Tribune Media Services columnist, Robert Koehler, has declared ‘No Confidence’ in the recent Busby/Bilbray special U.S. House election about which we’ve been reporting extensively on here at The BRAD BLOG over the past week.
In his latest column, online today, in papers tomorrow, Koehler discusses “democracy extremists” such as yours truly (who he refers to as “democracy maven Brad Friedman” so how could we not like him?) and the mess of an election held last week in San Diego where the world’s most hackable voting machines — Diebold’s — were sent home for overnight with poll workers in the weeks preceding the election.
The sleepovers, Koehler confirms, are in direct violation of the CA Sec. of State, Bruce McPherson’s own recent security mitigation procedures for use of Diebold systems, apparently violating their certification for use in last week’s election, as we reported in detail earlier today.
Koehler’s as appalled as we are and writes in his tremendous column (please read the whole thing!):
…
I don’t know whether the secretary of state’s allegiance is to partisan politics or just a quick count. But like others who have looked on appalled at the procedural sloppiness of this election, I have no confidence in Bilbray’s 4,732-vote “victory” over Busby. Worse, I fear that democracy in the electronic era is in the hands of people who regard it as more trouble than it’s worth.
Good job,.. good job,… getting the story out there.
Tick – tock,.. tick – tock,.. 11/2006 is getting closer.
Maybe now the networks will start to pick up on this.
Oh, wait, for a moment I forgot what third world government I am living in….
I given up being surprised or shocked at these stories, I’m even less shocked that the MSM is ignoring these stories. Fascism is here to stay folks, these elections are just a fascade and a way to keep the populace compliant. Remember the Roman Emperors kept the Senate around too.
I fear that democracy in the electronic era is in the hands of people who regard it as more trouble than it’s worth.
Isn’t that the truth? A long time ago, I worked for awhile for an elections office where the boss was in a constant state of anxiety trying to plug up every possibility of manipulation and fraud during election time. He spent most of his time chain-smoking cigarettes and harassing the staff and election workers with details, details.
He made life rough at times, but we all held him in great respect because of his total commitment to the democratic process.
Who are these guys in vital elections positions now? “Nobody would do that.” “Direct violation of the law? Well, I guess so. But nobody would do that.” Pablum for brains. The Peter Principle gone wild.
WHAT!
No comments from David Bear and Dr. Shamos!
Koehler even gives credit to Brad for his enlightenment. Somebody give this honorable reporter a raise!
Very good Brad, let me be the first to shake your hand,
(now how do I reach through this damn screen !)
Arry #4
You noticed that too! I think it is a quote that should go down into the quote books:
(Robert Koehler, 2006). Because it is a glaring truth. I am reminded of the foresight of Dylan too:
(link here).
Good article Mr. Koehler. And thanks for mentioning brad blog and black box voting!
I’m pretty literate, and I don’t even know what the word ‘maven’ means! 😀
Great job!
.. Independent_one said on 6/15/2006 @ 9:29 am PT…
Use the lookup on the comment area, I’ll even bet you can buy a maven on Ebay