Karen Rants: The New Hampshire recount
This post is the first of a a new series of columns written by my friend Karen Mattonen. Its called “Karen Rants” and in it she will discuss whatever has her passion inflamed this week. (Inside joke) For now, read what she has to say about the latest political scandal sure to be all over the news tonight. I think its recruiting related…
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The New Hampshire Recount
Karen Mattonen
(c) 2008
Watching Bill Maher’s show on Saturday, I learned something really quite shocking regarding the New Hampshire primaries. There was a very strong possibility that the tolls had possibly been tampered with, and there will be a recount of the polls.
The first thing that popped into my little noggin was the documentary “Hacking Democracy.” This documentary which exposed the vulnerability of the Diebold Electronic Voting Machines to hacking, fraud and faulty manufacturing (fyi, Diebold changed the name of the machines and they are currently calling it Premiere Electronic Solutions Inc).
As I write this I wonder what is more shocking to me. That the Majority of America is not aware of this story? It hasn’t hit the “big and important news” of the Elections?
Or is it that we have been aware that there are flaws in these machines for several elections, yet we continue to use them?
Or is it that the Average American doesn’t appear to care about their welfare, or the welfare of their kids. That the middle class is being wiped out, and that our dream is fading;
That our economy is going to Hell in a handbasket; and this is the time we should be aware because our Vote SHOULD Count. Our Vote SHOLD BE THE INSTRUMENT to effect changes to the welfare and economy of this country. Yet, we go ho humm? We are not aware? Britney Spears possible insanity is More interesting news? Not the concerns of what will life be like for our Grandkids, and their kids? Not the concerns as to what WE as AMERICAN’s should be more proud and cherish the most, the Vote.. the ability to vote, and the ability TO HAVE YOUR VOTE BE COUNTED AS IT IS?
Thankfully an Election watchdog in NH was able to notice the discrepancies of the votes. Here is an example of what happened.
The town of Sutton admitted it voided all Paul votes. He got 31, but none made the official tally. It was blamed on “human error” that might account for a slight variance but highly unlikely to erase his entire total. Yet it did and raises strong suspicions of fraud. Once this information got out, other districts where Paul scored zero changed their final count adding votes for him never counted. Something clearly is rotten in New Hampshire. It doesn’t say much for the process ahead, or past ones either for that matter. (Source) — Yep, it appears that the Russians had More Interest in the story than we did.. It was Breaking News there..
So what happened? Hilary and Romney Gained Votes from the Machine Count; Hmm… Surprisingly, They did not do as well in the cities that did handcounts, in some areas as MUCH AS 13 POINTS (Check the vote ).
The Good News - the New Hampshire Department of State issued a press release announcing that two candidates, Democrat Dennis Kucinich and Republican Albert Howard had requested and been granted a recount which will be held on the 16th. NH primary recount expected to begin this week. (Vermont Public Radio, VT - 3 hours ago)
My comments? I am mad as hell. I EARNED the right to vote in America. No, I didn’t have this honor bestowed upon me by birth, it came to me through marriage, and earning the privilege and Honor of becoming a citizen. Yes, it took me a while to decide to become a citizen, mostly because of procrastination, but, I took the plunge finally because I wanted to Vote this election and I WANTED MY VOTE TO COUNT. So, this does piss me off! To note that this CONTROVERSY has been ignored by many, and that Obama and several others did Not even Contest this election. Why not Obama, why not Hilary, why not Edwards.. for the Democrats.. McCain, Huckabee, Paul, where were you guys as well?
This isn’t just about YOU, or YOUR vote, even if YOU didn’t care for yourself. You should at least cared enough for ME the American Public. Are you not requesting to become the leader of us. Isn’t my welfare, and that of my brother, sister, uncle and neighbor not your concern?
So, I ask, where were you? Why didn’t you ask, question or become concerned? Why did it take, two individuals I had never heard of to push for the recount, and to bring this to our attention.
I am VERY SAD! America, so should you be!
For more info visit: YouDecide08
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2 Responses to “Karen Rants: The New Hampshire recount”
By Wanda O'Reilly on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Karen:
One of the two persons that you’ve never heard of before just so happens to be Dennis Kucinich whom the mainstream media and corporate $$$ have deliberately made into the INVISIBLE MAN. Not that his message for America isn’t a good one, quite the contrary, its too good and it has corporations, especially ABC and NBC whom have done double backflips to disappear him.
If my choices are limited by mainstream corporate media down to Hillary and Obama, my vote might go with Obama, but definately NOT to HIllary who is Bush in a pantsuit. But if I were to vote the best thing for America, for our children, for the future and the world, I would cast my vote first and foremost for Dennis Kucinich. Me thinks the odds are stacked against him and WE THE PEOPLE.
By Karen Mattonen on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
HI Wanda,
thanks for the Post, and yes, I agree with your sentiments.
With Respect to the integrity of Jim’s blog I would also like to take some time out to add the following addendum
Jim has always maintained that this blog is to encompass the Recruiting industry, and though I appreciate that Jim recognizes the importance of the upcoming elections in relation to the Economy which in turn affects both employment and Recruiting, there are many whom may see this post as a political rant.
That is not the case. First off, I want it to be noted that I did not speak of, or in relation to any political affiliation, as this current problem affected Both Parties.
But, Most Importantly. Today the NY Times released a poll which demonstrated that the Majority of Americans were concerned about the Economy, and the possibility of recession. Obviously their votes and voices will be pertaining to those concerns.
When we vote, we anticipate, and expect Our Votes will be counted fairly in the hope for a better future both in regards to the economy, but also to the best interest of our jobs, careers, employment factors, as well as our lifestyle.
So, if our votes are not being counted accurately, that means our voices are not being truley heard. That our hopes and dreams will be respected. Our voices are not being acknowledged which is what our forefathers fought for us here in America
This in my personal opininion is indeed a travesty and a huge concern. Especially when this information did not make the Headlines as it should have! That is Scary in itself.
Here is information of the polls http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/us/politics/14poll.html?em&ex=1200373200&en=562636d29bfd6d92&ei=5087%0A
And the actual statistics can also be found here
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/national/01142008_pollgraphics.pdf