We continue to be unable to report as many Election 2004 Irregularity issues as we might like due to developments in the continuing Clint Curtis story. Some of those developments we’ve reported on here (see the “Special Coverage” sidebar at right), others we are still unable to discuss publicly. But there is more to come.
We take some comfort, however, in the fact that there are now many more folks covering the story than there were in the lonely days just after November 3rd.
So while we stay on top of Curtis coverage like a dog with a bone, we offer a few recommendations for superb coverage of all the latest breaking Election 2004 items (and there have been many of them of late!).
We recommend daily reads at CannonFire, Democrats.com, the Columbus Free Press, and of course, RAW STORY. There are many, many more folks doing similary exhaustive and important coverage right now, many such sites will be linked from some of those that I just mentioned.
But to get momentarily back here to the growing confidence crisis that is quickly eroding the very core of our democracy…even while the Mainstream Media shamefully fails America by missing the story entirely…here are several of the latest and most noteworthy developments in this saga, and a few opportunities for the people to stand up for the country we love…Because somebody’s got to…
RAW NUMBERS VIA RAW STORY
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) continues his heroic fight as Democratic leader of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. After getting snubbed by Warren Mitofsky, the head of the news consortium that sponsors Election Day Exit Polling (the mysterious numbers that seemed to indicate that Kerry should have won in so many of the places that he “didn’t”), Conyers is now going over his head to get a look at those numbers.
Conyers had asked Mitofsky for the raw, unadjusted polling data so that it might be examined, and also for him to appear and give testimony at the hearings held in D.C. last week. Mitofsky declined to do either.
Now Conyers is calling on the news organizations themselves to release that important data. We can’t imagine what news organization would not comply to such a request from a member of the U.S. Congress, or on what grounds. So we truly hope that at least one of them will soon be forthcoming.
We’d suggest these media organizations now have a duty to do so. Read to the bottom of this item for an idea why. Raw Story, meanwhile, has the raw numbers scoop with the actual letter sent by Conyers to the Mainstream Media brain trust.
PAPER BALLOTS ARE A GOOD THING…
After several machine counts, and one manual hand count, it looks like Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Christine Gregoire may end up edging out Republican Dino Rossi in the final tally.
Out of 2.9 million votes cast on Election Day, Rossi ended up with an astoudingly slim 261 vote lead. An automatic machine recount narrowed his margin to 42 votes. And now — after paper ballots were counted by hand! — Gregoire is now up by just 10 votes!
Meanwhile, three are still 700 wholly uncounted absentee ballots that were discovered as uncounted several days ago in Democratic-leaning Kings County.
You thought because it’s Christmas that the Election was Over?
Think again….
Republican officials fought tooth-and-nail to keep the ballots of those Americans from being counted (go figure), but a late decision by the Washington Supremes has ruled in favor of counting peoples votes (go figure). So we’ll see where the final final final numbers end up. More details here.
Moral: Paper Ballots that can be recounted, by hand, are a very good thing.
THINGS GET EVEN HOTTER IN OHIO…
Bob Fitrakis and his crack team of actual reporters continue their yeoman’s work at the Columbus Free Press. Covering the growing national crisis that the national media seems to regard as a local affair.
Their latest report (worth reading in it’s entirely for all of the details that I can’t hit for the minute here) details the subpeonas and depositions-a-flyin’ now in the Buckeye State and beyond.
Of particular note:
But Republican Blackwell’s attorney at the Secretary of State’s office told the attorneys issuing the notice of deposition and subpoena that Blackwell will not testify under oath. The Republican-controlled Attorney General’s office has labeled any attempt to put Blackwell under oath, “harassment.” Blackwell supervised the November 2 vote in Ohio at the same time he served as co-chair of the state’s Bush-Cheney campaign.
