Congressional debate

TillEulenspiegel · 6th January 2005, 01:19 PM

Anyone listen to the HOR ( in re the HJC report) debate on the voter dis-enfranchisement on PBS today?

The position of the Dems , including Kerry and Edwards have stated publicly that there can be no change in the outcome. Rather that is an ongoing system frailer ( with a few sour grapes revisionists) and should be addressed. Where the Majority of Repubs is , "You lost get over it".

I think aside from jury duty or military service there is no more meaningful an exercise that demonstrates the breathing functioning vitality of our democracy then the vote.

Do you think every vote is sacrosanct? That it needs to be accounted for? Regardless of party affiliation,color and creed ?

When I think of voting , I remember I touched the liberty bell ( the park service employee was a girl who I flattered so I could break the no touchy rule). I sat at the same tavern where Ben Franklin and Adams and Hamilton held court. I remember my uncles and father who gave there lives over to defend our democracy.

Am I wrong or does every attempt to discount a vote belittle the sacrifices our Forbearer's made on behalf this greatest republic ? That we should labor to make sure every voice is heard . That it is uncomfortable on some subliminal, almost religious level?

I don't normally wax poetic about America, but I shudder to think that partisan rancor would seek to deny or place blame ( where none is ) and reduce that most precious of commodities, self-determination. I believe We are greater then that.

Comments?

Magyar · 6th January 2005, 02:51 PM

Very nicely put, however the large part if not the majority of our elected officials and most certainly the majority of the voting public ( i am counting those that could not be bothered to even show up at the polls and the fundies who did) do not share your sentiment that "these truths are self evident".

That the majority of our elected officials see nothing wrong with
a less then perfect election where anyone that wants to and is elegible to vote CAN actually do so and have their vote ACTUALLY count - REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME - speaks volumes about the desperate plight of this republic.

The strawman that "it wouldn't change the election anyway" is just another VIVID slap in the face to point out that to those currently in power, winning is far more important than the nation, it's ideals and laws they swore to uphold.

kalen · 10th January 2005, 12:40 PM

A transcript and the audio of many of the speakers can be found at:

http://www.democracynow.org/article..../01/07/1621240

The best part is where Jesse Jackson Jr. points out that "Americans do not have the explicit right to vote in their constitution."

6th January 2005, 01:19 PM	#1
TillEulenspiegel Master Poster Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,310	Congressional debate Anyone listen to the HOR ( in re the HJC report) debate on the voter dis-enfranchisement on PBS today? The position of the Dems , including Kerry and Edwards have stated publicly that there can be no change in the outcome. Rather that is an ongoing system frailer ( with a few sour grapes revisionists) and should be addressed. Where the Majority of Repubs is , "You lost get over it". I think aside from jury duty or military service there is no more meaningful an exercise that demonstrates the breathing functioning vitality of our democracy then the vote. Do you think every vote is sacrosanct? That it needs to be accounted for? Regardless of party affiliation,color and creed ? When I think of voting , I remember I touched the liberty bell ( the park service employee was a girl who I flattered so I could break the no touchy rule). I sat at the same tavern where Ben Franklin and Adams and Hamilton held court. I remember my uncles and father who gave there lives over to defend our democracy. Am I wrong or does every attempt to discount a vote belittle the sacrifices our Forbearer's made on behalf this greatest republic ? That we should labor to make sure every voice is heard . That it is uncomfortable on some subliminal, almost religious level? I don't normally wax poetic about America, but I shudder to think that partisan rancor would seek to deny or place blame ( where none is ) and reduce that most precious of commodities, self-determination. I believe We are greater then that. Comments?
	__________________ "God does not play dice with the universe." Albert Einstein "Who is Einstein to tell God what to do?" Niels Bohr Remember, %97.3 of all accidents occur %100 of the time.

10th January 2005, 12:40 PM	#3
kalen Your Daddy Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Classified Posts: 933	A transcript and the audio of many of the speakers can be found at: http://www.democracynow.org/article..../01/07/1621240 The best part is where Jesse Jackson Jr. points out that "Americans do not have the explicit right to vote in their constitution."
	__________________ No way! Yahweh!

6th January 2005, 02:51 PM	#2
Magyar Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: the edge of reason Posts: 1,541	Very nicely put, however the large part if not the majority of our elected officials and most certainly the majority of the voting public ( i am counting those that could not be bothered to even show up at the polls and the fundies who did) do not share your sentiment that "these truths are self evident". That the majority of our elected officials see nothing wrong with a less then perfect election where anyone that wants to and is elegible to vote CAN actually do so and have their vote ACTUALLY count - REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME - speaks volumes about the desperate plight of this republic. The strawman that "it wouldn't change the election anyway" is just another VIVID slap in the face to point out that to those currently in power, winning is far more important than the nation, it's ideals and laws they swore to uphold.