Blogged by Brad Friedman on 4/2/2005 2:53PM  
Study of Exit Poll/Final Result disparity based on Exit Pollsters Own Data, Explanations, Allow One-in-959,000 Chance of Being Correct!
OH Secretary of State, Bush-Cheney Co-Chair Blackwell's Office Still Obnoxious, Unpatriotic.

On Thursday, USCountVotes.org, a Utah non-profit organization of statisticians and researchers, released a new scientific statistical analysis of the "2004 Presidential Exit Poll Discrepancies" [PDF]. Here is the executive summary of the report [PDF].

This study is a real one. A scientific one. Produced by a real group of non-partisan investigators, statisticians, university professors and mathmeticians --- unlike at least one phony GOP disinformation front group comprised of paid Bush/Cheney/RNC staff that we know of.

The USCountVotes.org report is in response to the one released by the Exit Pollsters, Edison/Mitofsky themselves who had tried, in their report, to explain away their own data as somehow being flawed. As explained in the USCountVote report's executive summary:

Our conclusion is that the data appear to be more consistent with the hypothesis of bias in the official count, rather than bias in the exit poll sampling. No data in the report supports the [Edison/Mitofsky] hypothesis that Kerry voters were more likely than Bush voters to cooperate with pollsters and, in fact, there is some indication that the opposite may have been the case.

In describing the report, USCountVotes.org says that:

It has only recently been officially confirmed (by the exit pollsters themselves) that on election night the final set of exit polls showed John Kerry defeating George Bush by 3% of the popular vote and a clear majority of 316 electoral votes. Our statisticians analyzed Edison/Mitofsky's own explanation of their exit poll discrepancies, and found serious flaws in their argument. Exit polls have been used for years to detect corruption of official vote tallies - most recently in Ukraine.

Here is just one graph from the report, of particular note to BRAD BLOG readers Velvet Revolution supporters and true advocates of Election Reform and Voting Rights (unlike other phony advocates of voting rights that we know of.)

Stephen Dyer of the Akron Beacon Journal has done a fine job of summing up some of the report's key points. As we've been too busy to do a thorough job of it ourselves (and likely will continue to be for the next several days at least), we associate ourselves with Dyer's summary. As well, we share the contemptable reactions to the report which he received from the office of the man responsible for ensuring fair elections in Ohio, Sec. of State (and Co-Chair of the Bush/Cheney Re-Election Comm.) J. Kenneth Blackwell via his spokesman, Carlo LoParo --- both of whom seem to continue to display an utter contempt for their country, its founding principles and its constitution...

There's a one-in-959,000 chance that exit polls could have been so wrong in predicting the outcome of the 2004 presidential election, according to a statistical analysis released Thursday.

Exit polls in the November election showed Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., winning by 3 percent, but President George W. Bush won the vote count by 2.5 percent.

The explanation for the (ed: historically unprecedented!) discrepancy that was offered by the exit polling firm --- that Kerry voters were more likely to participate in the exit polling --- is an "implausible theory," according to the report issued Thursday by US Count Votes, a group that claims it's made up of about two dozen statisticians.

Twelve --- including a Case Western Reserve University mathematics instructor --- signed the report.

Instead, the data support the idea that "corruption of the vote count occurred more freely in districts that were overwhelmingly Bush strongholds."
...
The conclusion drew a yawn from Ohio election officials, who repeated that the discrepancy issue was settled when the polling firms Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International disavowed its polls because Kerry voters were more likely to answer exit polls --- the theory Thursday's report deemed "implausible."
...
"What are you going to do except laugh at it?" said Carlo LoParo, spokesman for Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, who's responsible for administering Ohio's elections and is a Republican candidate for governor. "We're not particularly interested in (the report's findings). We wish them luck, but hope they find something more interesting to do.''

The statistical analysis, though, shows that the discrepancy between polls and results was especially high in precincts that voted for Bush --- as high as a 10 percent difference.

The report says of the official explanation --- that Bush voters were more shy about filling out exit polls in precincts with more Kerry voters --- if true, then the precincts with large Bush votes should be more accurate, not less accurate as the data indicate.
...
The report also called into question new voting machine technologies.

"All voting equipment technologies except paper ballots were associated with large unexplained exit poll discrepancies all favoring the same party, (which) certainly warrants further inquiry," the report concludes.

However, LoParo remained unimpressed.

"These (Bush) voters have been much maligned by outside political forces who didn't like the way they voted," he said. "The weather's turning nice. There are more interesting things to do than beat a dead horse."

We take no particular joy in making such statements, but from LoParo's response we can only conclude that he is an utterly and truly horrible human being who seems to despise his country and its founding, bedrock principles.