As to the actual petition file with the Ohio Supreme Court to have the election results in that state set aside, a bevy of attorneys who have descended upon the state in recent days, are reporting runarounds from Election officials all over the state:
“Maybe this (the explanation of the Ohio vote) is much closer to the surface than anybody thinks,” said Pete Pectarsky, a lead challenge attorney. “It doesn’t add up. If everything was above board, why are they hiding everything?
…
The election challenge suit was filed Dec. 17. Blackwell, the Bush-Cheney campaign, and Ohio’s Republican electors have 10 days to respond. Then, according to court procedural rules, each side has 20 days to do discovery – or additional evidence gathering, with those bringing the suit going first. With January 6 being the date Congress accepts the Electoral College vote, and January 20 being the inauguration, the GOP seems determined to make the recount drag on as long as possible.
ON THE HILL AND TO THE STREETS…
Meanwhile, Jesse Jackson has called for a rally in Ohio on January 3rd where, according to the Free Press Jackson “has pronounced Ohio’s vote fraud fiasco ‘the biggest deal since Selma’ and has called for a national rally at ‘the scene of the crime'”
Another rally is then scheduled in DC for the 6th, the day that Congress is to ratify (or not) the votes of the Electoral College.
Several efforts are underway, both behind the scenes and out in public, to begin to get at least one U.S. Senator to join with several U.S. Congressmen to file an objection to the Electoral Results in Congress on Jan 6th. Such an action would then throw the entire election back into both the House and Senate, leading to a potential Constitutional Crisis in this country unlike anything we’ve seen for quite a while.
At this time, The BRAD BLOG officially endorses such an action in the U.S. Congress, based on so many of the reports we have now seen that no longer give us confidence in our electoral system. If such an action is necessary to bring attention to this growing confidence crisis, then we heartily endorse it and will work to help ensure that at least one Senator comes on board this time around. One is all it will take.
The Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) have set up an easy online form, to help convince a few key senators. Click here to take action.
As well, we have been receiving more and more comments and email in regard to people hitting the streets to reclaim their democracy based on everything we have seen, reported on, and helped to ferret out since November 2nd.
To that end, it is now the official BRAD BLOG position that people should indeed begin “hitting the streets” in this regard.
We have held our tongue on this issue for some time in the hopes that the media would be more responsible in doing their job to investigate and report on so much of what has been going on. It was our hope that perhaps they could demonstrate that our concerns were for naught, and perhaps help to assuage the concerns of so many who are paying attention — and don’t like what we’ve been seeing — with good common-sense, investigative journalism to put such concerns to rest.
But the corporate media has failed America in that regard, and so it is now time for America to do what we must in order to help them take notice of what seems to be going on in our democracy.
A velvet revolution worked in the budding democracy of Ukraine, and it’s time that Americans similarly take their own democracy, back into their own hands.
We will have more to say on that specific topic soon.
I just returned from freezing my fingers off while holding an Impeach Bush and US Out of Iraq sign for 90 minutes during rush hour at a major five-way intersection – Ballard Peace Activists, et al. We do this every Wednesday.
We experienced support, but also saw incredible anger from the Hypnotized Right-Sided Bu$h Supporters. This anger is deeply rooted in their subconscious realization that they know they are so very wrong. They are not angry at us; they are angry at themselves – a classic example of transference.
Keep up the good fight here Brad. There are things on the horizon that will break soon and this will further topple the House Of Cards that is the current administration.
The most damning evidence of fraud, is the reaction of the republicans.
When faced with an open, public examination of the data upon which Bush was supposedly elected – The lockdowns, the ducking of depositions, the fight against a paper trail – every move they’ve made is consistent with the motions nessecary to perpetrate fraud.
We have means, motive, opportunity, and plenty of witnesses. If it were anybody but the president, he’d have already been arrested.
We are in Mexico in the city and state of Ajijic, Jalisco, we voted here and then our votes were hand carried to the border by the American Consulate and that was a plus for us. Then they were counted and once again a plus because our county does paper ballots. I feel so much for the ones that stuck their vote into a machine in Ohio. Bless the ones there fighting for your vote. Lets help them makes things right.
