Hi boys and girls,
What a roller coaster of emotions! I have such great hope that tomorrow we'll begin to take our country back. I'm already looking forward to my new democratic governor (whose hand I shook this week), Deval Patrick, who will be also be the first black governor of MA. But I'm also steeling myself for monkey-business. I've already heard reports of robo-calling dirty tricks from the Repuglies - irritating inflammatory calls at all hours pretending to be supporting the Dem. candidate (to get the voters furious at the Dem). I also think I even heard about electronic voting machines flipping votes from Dem. to Rep. Ohio, I think. Ugh!
So far, 40% of the voters in TN. have already voted early from the Memphis area. That sounds like a large African American population coming out for Ford. He's behind now, but maybe that will make the difference? A lot of close states are volatile. Lincoln Chafee is making a comeback. It's too bad he's in the wrong party because I like him. I'm pulling for Claire McCaskill in MO. - maybe Michael J. Fox will have done it for her.
The House of Rep. will almost certainly go Dem., but I think the Senate's really an uphill battle. Maybe 50-50, but Cheney breaks the tie. What are your thoughts about it? I'll be working at the polls tomorrow, then teaching, then glued to the tube tomorrow evening.
Speaking of monkey-business, please keep and/or pass this info on to anyone who is in a battleground state.
Here are three election protection resources:
1. From the Feminist Majority: "When you vote tomorrow, if you see any voting irregularities or problems, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-Our-Vote. The hotline provides free, immediate, and multilingual assistance to voters encountering barriers to voting. Also, call the Feminist Majority Foundation at 1-866-444-3652, especially for student voters and difficulties voting on campus. Then, report these problems at www.feminist.org. Because of the dramatic increase in electronic voting machines and longstanding concerns about the integrity of the voting process, three foundations (Carnegie, Ford, and Open Society Institute) are supporting a new project called VoterStory.org, which will be collecting stories of voting irregularities. Once a person submits her or his "story" of individual irregularities, she or he will be automatically referred to nonprofit, nonpartisan voter protection organizations that will be standing by to intervene or lend support if they can."
2. Go to <pollingplacephotoproject.org>
"The Polling Place Photo Project is a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that seeks to empower citizens to capture, post and share photographs of democracy in action. By documenting their local voting experience on November 7, voters can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America.
With citizens' images and the information that accompanies them, the Project becomes a research tool on how voting happens in America and how it can be designed to be easier, less confusing and more enjoyable. The project intends to collect photographs of every polling place in America, so you are encouraged to participate no matter where you vote, how large or small your polling place is, what kind of ballot you use, or what your party affiliation."
3. Also, go to <videothevote.com> "Stopping voter suppression, by observing the vote. And sharing the results—on Election Day." You'll be asked to use your personal cameras to document problems while they are happening.
- and problems can be documented on YouTube or MySpace...
Remember, every vote must be counted this time.
Democracy - ya gotta be in it to win it.
Love,
Dinah
P.S. After the election, we get to focus our hopes on Our Hero running in '08...
Yeah, about that 40% who've already voted in TN. I heard tonight that those 40% voted while Ford was still up in the polls, so maybe a good chunk of those votes are for him. We can only hope. :Y:
whybaby, thanks for the post it was interesting and the links very informative. And as said at the end of the piece...every vote must be counted this time.
I am cautiously optimistic on gaining the House. And am hoping for a surprise in the Senate. One never can be sure what voters will do or change minds at last minute once in the voting booth. We do need a exceptionally large turn out to win though.
Hi all,
I worked at my polling place today - very, very busy! A good sign... :Y:
Thanks al001 for the kind words. We have to be quick on the draw to stop the monkey business and vote suppression - hopefully these tools will help today.
I've heard there's been voter suppression in VA, but it's being publicized.
Earthman, I too am somewhat confident about the House, and also hoping for but not expecting the Senate. But y'all - have a look at this website:
http://www.electoral-vote.com:2006/They cull their info from a number of different polls, and I've heard they are accurate. It's promising. :Y:
Does anyone have some Prozac they could beam to me electronically?
:laugh:
'bye for now...
Your welcome whybaby but as I said the article was good and thanks...but it might take more than Prozac. Have you checked Canada, I hear their prices are more reasonable.