Election fraud

I've been banging on the 2004 Election Fraud drum for a while, and really wish that there was a snowball's chance in hell of anyone who matters listening. The latest round of concerns - predicted by just about every security-minded techie out there - is reported by security maestro Bruce Schneir. In his blog, Schneir talks about the latest security problem found in the Diebold machines used in many precincts, including much of Ohio. Basically with a piece of commodity hardware (probably a PCMCI card and a USB pen-drive) and a few seconds to press a switch on the voting machine, you can reprogram a Diebold voting machine. Given that it's already been revealed that you can alter results using a specially prepared results storage card, Diebold engineers performed maintenance on some machines prior to election day (after machines were certified/sealed, and they were not re-certified), we have a serious problem: voters can alter the machines, election workers can alter the results, and engineers could change software after a machine has been "sealed".

Proving conclusively that fraud occurred in the 2004 Presidential election is very difficult, made more difficult by partisan tribalism. Bush's ardent supporters don't want to look too closely, while the anti-Bush forces are inherently biased (I hesitate to say ardent Kerry supporters, since he was very much the "not-Bush" candidate). Despite this, evidence keeps appearing that indicates that fraud was even more widespread than 2000 - but was swept under the carpet rather than being investigated thoroughly. For example, let's look at this article. I'll be the first to admit that whatreallyhappened.com is not an unbiased source, nor is it an overly well respected one. The sources cited in this particular article, however, are relatively strong. Cuyahoga's census data, and reports of problems by precincts to voteprotect.org are independently verifiable - and the correlation between African-American dominated precincts and electoral problems is very clear. CNN's exit poll (in line with other exit polls) states that 84% of African Americans in Ohio (9% of the population) voted for Kerry. The BBC News investigation into Republican Party electoral blacklists (people whose votes they hope to render inoperative) showed that all targeted precincts in Ohio were primarily African-American, and problems in the predominantly ethnic minority regions were numerous, including lack of sufficient voting machines (there were fewer than there were in 2000, despite a 17% increase in voter registrations), and reports of machine errors - leading to a statistically significant increase in spoiled ballots. The same pattern (with equally verifiable sources) occurred in Franklin county. In Cincinatti, voting machines made by Triad were used. In sworn testimony, Triad have confirmed that they had remote access to these machines - introducing the possibility for unaccountable alterations on election day. Secretary of State Blackwell's statements, and actions in "locking down" polling stations on December 10th - stating that voting results would not be public record (contrary to Ohio law) are also verifiable.

In short, regardless of who actually won in 2004, the election fell short of minimum standards for a free and fair election. When the US reacts to allegations of a deeply-flawed voting process in other country's elections, it demands a re-run. Why the hypocrisy?


Mood: tired
Music: The 69 Eyes - Devils

I'm less frightening than an angry house cat

I was walking back from the gas station a few minutes ago, having realised that I needed toilet paper. As is usual for nighttime jaunts around here, I saw a few members of the local wildlife contingent. Notably, I ran into a possum! They are really cute creatures, and normally run away when they spot humans.

Not this possum. This possum was evil. It was a little albino, giving its eyes a reddish tint. It was drooling, had its fangs out, and slowly waddled towards me. I truly didn't think a possum could be sinister, but I think this one was hoping to reincarnate as a hell-hound.

My usual "talk calmy while retreating" approach to animals didn't work. DevilPossum continued his inexorable advance, and I was beginning to wonder what I had handy to beat a probably rabid (any other reason a possum would pretend to be an attack dog?) critter when my savior arrived. The neighbourhood cute little black cat meowed and ran over to me! Upon seeing the situation, she bared her fangs, hissed, gave the most terrifying "mrrrooooowww" noise... and the possum ran for it. Cute cat then purred, rubbed up against me, and vanished into the night.

So, I'm happy to say I didn't have to fight a possum. I'm not sure if I should be proud of the fact that a tiny house-cat scared away my assailant more effectively than a 5'10" Englishman, though. I'm also very relieved that the cat was smart enough not to get close enough to risk catching rabies.

Cats rock.

Mood: thoughtful
Music: Steve Morse - Guitar Solo