A velvet revolution worked in the budding democracy of Ukraine, and it’s time that Americans similarly take their own democracy, back into their own hands.
Ajijic, Jalisco Mexico
Interesting how nobody is screaming "FRAUD" in Washington now that the Democrat is ahead, but everytime the votes are "counted" there are fewer votes for the Republican. Another conspiracy? Almost CERTAINLY. We need a Congressional investigation into who is stealing the Republican ballots.
Where is Clinton Curtis hiding anyway? How is his BOOK doing?
re: Clint Curtis. On 12/21/04 you wrote: "Therefore, it will be tomorrow before I issue what will be a rather direct response to several of Olbermann’s inexcusable failings. Along with some additional never-before-seen evidence that I’m confident you will enjoy!"
So WHERE is it? All I read is some innuendo that you cannot print what is going on! Unbelievable!
Attorney Jim, some of Brad’s rebuttal is at this entry~~~ https://bradblog.com/archives/00001071.htm , and as is stated among the comments there Keith Olbermann did revise his work with a new column yesterday http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6210240/ . Part of the difficulty is we are in the midst of investigative journalism as it is happening. And of course there isn’t just one Rovian site to go to for the latest dictate. No one ever said freedom isn’t exhausting.
Silence is sometimes louder than words. I agree with Chris Sutor (who posted above) …….the Republicans are stunningly quiet shows a good amount of signs that they are guilty. :plain:
"John G. Rowland was sworn into an historic third term as Governor of the State of Connecticut. He first took office in 1995 at age 37 and was re-elected in both 1998 and 2002. At the end of this term, he will be the longest serving Governor since Colonial times."
This GOP guy’s grandfather fought for and uncovered corruption. Good for him.
Now Rowland is headed for jail, and other Bush campaign officials in that area of the country are already under indictment for election wrongs.
GOP Delay (appropriate name) has avoided it so far, but some of his cronies have not avoided election crime indictments in other areas of the country.
Even as we speak.
atty jim sez:
Interesting how nobody is screaming "FRAUD" in Washington now that the Democrat is ahead, but everytime the votes are "counted" there are fewer votes for the Republican. Another conspiracy? Almost CERTAINLY. We need a Congressional investigation into who is stealing the Republican ballots.
>>
No body is alleging fraud because all the facts have come out. In court. At least hearings on the facts are granted.
If Ohio did the same the same results would happen there. But the courts and the election officials (foxes in the hen house) are refusing to hear the facts.
They are resorting to weak technicalities upon which to base the democracy of america.
In Washington, to the contrary, everything is out in the open air so the facts can be looked at.
Ya sure, you betcha. One man’s "weak technicality" is another’s "strictest interpretation of the law". Wake up. Washington will be fought and refought over military ballots, late ballots, etc etc etc. The Republicans are not going to take vote theft in Washington sitting down.
atty jim says:
One man’s "weak technicality" is another’s "strictest interpretation of the law"
>>
Fair enough. However professionals realize that one cannot discuss law in a FACTUAL vacuum. Unless and until hearings on the FACTS are held, the "law" is a ruse.
You are invited to add to the discussion at black box voting. All opinions are better than only one side of an issue.
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/c...=DCForumID4410
The thread is "Ohio Supreme Court Election Fraud Suit-Harrah!" (Topic # 105)
hmmm, blackboxvoting.org? Isn’t that the one that is raising all the CASH for a movie?
In my comment about republican governor Rowland above, it has been reported that "Rowland pleaded guilty to conspiracy".
How strange, I thought "conspiracy theory" was just another word for "unpatriotic".
He should be ashamed of himself for pleading guilty to a crime that does not exist … ?
I mean "conspiracy theory" is just a game … it isn’t attached to reality is it?
