you expect him to do, pick up a shovel and dig their graves?"

I thinks he expected Obama to attend a birthday party or something....

If Obama shows up in NJ, they accuse him of staging photo ops. If he doesn't go, they accuse him of doing nothing,

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 14:55:20

Quote by BobR:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:
There are still people who think that isn't leadership. Then what the hell is it?

I know. My own cousin in SC is part of the foilhat brigade. He should know better - he runs a TV station down there. (News Director.) His FB status yesterday - "THe President is campaigning in Vegas while they are still recovering bodies from Sandy".

I posted back - "What do you expect him to do, pick up a shovel and dig their graves?"

I thinks he expected Obama to attend a birthday party or something....

If Obama shows up in NJ, they accuse him of staging photo ops. If he doesn't go, they accuse him of doing nothing,

I think there is a meme about this: Obama could cure cancer, and the GOP would accuse him of undermining the drug industry.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 15:07:40

On the news break I just heard Mitt Romney say:

Tomorrow we begin a new tomorrow!

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 15:20:27

Why, we've just received word that FCHP will be closed for Xmas Eve! (It's normally a half-day, but the powers apparently decided to give us the entire day this year.)

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 15:22:16

Quote by Mondobubba:

I think there is a meme about this: Obama could cure cancer, and the GOP would accuse him of undermining the drug industry.

Oh, I hope he does cure cancer!

--

Wait, what?

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 15:42:21

Quote by TriSec:
Why, we've just received word that FCHP will be closed for Xmas Eve! (It's normally a half-day, but the powers apparently decided to give us the entire day this year.)

w00t!

Comment by

Will in Chicago on 11/05/2012 15:50:23

Raine, thanks for linking to a great editorial. I fear for our democracy if Romney and his cronies get in as it will be increasingly harder for millions of Americans to vote.

I think that we will have a long night tomorrow, but I have hope. I am also a bit divided on what to do. I will be here but my friends at Democracy Interactive are doing a blog talk radio election special as is Kenny Pick on WVKO. I need more of me to honor my friends who try to talk to the public about important issues. (Maybe I can call in to both?)

Comment by

Scoopster on 11/05/2012 15:57:59

Mornin' all & Happy Election Eve!

Comment by

BobR on 11/05/2012 16:08:51

Things happening at work that seem to indicate my job security just got a whole lot more secure. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll let everybody know when this is all sussed out.

Comment by

BobR on 11/05/2012 16:11:31

Quote by Raine:
On the news break I just heard Mitt Romney say:

Tomorrow we begin a new tomorrow!

Is Stephen Colbert's PAC donating to his campaign?

Comment by

Will in Chicago on 11/05/2012 16:11:44

Quote by BobR:
Things happening at work that seem to indicate my job security just got a whole lot more secure. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll let everybody know when this is all sussed out.

I hope to hear this soon, as I love hearing good news.

Scoopster, good to see you here! I am looking at some freelance work and checking on full time work.

Comment by

livingonli on 11/05/2012 16:21:50

Good morning, folks. Today is going to be a busy day as I finish packing my non-heavy stuff to put into the POD, then I also have to go back to the repair shop so I can send out some paperwork when I got pulled over for a burnt out headlight. Then I am going to the city to see Lizz tonight do her pre-election show and then tomorrow is moving day so that day I might not be online that much if at all (and finding time to vote too). It should be a pretty hectic pace the next 48 hours.

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 16:25:10

Quote by BobR:
Things happening at work that seem to indicate my job security just got a whole lot more secure. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll let everybody know when this is all sussed out.

Ah, the same thing happened to me earlier in the year. (More security, that is.) Innit a great feeling after the last few years?

Will...we're still holding out hope for ya, buddy!

Comment by

Will in Chicago on 11/05/2012 16:30:33

Quote by TriSec:
Quote by BobR:
Things happening at work that seem to indicate my job security just got a whole lot more secure. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll let everybody know when this is all sussed out.

Ah, the same thing happened to me earlier in the year. (More security, that is.) Innit a great feeling after the last few years?

Will...we're still holding out hope for ya, buddy!

I am hoping that I start seeing some mid year teaching postings for your state. Something says that a change of locale would do me good. (That and I already know about one good place to go for ice cream -- JP Licks. And I get accused of sounding like a New Englander half the time in Chicago.)

In great news, my grand niece is running around upstairs and is eating a lot more. With a little luck, she will be off the feeding tube in a matter of months.

Comment by

trojanrabbit on 11/05/2012 16:31:19

Quote by BobR:
Things happening at work that seem to indicate my job security just got a whole lot more secure. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll let everybody know when this is all sussed out.

That's always good news.

While there were layoffs at my old stomping grounds in Andover, we have hired 8 people in the last quarter here and we don't have the engineering resources to do everything the higher-ups want.

We've already passed sales forecasts for the year and high-profile projects like the Empire State Building are finished and about to be activated. The method of calculating year end bonuses was changed this year to make division performance more important rather than corporate as a whole. Which means that barring a major catastrophe, we'll get the maximum.

Everybody's trying to get into the LED lighting business now....

Comment by

clintster on 11/05/2012 16:50:12

Meanwhile in North Carolina...

I want to hope that the next four years will be better in terms of bipartisanship, but then I see something like this...

Comment by

BobR on 11/05/2012 16:57:26

Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile in North Carolina...

I want to hope that the next four years will be better in terms of bipartisanship, but then I see something like this...

There will always be bigoted douchebag idiots like this

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 17:03:57

Quote by BobR:
Quote by Raine:
On the news break I just heard Mitt Romney say:

Tomorrow we begin a new tomorrow!

Is Stephen Colbert's PAC donating to his campaign?

Comment by

Mondobubba on 11/05/2012 17:11:33

Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile in North Carolina...

I want to hope that the next four years will be better in terms of bipartisanship, but then I see something like this...

I hope he doesn't find that visit from the Secret Service too intrusive.

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 17:16:16

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile in North Carolina...

I want to hope that the next four years will be better in terms of bipartisanship, but then I see something like this...

I hope he doesn't find that visit from the Secret Service too intrusive.

That would be a damn shame....

Comment by

Raine on 11/05/2012 17:20:09

New Blog. Please take a read of the final 4F blog before election day.

Feel free to add your own memories....

Comment by

TriSec on 11/05/2012 17:40:09

It's a Fox link, but I don't think they made this one up.

Something fascinating for the WWII geeks...

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A Vote for Democracy
Author: Raine Date: 11/05/2012 13:44:23

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A Vote for Democracy Author: Raine Date: 11/05/2012 13:44:23

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A Vote for Democracy
Author: Raine Date: 11/05/2012 13:44:23