Oh, Yea! The first story is now above the fold! And most of the cr*p above it is gone! I just hope it stays that way!

"Voter confidence" is one of many examples of the incredible morass this country is wallowing in; where the advertising and marketing are conflated with what's real and what's right.

If certain citizens have confidence in the Iraq invasion and occupation, does it make it right in their eyes? It seems to me Bush's entire role is to blur the line between "confidence" and real moral, legal, and cultural questions and facts that should be discussed.

But the problem is pervasive. The election officials that seem so dense and drive us nuts are often typical examples of a much larger segment of society whose purpose is to smooth things along, to stop the boat from rocking, to make sure everyone is happy, contented and not thinking. "Sleepwalking through history". And the thing is, such a role is considered honorable by those who cherish stability above all.

Obviously, "voter confidence" should be the result of an honest and fair system, not a goal in itself.

Ello, Arry, it's funny how "voter confidence" has become an issue. Pencils and paper ballots have always worked fine, and if you want to cheat you have to deal with physical evidence. I was discussing a possible ice cream parlor with a friend, and mentioned that making chocolate chip cookies on the premises might be a good idea, in terms of aroma, sales, synergy, etc., and he got all enthusiastic: "Yeah! We can get one of those new computerized ovens!" I gave up at that point. There is no way fair elections should be an issue - there are far weightier matters that must be dealt with, forthwith, as a matter of fact!!!

"Voter confidence"..."confidence" to stay the course..."We have confidence"...We are confidence men...We are con men...