As we've come to expect from this bunch, they did not answer to the actual conclusion posited by the scientific report, nor did they refute any of the actual details of the careful analysis and evidence presented. The report was created after several months of detailed analytical study of an enormous amount of data. Instead, as has been their m.o. since Election Day, Blackwell/LoParo simply attempt to discredit/malign the American citizens who produced it as "outside political forces" with absolutely no evidence to back up their claims.

Buzz this story! C2NN: Submit it!


READER COMMENTS ON
"SCIENTIFIC REPORT: Evidence Strongly Suggests 2004 Presidential Election Results --- Not the Exit Polls! --- Were Biased and/or Flawed!"
(88 Responses so far...)

COMMENT #1 [Permalink]
... Potemkin said on 4/2/2005 @ 3:37 pm PT...


This makes me sooo mad!!! The question I have: how does one investigate something like this? It's like world hunger, it's just too big for the average person.


COMMENT #2 [Permalink]
... Manananana said on 4/2/2005 @ 4:07 pm PT...


Non-partisan? Hahaha. Give me a break.


COMMENT #3 [Permalink]
... Brad said on 4/2/2005 @ 4:13 pm PT...


Do you have any information to suggest the opposite Mana? Or are you simply being your usual head-in-the-sand, see-no-evil, democracy-loathing, wingnut self?


COMMENT #4 [Permalink]
... supersoling said on 4/2/2005 @ 4:19 pm PT...


Manabananafanatic,
Bush voters less likely to answer exit polls? Hahaha! One break, coming up.


COMMENT #5 [Permalink]
... Republicans are Fascists said on 4/2/2005 @ 4:28 pm PT...


-----
" This makes me sooo mad!!! The question I have: how does one investigate something like this? "

Potemkin
-----

All the evidence and answers will come pouring out the second Congress allows an investigation. That would give any all members full subpoena power.

One lil problem, Rep. John Conyers put in for this investigation back in January. Republican James Sensenbrenner is the chairman of Judicary Committee and wont allow an investigation to be started.

Eventually election reform issues will discussed but republicans have recently started a disinformation campaign by the use of the fraudulent front group AVCR ( read BradBlog front page) to weigh down and perhaps stamp out the issue.


COMMENT #6 [Permalink]
... Republicans are Fascists said on 4/2/2005 @ 4:35 pm PT...


Note to all, Don't Feed The Trolls.

They have zero interest in becoming more informed or discussing issues in full detail. As per another thread their key goal is to simply distrupt.


COMMENT #7 [Permalink]
... Sherry said on 4/2/2005 @ 5:56 pm PT...


Lucky me - to be living in the capitol of corruption within this new fascist nation! I am so ashamed of Ohio after living here all of my life. The Ohio State Government is overrun with Republican Fascists. They are all in it together.

Kenneth Blackwell (SOS) now Running for Governor
Howard Taft -(R) Governor - cannot run again-Term Limits.
James Petri - (R) Attorney General - Running for Governor
Betty Montgomery-(R)Auditor Of State - Running for Governor

All of the area churches are endorsing Blackwell because he says he is religious and was instrumental in getting the anti Gay Marriage bill passed. I have to go throw up now.

These are just a few of the crooks we have here in Ohio. There are many more! One lies, and all the rest swear to it! I have tried to vote them out for years now, but gee ... do you think my vote was counted? Will it be counted in the Gubernatorial race? Forgive my negativism this evening. Hopelessness descends now and then. I should be better by tomorrow.


COMMENT #8 [Permalink]
... Peg C said on 4/2/2005 @ 6:03 pm PT...


I recommended this link at the open thread, but I'll post it here as well. The blogger is a Canadian novelist.

Speaking of Canadians, where's Cheryl?


COMMENT #9 [Permalink]
... Miss Persistent said on 4/2/2005 @ 6:05 pm PT...


I suppose it's not up to E/M to release the data that are owned by the MSM news consortia. Is there anything we can do to get those data?


COMMENT #10 [Permalink]
... Peg C said on 4/2/2005 @ 6:09 pm PT...


Sherry -

We'll all join you over the toilet bowl. It's not just Ohio, it's the whole country, even the whole world. Enablers through silence or acquiescence of fascism and corruption.


COMMENT #11 [Permalink]
... Peg C said on 4/2/2005 @ 6:11 pm PT...


Re my #8 -

You have to scroll back UP to read the main blog.


COMMENT #12 [Permalink]
... Sherry said on 4/2/2005 @ 6:37 pm PT...


Peg C, I read the Canadian link you provided. It was great! I'm a little too old to take up a rifle and march, but I live in a remote area where I could hide revolutionists. :-) He sure told it like it is! Oh well, back to the toilet bowl!


COMMENT #13 [Permalink]
... Republicans are Fascists said on 4/2/2005 @ 6:52 pm PT...