Heya Jim, a la attorney. The Washington State Supreme Court granted a one-week extension to the certification deadline so that the Republican party lawyers have time to research and investigate for rebuttal. Your bitterness is showing, Squire.
Washington State is doing it right. If Ohio and other states performed as well, there would be far less stonewalling and more credibility to our democracy. We lose democracy, we are headed toward fascism faster than fast food at Walmart.
If Curtis’ were undeniably proven to have said *ANY* out-and-out lies, McNews’ journalistic standards dictate that he would no longer be credible, and all media would burn him down. Instantly.
And, I wouldn’t blame them. EXCEPT for the fact that:
They are NOT applying the same standards to Curtis’ opponents!! *WHY NOT?????*
YEI has *ALREADY* been caught blatantly lying about (1) Hai Lin Nee’s previous employment in their company, and(2) Curtis having been a "Disgruntled Employee".
HOW MANY *PROVEN* lies will it take before YEI/Feeney are treated with the same disdain that would be given Curtis if only ONE of his assertions were proven to be a lie?
Red flags should have gone off at every major American news media outlet that is quietly following this story when the YEI lies became obvious.
Instead, Curtis (who has withstood ALL tests for credibility thus far) is STILL the one being treated with mistrust.
…
*This* is what our once great American media has become: "McNews America".
Like a two-dollar crack whore, they have sold America’s freedom, dignity, and greatness for a some partisan support and big-business backing.
Until the Curtis/Feeney story gets the coverage it rightfully should, I say we all BOYCOTT MCNEWS AMERICA and all the products that advertise with them!!!
Go to google news and search "clint curtiss".
NOTHING is being reported because nobody believes the guy. WONDER WHY?
There is ZERO out there on the news since about 12/15/04, and for good reason.
oops, "clint curtis", one s for full of it.
very *smooth*, "attorney Jim".
Yeah, I checked Google news for "George Bussh", and couldn’t find anything either. What a surprise.
However, for people that know how to *SPELL* when they do an online search, and don’t just start shooting off their mouths, Google works wonders.
Type in the *PROPER* spelling of CLINT CURTIS in a Google news search, and you WILL see a page of results.
Albeit, there are NOT ENOUGH results there from mainstream news sources. And that is part of the failure of what has become "McNews America".
Tell me… American Media is responsible for fairly and openly reporting about mainstream America… but who is responsible for reporting about the McMedia organizations? Surely they don’t dare report too critically about themselves or their cohorts, lest they start inter-station fighting.
SO then, "Who watches the watchmen"?
Oh, maybe "attorney jim" does. Cha…
"attorney jim" seems to think that because mainstream media hasn’t picked up the Curtis/Feeney story, Curtis’ story doesn’t have any merit.
Jimmy-boy worships America McMedia like Catholics worship the Pope: as infallible.
Jimmy-boy, you are in for a rude awakening.
P.S. A big hug to Feeney and the gang at the office from all of us, eh Jimmy?
Go buy another copy of Clinton’s book for a Christmas present for your brother in the Guantanamo holding tank.
jimmy-boy,
For a guy that doesn’t believe in the Curtis-Feeney story, you sure are spending a *LOT* of time monitoring and posting on this site.
Feeney’s paying you to work Xmas eve, too, hm?!?
Or did your family bar you from attending Xmas dinner because they’re sick of your ranting and childish behaviour too?
Go buy another copy of Clinton’s book for a Christmas present for your brother in the Guantanamo holding tank.
>>
They don’t allow political prisoners there to read. A sign on the wall there quotes Karl "Marx" Rove: "Americans don’t read" …
LOL You all are funny! Hey…attorney jim…long time no hear! HA! I love it when George Dumbo attacks trial attorneys like attorney jim, except of course when he needs them to save his behind in 2000. Yet attorney jim supports are fearless leader hiding in the White House? Why?
