vision2020
RE: Ellection results
Dear friends,
As I am sure you all know I very much appreciate the methodical and lucid
analysis from Marc. I just wanted to make a comment about the "but" that
discounted the constitution. I am sorry if I gave the impression that the
constitution was of lower value somehow. What I am trying to convey is that
times change, needs change, Truths like justice, liberty, honesty,
integrity, etc. remain the same but the methods used to ensure them must
change as challenges change. Our population has grown considerably in the
past 200+ years. We do not have to change the principles... we do need to
change the methodology.
As for your mistrust of the technology... as I mentioned the bubble sheet is
already in use and it utilizes computers for its reading, and calculation.
It is secure and reliable. The funny thing is that it probably costs less to
maintain than the old punch card equipment! In fact, the computer technology
exists today to implement the kiosk computer system. It does not have to
cost a lot either. With clustering technology as well as RAID system (if
implemented properly) data loss is a thing of the past. With fingerprint and
retinal scanners as well as LAN/WAN technology and encryption algorithms,
the security is far more enforceable than the current system. Do not dismiss
the computer technology... it is far ahead of what most of us are aware of.
I will admit that I am not a big fan of the bush family. I am not
comfortable with some of the things that go on in the political arena. I am
not happy with manipulations that are designed to help them win. Why do you
think oil prices have gone up? I happen to know for a fact that production
of oil is actually up not down like everybody claims. All my friends tell me
that the oil production is at the highest level in all the largest oil
producing sites all over the Middle East. There are tankers leaving all the
time. So, I wonder why the oil prices are high. You will see... after the
election the price will go down. It will take a while to ward off suspicion
but it will go down remember the 70's. Why do you think the Shah of Iran
influenced to raise the price of oil? Come on... history is repeating itself
right in front of you and you are missing it!!
I too will await and see if the truth will come to light. I am not too
optimistic, however. I have seen a lot of injustice in this world. Usually
the truth comes out (if at all) several decades later when everyone has
forgotten about the whole thing.
Your brother in arms,
Shahab...
-----Original Message-----
From: Marc Cramer [mailto:mc20@proteanspecialties.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2000 10:09 PM
To: vision2020@moscow.com
Subject: Re: Ellection results
>accurate. I am outraged that we use it. Why can we not just use a computer
>kiosk setup with touch screens that can be very idiot proof? You can even
>get such a system to have the pictures of the people you are voting for.
>After you choose who you want, it can give you a summary of what you have
>done... ask you if you are sure you want to vote this way and then have a
>submit button that finalizes the vote. Now that is idiot proof. It also
>gives you instant totals. You can have the system equipped with sound for
>the blind, with graphics for the illiterate, and so on. You can even have
>this database in a central location in the state so the results are totaled
>nation wide on the fly. You will not need the stupid Electoral College, all
>the paper, or all the mess. You would also save a tremendous amount of
money
>that is wasted now.
>
Idealism is a good thing, if not taken to extreme. The security
ramifications of such a system just boggles the mind. I think it would be
a good thing, but I also realize that the technology doesn't exist that I
would trust to do it. I will stay with the archaic, but more secure method
of paper.
>The idea that elections are the domain of the county is an outdated and
>archaic idea. There should be a national standard ballot and the method of
>totaling. I value the constitution but
Anytime someone says something like this it gets my warning buzzers just
screaming. "I value the Constitution...but". The word "but" is used here
as a linguistic discount. It means that the previous part is being
discounted or lessened in value. I will tell you that I value the
Constitution also. It is a grand contract between the people and the
government, which, if you read the Constitution, is the people. So it is a
contract between people. Like all contracts, it is probably not perfect.
It is, however, a very good one. If it can survive the politicians and
lawyers nibbling away at it like a pack of wolves trying to bring down a
moose our country will remain a free and strong place. Any change to the
Constitution should be made with extreme caution. Thought about for a few
years and argued against vehemently. It should not be a contract
reflecting the current whims or political wind. I will admit that I think
the electoral college should be tossed. But I also am hesitant to the nth
degree to give any group the go-ahead to tinker with the Constitution.
>
>Yet, another factor here is the charge of discrimination against
minorities.
An allegation, you mean. Has anyone been charged?
>The fact that people were not given the chance to get a new ballot if they
>made a mistake is unthinkable.
And you accept the unthinkable true because the press reports it?
>Running out of ballots? Turning people away?
>Ballots that were taken home and showed up the next day? What the hell is
>this? This is not what this country is about.
I agree completely. So I will wait for facts to surface.
>I am resisting the thought of
>foul play on behalf of the Bush brothers
It doesn't seem that you are resisting very hard.
>but
That discount again. See above comment.
>I have to say that there are too many charges and anomalies to brush off.
I have heard of accusations from both sides of Bad Things happening. I
disbelieve both sides equally right now. If facts surface other than
rumors, heresay and stories, then I will change my mind. I don't care if
is the person I voted for or someone I did not vote for. Anyone doing Bad
Things at elections should be prosecuted.
Marc
(Just so you don't think I'm too rational, I do cling ever-so-tightly to
the urban myth that some day I, too, may run into Elvis at Wal-Mart.)
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