----
"Forgive my negativism this evening. Hopelessness descends now and then. I should be better by tomorrow."

Sherry
----

Nothing to forgive Sherry. When people are up against what they perceive is a mammoth wall it's a normal reaction to go inside and feel down. Turn the negativity/down feeling into a positive. Get the message out. Let everyone know what's going on. Most people are so so busy juggling everyday life ( and this is really the way this administration wants it) that they don't have time or are to damn tired to dig deep enough to know the fulll story. This didn't happen over night and we wont be able to fix it over night.

Remember the Democratic party has been the majority party going back to the 30's. This has never changed. Election fraud from the 2000 presidential election till today has only allowed the tag team effort of this administration and much of corporate America to push forward a propaganda campaign that equals or possibly exceedes that of fascist Germany and communist Russia.

Also, remember that many many people feel as you do but are too afraid to speak or feel their voice will never be heard. Open discussion of the facts is the very thing this administration fears the most.


COMMENT #14 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/2/2005 @ 7:08 pm PT...


Erk, I guess that was a bit off topic too. I'm horrible about that. I read things and then just go off on whatever topic comes to mind. My apologies. Peace


COMMENT #15 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/2/2005 @ 7:11 pm PT...


Eegads, now I really do think I'm going nuts. My first post isn't there at all, so my second comment makes no sense at all. Well, my first comment (which didn't appear) was an off topic rant anyway. So, let's leave it at I'm an idiot and forget I was ever here. :o


COMMENT #16 [Permalink]
... Sherry said on 4/2/2005 @ 7:47 pm PT...


Republicans are Fascists #13 - Thank you for your uplifting comments! I am not shy about telling it like it is, except I need to work on not coming across as angry. I am angry! But, I need to relate the facts in a more civilized manner. :-) My family is a lost cause. They are all diehard Republicans and convinced that Bush is the voice of God. *sigh* I did tell my mom the other day that Bush was the anti-christ. She didn't take it well.

I like what you said about "open discussion" of the facts. When I was young, with children, and working 8 hours a day, I didn't think about politics much. I was just trying to survive and trusting in the powers that be - the government. So, you are right about letting them know what is going on. I am going to print out bits of wisdom and hang them at my little country general store. They keep a huge billboard on the outside of the building, and anyone is free to post. Of course, I will sneak them in busier places too, such as doctor's offices, etc.

Shadowtwinchaos # 14 & 15 - Thanks so much for the laugh! I really needed that! I couldn't get my breath I was laughing so hard! Feel free to post invisible off-topic rants any time you feel like it. We will definitely accept your apologies for doing so, but we will never think you are an idiot or forget you were here. Hee Hee


COMMENT #17 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/2/2005 @ 9:09 pm PT...


Sherry, :blush: Well, mission accomplished. I was actually reacting to one of your posts - #7 lol. I was just saying that I know how it must all seem over whelming. But we shall overcome this all. And then the rant started. But I shall spare you the rant and just say that it all works out in the end. I have to believe that. So, chin up and peace - glad for your smile. Oh, and thanks for saying I'm not an idiot. :D


COMMENT #18 [Permalink]
... cheryl said on 4/2/2005 @ 10:33 pm PT...


Hey Peg!
I'm here! But I'll just be popping in and out until after May 17th because we have an election coming up in BC and I'm organising my riding. Won't be much time for blogging, I'm afraid. But carry on everyone! You're doing a fine job. Just a word of advice though.....I wouldn't bother responding to Mana whoever; it's just a waste of valuable time. TTFN! Love you all.


COMMENT #19 [Permalink]
... Robert Lockwood Mills said on 4/3/2005 @ 1:50 am PT...


I agree completely about these morons who post taunting messages. They aren't worth anyone's time on this blog. We have more important work to do. Let them be like the tree in the forest that collapses when nobody else is around...it makes the same noise, but who cares?

I sent Joe Scarborough at MSNBC an e-mail when I first saw this report. He's a former G.O.P. congressman from Florida (to give him credit, he did fulfill a term-limits pledge) who apparently had a suspicious death in his own office at one point. Not knowing the details, I didn't go there with him, but I did chide him for his on-air sarcasm about the exit poll/tabulated vote differentials.

When Steven Freeman's finding were first released shortly after the election, and Keith Olbermann was discussing it, Scarborough shouted, "My God, this is serious!" He then tried to debunk Freeman, whose work he isn't nearly bright enough to understand, by talking about all the new voters in Florida since 2004. His tone was one of complete contempt for a University of Pennsylvnia professor with an intellect several times larger than his own.