What George Dumbo and attorney jim don’t want people to understand is that they’re just against plaintiff’s attorneys. You know the guys that sue rich Republican doctors, businesses, and insurance companies and give the Republican’s hard stolen dollars to those poor saps who have been killed or injured by the wealthy power elite’s negligence or fraud. Did I hear tort reform? LOL How about insurance reform, or medical reform, or business reform? Bet you won’t read them on Bush’s lips!
Ooops! Did I say fraud too? Like voting fraud? Hey all you Republicans, better go run to your hated trial attorneys. That’s right…keep people stupid about the law and your own collection of attorneys just like you’d like to snow job American’s about their elections. Let’s forget the courts and get us a fair and honest nationwide election system.
I really don’t see how a simple request to protect the most fundamental foundation of our freedoms is resisted so much by the very people who now claim to be representing us. Again, as I’ve said in another post somewhere in Brad Blog World, they do not! And have no plans to represent us. They need to be alerted that it’s time to set things right or face the mass consequence! GRRRRRRR!
Sounds like just another attempt by the left to rob a election from GWB. And it gives them the chance to say he ain’t my President. Well he is and the right man won the race for the secound time. Get over it losers!!!!
oh no we got us another idiot troll here
greetings satwoods
you and idiot jim will have a lot of fun
Sounds like the typical lefty moron. If someone disagrees with your view you call names. OH WELL IT DOES NOT MATTER YOUR MAN LOST!!! seeing red are you!!! BUSH IS YOUR PRESIDENT the right man for the job!!!
satwoods you caught me — oops — I guess I must be a typical lefty moron then. Yeah, right.
I didn’t call you a troll because you happened to disagree; it was because you came along with nothing to add to the discussion other than to call everyone else losers. There are a lot of bright people contributing to this blog every day but you are obviously not one of them. If you disagree and you do so with respect then you will be treated with respect here. It happens quite often. Try it sometime and see what happens. But if you have nothing to add other than misspelling a simple word like second and calling everyone else losers then you won’t get much respect from me.
As for the content: Nothing in your comment above is true. It does matter. My man didn’t lose. I am not seeing red. Bush is not my president and he is definitely not the right man for any job. He couldn’t even manage to run his own small businesses.
Like it or not Bush is your President. You are right I dont know who you voted for but if you did not vote for Kerry (thank you for your vote) if you voted for Nadar then you helped Bush become your President. You know the real thing is here is the Dems have lost it. They have lost touch with what most of the people in this country want. That is why I changed parties 3 elections ago. I just wish in the state I am in we could get them out of control here. They are taxing us to death here at the highest taxes in the country per cap! 30 years of Dem control just look at it here and this is how the whole country could be. 11% unemployment, jobs rolling out of the state not becouse of Bush but for the tax property taxes put on land companies dont want to being jobs here. Asw for Kerry he would have made it worse. Raise taxes is his motto. all you have to do is look at his record to see that.
Much better, satwoods. We still disagree but at least you’re talking about issues now. Welcome to the discussion.
satwood…and who is going to pay the debt you and your Republican friends are creating, the tooth fairy? Cutting social services, which were then passed on to the states as their tax burden, and a huge increase in military/intelligence defense spending for war profits, is the legacy of a federal government controlled by Republicans while the gap betwen rich and poor grows dramatically. At some point, the tax man will come with a robe and a sickle to collect for all the Republican spending and mismanagement. That’s if the growing poor and hungry in America don’t come calling first.
From what I understand, the dollar is becoming so worthless that they have created another currency in this country to be used overseas. Already printed, ready to go.
Oh, and BTW, Bush is in a playpen. He is pretending to be a president. You can’t REALLY take him seriously. And now he is playing at being a dictator. The whole world ridicules him. He is a total embarrassment. Please. The majority can’t wait to see the back of him. He’s pitiful.
Let’s see … a billion dollars a week for the war … another billion dollars a week in tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy … pretty soon we’ll be talking about real money!