The point is, partisan Republicans don't want the American people to know the truth. They don't want them exposed to analyses of the election in the papers or on TV. They want them to just show up at their evangelical churches and hear Bush described as Christ's designated representative on Earth. That's why it's imperative that we don't allow ourselves to be distracted by dumbbells like MANANANANA or whatever he calls himself.

Spread the news. The election was stolen. Show people the evidence. One chance in a million that the exit polls and tabulated vote could be 5-1/2 points apart. The laws of mathematics aren't subject to political influences. Archimedes and Pythagoras weren't Democrats or Republicans. Never mind the evangelicals and the idiots...just tell every reasonable thinking person you know, and we'll win this fight. And pretty soon, too.


COMMENT #20 [Permalink]
... Ron Brynaert said on 4/3/2005 @ 5:57 am PT...


The quotes by LoParo are abhorrent. These people used to say "no comment" now they say whatever they want without a care in the world.

Hopefully, this will prove that since they have no desire to even refute...there definitely is something that they're trying to hide. Way more than a single something, too.


COMMENT #21 [Permalink]
... STOP_George said on 4/3/2005 @ 10:31 am PT...


Hey guys!

In case your interested in reading more than 300 very interesting posts about this story --- check out my diary at Daily Kos. It was on the recommended list for the last couple of days.

One thing which is often forgotten on this issue is that, as the experts sort through the data, it is evident that Mitofsky et al. (the coordinators of the U.S. exit polling) have been unusually sloppy with their own analyses. So much so that it looks more and more like a massive whitewash each day (and Mitofsky is supposed to be a liberal --- so is the MSM media who refuse to disclose the raw numbers, incidentally).

Even Mitofsky's comments are unusually "stupid" --- being that he is considered "the father of exit polling". Here is a comment Mitofsky made after being asked about the initial US Vote Counts report (this one is a follow-up to the one in January).

"The Edison/Mitofsky report was not investigating election fraud. We were looking at how to guarantee the accuracy of exit poll data. "

How the hell can you guarantee the accuracy of the exit poll data when you don't even consider that there was counting error???!!!

I repeat THIS IS THE FATHER OF EXIT-POLLING!

Or, at least, these are the words of someone else put in the mouth of the father of exit polling.


COMMENT #22 [Permalink]
... lewis said on 4/3/2005 @ 10:55 am PT...


Look, we can all sit around wringing our hands, or we can decide to do something about it. The people who live in Ohio and are disgusted by Blackwell et al., here's my advice to you: INFILTRATE. Make them think that you're one of them. Go to work in their offices, either as paid employees or as volunteers, then start sifting through their files, hacking their computers. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY WE'RE GOING TO GET THE PROOF THAT WE NEED.

The reason they're getting away with this shit is because they've surrounded themselves with a bunch of like-minded crooks who think that the ends justify the means --- that stealing elections is just fine as long as you're in party "in the right."

We've got to get close to these people, fool them into believing that we agree with them on everything and that we'll do everything in our power to protect them. It's simple. When they ask us our party affiliation, we just have to say, "I voted for the winning team of course." This will be true, since we did vote for the winners; but they put the losers in office.

People who live in Washington, DC, same thing. Get into the White House, Penatagon, infilitrate, then start digging. Go there in whatever capacity you can, as clerks, secretaries, trash collectors. Don't worry about the pay. It will just be a temporary gig.

This is a call to arms. Whatever you're currently doing cannot possibly be as important as saving your country from facism.

We also need to infiltrate the voting machine companies (Diebold et al.) And we need hackers! We need people who can get into other people's computers without them knowing it and see what they're up to.

What are we waiting for? Facism is here to stay unless we do something now. Is this the kind of country you want to raise your children in?????


COMMENT #23 [Permalink]
... supersoling said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:00 am PT...


Stop_George #22

Thanks for that diary. I read through it last night. It's good to know there is still a passionate and dedicated minority at Dkos in spite of all the grief they catch from some of the front pagers (ostrichs). Commenter Febble in particular found it necesarry to post his own diary in an almost parody form, discounting the evidence, and that's what it is, evidence. I won't even get into Plutonium Page, and his/her comments.

Mitofsky's assertion that the polls were off because Bush voters were reluctant to talk to pollsters is flat out absurd, without even talking about how the polls for the Senate races were largely correct, and that the vote count differed farther outside the margin of error where computer tabulation was used, if I have that correct.

Keep up the good work friend. It's much needed, and much appreciated.

Peace


COMMENT #24 [Permalink]
... Bejammin075 said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:12 am PT...


I will reiterate what others have said about the "trolls": it's a waste of time and energy to respond to them. they are either totally brainwashed, or part of the disinformation. I've seen some of the responses to "trolls" get to lengths that would almost make a phd thesis. don't waste your time! don't get drawn into a clinton-blow job debate, etc.


COMMENT #25 [Permalink]
... supersoling said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:39 am PT...


Lewis #23

We ain't gettin in the White House or the Pentagon. Years ago my wife was a receptionist for a Washington area defense contractor when we lived in Maryland, and she decided it was time to move up, get a raise, etc. There was only one small (HUGE!) problem. In order to move up, she had to get security clearance. I got calls from friends in Florida, and New York, where we had lived, asking about the phone calls they were getting asking questions about my wife and I, and one of my ex-bosses even got a visit from some guy in a suit. All of this just for a receptionist job.(nothing against receptionists) Well the report on her was about half an inch thick and they even found out she got busted smoking reefer in high school. Dang! I don't know about you, but they ain't letting me in the front door, let alone near any kind of well protected documents :O)

I think the key is breaking the RWCM blockade on all the obvious evidence that's out there. Just look at all the Clint Curtis/Tom Feeney information that Brad's been working his ass off on. I mean there's a guy who has signed an affidavit and given testimony in front of a Congressional inquiry, and yet you never see or hear anything about it from the media. What gives? We can gather all the evidence in the world, but unless we can get it out to the masses, it's useless.

I don't mean for this to sound like a knock on your idea. It's free thinkers like you that are gonna find the answer.

Peace


COMMENT #26 [Permalink]
... supersoling said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:44 am PT...


O.K.

Per all the "don't feed the trolls" comments, I now feel compelled to apologize for leaving a small snack for Manabananafanatic.

There..........done. (:>)


COMMENT #27 [Permalink]
... lewis said on 4/3/2005 @ 12:00 pm PT...


I understand your concerns, Supersoling. But not every bleeding-heart liberal out there has smoked dope. Some (including myself) have lived squeaky clean lives (for better or for worse) and could sail through any security clearance.


COMMENT #28 [Permalink]
... lewis said on 4/3/2005 @ 12:09 pm PT...


If hacking is illegal, by the way, than there's no need to hack. These people are too stupid to wipe their behind's clean, let alone not leave a paper trial of their crimes. Just casually take a look at their desks when you're bring them their morning coffee.


COMMENT #29 [Permalink]
... Bob Bilse said on 4/3/2005 @ 12:20 pm PT...


A new study, but not news, just more corroboration.

No less than Dick Morris has stated that exit polls are historically accurate and very dependable (of course, he backpedaled when he saw what really took place). The exit polls were, and will remain, dependable.

Also dependable: Diebold, etc., machines - you can depend on these to be continued to be used to hack our votes and turn our elections. These are monumentally dangerous times in this country, and the threat from within is equal to the threat from without.

Also dependable: vast disenfranchisement of minority and liberal college students. This is even worse than the vote-hacking, in my eyes.

Focus on the Mananaramas of this country is wasted effort, a useless distraction. There are much larger fish to fry. They're not worthy of arguing with.

The Corporatists are persistently using their money and influence (which is growing) to gain power at the expense of everyone here on this page, including those who blindly argue for their ability to succeed.

The Beelzebush Conspiracy is about the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer. The other issues they've made their own (right-to-life, religious and gender intolerance, taxes, etc.) are secondary to this fact, primarily to gain support. And it works to a far greater degree than it should.

Not enough people are fooled by neocons to garner the votes to get them into office, but they've worked that problem out, too - hence the discrepancy with exit polls. You watch, they'll spend the next four years discrediting a very credible form of predicting the outcome, to either eradicate exit polling, or discredit it further. Predictable as rain.

"Rome" is burning, while all the good little "Neros" are fiddling with their TV dials, swallowing neocon propaganda whole. It's outrageous.


COMMENT #30 [Permalink]
... Miss Persistent said on 4/3/2005 @ 12:30 pm PT...


Remember that E/M's client is the MSM. E/M did the only thing they could, and at that it had to have been requested and edited by the MSM as the client. The client holds the last pencil.

It is then OUR job to get the rest of the data from the MSM. E/M does not own that data and they are bound by whatever is in their contract - whether they like it or not.


COMMENT #31 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/3/2005 @ 12:34 pm PT...


First, I want to apologize for feeding the trolls. I guess I just can't resist sometimes point out their most blatent ignorant comments - such as the debate going on in the other thread about polls. I will make an attempt to control my feedings.

Lewis - let me say that I agree with you on the level that we have to do something to get the information that we need. I agree that this is a serious time and we need serious people to help solve the problems. While I'm not sure if I agree with all of your ideas - I see what you are saying. Clearance isn't easy to obtain. I gained security clearance to enter the White House 4 times during the Clinton era - I doubt with my activists actions I could gain entry now. But there are other solutions. We need people to motivate and take a stand.

My belief in the American system is deep. Not where it is now, but the ideas our country were founded on. I believe in the American's Creed:

The American's Creed

by William Tyler Page

"I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

"I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

–Written 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.

Brilliant words. I just wish our government believed them as well as believed in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. We just need to take back our government from the politcians and give the power back to the people. But how we do that is not as clear.


COMMENT #32 [Permalink]
... Teresa said on 4/3/2005 @ 2:36 pm PT...


I always learn great lessons from mythology. In Roman mythology, Mars was an uncivilized, bloodthirsty brute, who was always excluded from the gods' banquets. This enraged him further, and he brought constant revenge upon them.

If we acknowlede everyone and include them in the human family, I think we will be better off. They should be dealt with according to their actions, but you can't ignore people. This usually makes things worse.
I think the Bradblog is very advanced in this way. I see more acceptance of this hard fact than most places. It is the way of the future as the divisions in this society are going to be very problematic. We don't want violence, but we have to deal with people who think and feel differently.

Trolls in actuality are mischievous creatures. You don't have to be friends with anyone, but they do exist, and won't likely disappear. They will always come around in some form.

I of little fear am coming to my senses. This voting problem might work itself out. So much attention has been paid to the latest crime, that it might become difficult for them to continue to get away with it. In fact, all of their sewage is backing up. Time will tell.


COMMENT #33 [Permalink]
... Peg C said on 4/3/2005 @ 6:53 pm PT...


Time. That's what we don't have any of. I hate to say it, Teresa, but I think you're too sanguine. One ostrich to another in the middle of an elephant herd. "Elephants? I don't see any elephants! But the sand is making an awful lot of noise today, don't you think?"


COMMENT #34 [Permalink]
... walkshills said on 4/3/2005 @ 7:28 pm PT...


If the point of blockage is James Sensenbrenner then some group needs to go after him. Every scrap of information available, along with calls of 'obstruction of justice.'

Everything is chilled until the House Judiciary Committee is capable of action. It is the point of control and thus the proper point of attack.

At the very least, Demo senators and reps should be stating this last study publically at every opportunity.


COMMENT #35 [Permalink]
... Teresa said on 4/3/2005 @ 8:04 pm PT...


Oh, Peg, I am far too sanguine. Good way of putting it. It is my nature. In fact, I have consciously tried to be more pessimistic, and I can't seem to accomplish that. I've been through horrors in my life, but I have survived it all in good shape. So I believe I will endure quite well what is ahead. I have great faith in life, so I really don't argue with the way it unfolds. I think it happens correctly, and that there is some grand orchestration that I trust. I try to do my best, to learn from my experience, and to extract some joy out of life no matter what happens. There is only so much I can control. And I believe in the law of equal and opposite. I feel our country is buying some good time.

We surely do have time as long as we are alive. It is such a strange concept. It is all individual perception. I am not young and yet I am not in a hurry. I've got plenty of time. I never perceive an impending doom that makes me scurry about madly. In fact, the more I take my time, the more I seem to be able to handle the difficulty.

The ax always falls, but every time I get through it, I celebrate.


COMMENT #36 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/3/2005 @ 10:38 pm PT...


Here's a surprise - I agree with you both Peg and Teresa- I'm so agreeable. LOL I am a Gemini and so both sides of me agree. Part of me is saying that these horrors need to be dealt with and we all need to take action now. However - I also agree with Teresa on my calmer days where I believe that everything is going to be in balance. Karmic justice will prevail and that you reap what you sow in this world or the next. So, with the pendulum in constant swing we will be back in center and then again to the left or right over time. But being me, I go back and forth between those two points of view. It's funny to hear me say that Karmic Justice will prevail when another part of me wants justice now. Sigh, you are both right.


COMMENT #37 [Permalink]
... Peg C said on 4/3/2005 @ 10:51 pm PT...


Teresa -

You are indeed fortunate. I too have been through multiple "horrors;" but those horrors have never been mitigated, only compounded. I greatly fear that similar horror is about to be visited en masse on the American people, in the form and figure of an absolutist fascistic dictatorship that admits of no individual personhood. That admits NO democratic dissent.

We are on the verge. I am not a natural pessimist, but I have become acrophobic in my old age. I'm afraid that a misstep will topple us over the edge; and I quiver at the prospect.


COMMENT #38 [Permalink]
... herbonzness said on 4/3/2005 @ 10:58 pm PT...


Could we be getting off track a little?
Hasn't there got to be a way to throw some of these jerks in jail? Has anyone talked to a lawyer?
Perhaps Ohioans with a civil suit?
With all the info compiled so far, it seems a slam dunk.
I'm one of those people with a job and little time to devote to finding out what's going on.
I've completely given up on regular media, but check this site amongst others at least once a week, so I may not be able to see replies.
Gotta go to bed.


COMMENT #39 [Permalink]
... Teresa said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:14 pm PT...


I don't think so, Peg. At least we are far from that kind of dictatorship right now. My family members were incarcerated in the camps in WW II, and their descriptions of life in a dictatorship are vastly different from what we have.
I think there is a fundamental character to every country. I don't think that ours could support a totalitarian regime.
Our society has become too lazy and affluent and needs a great adjustment. It will come. And it will be painful. It already is. But I still think we have miles and miles to go before a dictatorship could take hold.

One very important thing that just happened is that the judicial system of our land slapped the President hard last week. This could never happen if a dictatorship were emerging.

I can be ostrich-like, and I have been wrong lately more than I usually am. We have been a fascist state for a long time. That does not always equate with totalitarianism. People often do fine in fascist regimes.

Another telling thing is, Ward churchill is still teaching. He would have been gone. And every night the administration is severely ridiculed on TV.

If a dictatorship comes, I will adjust. But I am not in a panic yet.

Shadow, Gemini is my favorite sign. They always amuse me and are my favorite playmates. And they are up on everything.


COMMENT #40 [Permalink]
... Teresa said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:17 pm PT...


My apologies, Herbo.


COMMENT #41 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/3/2005 @ 11:40 pm PT...


Us Geminis are great at being involved - just don't put us in charge. We are great at multi-tasking - just don't ask us to finish anything. LOL, well - maybe I shouldn't speak for all Geminis. It is one of our worst traits though. :)

As in most cases - I see all sides of the matters at hand but have a hard time sticking to one decision on action. I know we have it good in this country, much better than many others. And in a lot of ways we have it way better than our families that came over from everywhere they immigrated from. It's a great nation. I honestly believe that. I just think that we have gotten off track and need to be steered back in the right direction. It's just necessary to get the right people in the driver's seat.


COMMENT #42 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/4/2005 @ 5:55 am PT...


Hope #44 - we all cling to hope. Hope is what keeps everyone going. I have hope - hope that there is a solution to all this. That we can bring our boys and girls home, hope that there will be an end to this "war". Hope that we can find a way to get back the government from the politicians. But hope only gets us part of the way. We also need action. If it is true what you say and the dam is getting too heavy then I also have hope that the innocent will not be crushed in the flood that follows.


COMMENT #43 [Permalink]
... Peggy said on 4/4/2005 @ 8:14 am PT...


Lewis #23 - good idea, infiltrate as much as you can, volunteer

Walkshills #34 - the Judiciary Committee is presently looking into voting fraud, and you can see the intention is to ensure that no fraud is found and the Repubs. can continue with their actions to stay in power thru election machine robbery. Sometimes, evil-doers can be brought down by going where they aren't looking, and therefore are not prepared. One small action can cause an avalance they can't save themselves from.

The pilgrims sailed away from Europe to the New World, the Americas. Would all progressives consider actually moving to certain states, to make certain they are in the majority? They could take their intelligence and their assets. Instead of being spread out all over the country, they could converge into specific states. These states could then oppose any corrupt federal government, and refuse to enact the fed's policies. Maybe it's time for the United States to Dis-Unite and separate from the Bad Guys. I would...


COMMENT #44 [Permalink]
... molly said on 4/4/2005 @ 8:43 am PT...


#44..Love Wayne Madsen..The american people have been waiting for some time now for some one to save us. Remember "I will see that every vote is counted Kerry".."We'll have cameras all over Florida." Michael Moore...What are these people told? I saw you masturbate when you were in the eighth grade. "Tell what you know and your mother will die." There are a lot of people with a lot to say who are eerily silent. While we wait for one to come who will blow the lid off the fascist takeover...don't pay taxes' no taxation without representation. Let's give Jeff Gannon respect, just in case he is Johnny Goshe. Let's respect everybody and take back our country.


COMMENT #45 [Permalink]
... Republicans are Fascists said on 4/4/2005 @ 11:32 am PT...


I think many if not most immediately associate fascism and Nazism as one in the same. Hitler's ideology ("version" of fascism) was deeply based on rascism. Much more so than most other fascists regimes. It would be much easier for people who easily write off America becoming a fascist nation if they were given actual information of past fascist regimes or examples of it's true meaning.

You can read more on each here,

Nazism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazism
Fascism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism

Also, here is a worth while read comparing the rise of fascism in 1930's Germany and todays America.

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0222-22.htm


COMMENT #46 [Permalink]
... Robert Lockwood Mills said on 4/4/2005 @ 12:27 pm PT...


Sensenbrenner happens to be from Wisconsin, which is one of the few states where there was evidence of fraud on the Democratic side in the 2004 election. It was the only one of the eleven battleground states where the exit polls tracked closely with the tablulated vote. Republicans there have been claiming that the state was stolen for Kerry.

I think this is important. Sensenbrenner probably sees fraud as a two-way street (as do many in Congress, including my own representative, Chris Shays). If so, he'd be reluctant to focus on Ohio only, knowing he'd anger his fellow Republicans and those in his home state in particular.

If we deluge Sensenbrenner with e-mails and letters (a good idea), I think our approach should be very non-partisan and should address all fraud. A widespread investigation of every battleground state might show some interesting results...Bush really won Wisconsin, but Kerry really won Ohio, Florida, New Mexico, and Nevada.

That's the way I think it really happened, in fact.


COMMENT #47 [Permalink]
... Teresa said on 4/4/2005 @ 12:31 pm PT...


Absolutely, my lovable, ditzy, easily sidetracked Gemini....The right people in the driver's seat. and that means, GETTING OUR VOTE COUNTED!

We are 'blue' in the face from agonizing over these criminals, and all of this uncovering of their deeds seems to be getting nowhere.
The polls are telling the truth, the media knows the truth, and deep down the people of this country know they were cheated.

We are on the verge of taking back the House of Representatives if we can have a relatively clean election. We've got to figure this out.
If an investigation cannot be launched, nor reform effected, then we have to come up with a massive grass roots effort with all the strength we can muster to demand a nonpartisan counting.

It's absolutely fucking ridiculous to hand our votes over to rightwing extremists for tabulation.
My God in Heaven!


COMMENT #48 [Permalink]
... Hope Is On The Way said on 4/4/2005 @ 12:37 pm PT...


:angry:

It's a bad time for everyone, but I'm here to just say that hope is on the way.

There is someone on the inside already, someone who is close to these nutjobs. There's alot of things going on here and lots of wheels in motion.

If you ever glance through yahoo, you might catch some strange events going on here. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/showdownroom/

Its crawling with pro-fascist spies and there is some real nasty things they say, using religious sermons and de-nouncing other people.

They are always on the attack and pushing forward violence and other vicious disgusting virtues.

But there is someone who will appear, that will expose the liars. He may never reveal his real name or anything, but the information will come out.

Call it an act of faith. Wayne Madsen is not going to do the job though. He got beseiged by evil fascists, and is now attacking people who are too close to the truth.

It will come out though, the truth about the cult who started the fourth reich and took over the USA will come out. The dam is getting very heavy, and there is thousands of people after this guy now who will expose the bad guys.

Matthew Bridges


COMMENT #49 [Permalink]
... Teresa said on 4/4/2005 @ 2:14 pm PT...


Absolutely right, RAF #48... fascist regimes come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Everyone should bone up, so they no what they are talking about when they use these terms.

This regime in the USA is not interested in racism and genocide, believe it or not, as Hitler was.
They are interested in establishing corporate states unobstructed by taxation and law. A utopian corporate empire.


COMMENT #50 [Permalink]
... Shadowtwinchaos said on 4/4/2005 @ 3:33 pm PT...


Absolutely - a nation formed of Bush's people as he was quoted saying "The Haves and the Have Mores."

They have to have a bottom layer of people to oppress, they couldn't raise themselves up on their own. They have to step on the little people to get there. I hope they are enjoying the view because I can believe that their stay there will soon be over.


COMMENT #51 [Permalink]
... Mark Lloyd Baker said on 4/4/2005 @ 5:28 pm PT...


Teresa #49 - Right on, though as a subgroup, the Zionist Neocons do have an ideological agenda that reaches beyond that of their corporatist comrades, and does contain religious and racist elements.

And while our leaders' only real concern is with the corporate state, that doesn't preclude them and their henchmen from fomenting hatred and racism as a means of controlling the populace. Get everyone scared enough about Arab terrorists and they'll pretty much go along with anything, like wars of aggression, torture, environmental destruction and the removal of civil liberties.

The 21st century American version of fascism is also perhaps not as overtly sexist as most other incarnations. Women do vote in the U.S. and even fascists have to be somewhat pragmatic.

The corporatist's utopia is everyone else's dystopia.


COMMENT #52 [Permalink]
... Other_Name said on 4/4/2005 @ 11:43 pm PT...


"The corporatist's utopia is everyone else's dystopia."

It truly is, isn't it. Or is it worse then that.

You can never tell today, when religion has become the occupying exscuse for the entire government.

But it doesn't take a scientist to realize what's next. Zimbabwe and the other governments are being toppled by fraud also, using the same fascist cult who sponsored this fourth reich.

If they plan to destroy Syria for instance, after all the reports seen now they might just have the power to do it installing their own regime.

But, all hope is not lost. Whoever comes forward will have to do it soon.

Gordon


COMMENT #53 [