Displaying 1,111 To 1,140 Of 10,917 Comments DOJ and Voter Suppression Activities As I noted below: I should have mentioned that that Kos piece was under Bush. What I wanted to highlight was that the Dems ARE aware and have been fighting–especially Debby W-S. She talks about it all the time. About that SCOTUS ID ruling that bito cited, it’s a doozy: The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can require voters to produce photo identification without violating their constitutional rights, validating Republican-inspired voter ID laws. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24351798/ns/politics/t/supreme-court-upholds-voter-id-law/#.Tq3s4N5KOxA » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 5:30 pm CL, please see other comments–we are in agreement. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 5:25 pm C’Lady–you’re right! » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 4:54 pm Sue–excellent point! What was the term used? Embedded? » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 3:04 pm I should have mentioned that that Kos piece was under Bush. What I wanted to highlight was that the Dems ARE aware and have been fighting–especially Debby W-S. She talks about it all the time. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 1:19 pm Bito and all– I learned something: There is a law called National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)of 1993. It is separate from the Civil Rights Act and applies to ALL states: http://www.eac.gov/assets/1/workflow_staging/Page/27.PDF SUBCHAPTER I–H—NATIONAL VOTER And here is a very troubling article on Kos about this: At issue was the DOJ’s enforcement of key provisions within the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which was passed by Congress in 1993 to increase participation in federal elections. Committee members attempted, with little success, to get Agarwal to explain why DOJ has spent the lion’s share of its resources to pressure states to purge voters rather than ensuring their rights. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 12:39 pm Sue, I got so excited about responding that I forgot to thank you for this–it’s really helpful! » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 11:24 am Sue, this is a heartening list of actions! But it’s just a start. I think even though cable news (excluding Fox, of course) has done a good job on informing viewers about this issue, it’s really important to get the news out much more widely, because I think this is one of those things that needs loud public protests. I remember that here in California it was only after a lot of public outrage that the state AG (I think) got involved and changed the voting machines back to punch card. As I understand it, the only states Holder (as the Federal government) has any oversight of are those under guidelines from the Civil Rights Act–namely, Southern states. Those are the states with a history of voter suppression. Not Ohio or Wisconsin, or Maine, for example. (I’ll have to check on this.) Therefore, I don’t think the Feds have any recourse against many of the states which have adopted new voter suppression tactics–but again, I need to check on this. That doesn’t mean nothing can be done. What it means is there needs to be a campaign to inform the voters in those states and THEY must take it to their state officials. That’s why the issue cannot wait; it takes a ling time to get the message out. That means writing to Senators and Reps, letters to the editor and so forth. If we sit back, the election will stolen through apathy. I know you are aware of this, but for those who may not be, here is an excellent report from The Center for Media and Democracy on ALEC (Koch funded) on the concerted effort to suppress votes–all the proof anyone needs that this is an urgent issue. It’s bad enough that many of us can’t even trust the machines we vote with; we have no sold proof that the machines are rigged. But we do have proof that the Right is determined to disenfranchise MILLIONS of voters! http://www.prwatch.org/node/10711 » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 30, 2011 @ 11:14 am I’m very glad you liked it, KQ. Don’t know what happened to the formatting though–kinda hinky! » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 2:24 pm KT, I’ve known only one capital N Narcissist, and she was my boss. It’s easy to think of any boss as a narcissist but we also had a kind of relationship and it went outside the office–because a narcissist is also so demanding. They are horrible! Everything was ALWAYS all about her, in every aspect of her life. She once called me while she was out of town to tell me she couldn’t find something that she had with her (something she said she lost on her trip) and demanded I find it–from hundreds of miles away! And another time, also on a trip, her flight was cancelled due to weather, and she called her secretary demanding that she find her a flight regardless of the snowstorm. That’s narcissism! » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 12:31 pm 2012: The End of America As We Know It Food–fabulous comment and you nailed it. I have so much to say about rural rule in particular, but have to do chores. Just want you to know that was an outstanding comment! » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 2:39 pm KT–yes, that’s what I thought too. I agree with all the KT said but I think it sort of misses the point. Given that what he said is so true, we especially need political leadership that is both smart and dedicated to helping the American people first, above Party. The economic inequality we see is not merely the result of uncontrollable market forces acting independently. It’s how we’ve responded (or didn’t) to those forces. We may have no control over globalization, or manufacturing–those issues are probably natural progressions of the market. But that’s NOT what the Occupy movement is about anyway, nor what people around the world are angry about. We are angry at the injustices in the system that make the game unfair–the laws the rules are drastically tilted towards the top and there is no way we get equal justice or equal opportunity. It’s not the facts of capitalism we are furious about, it’s that this is anything BUT a free market. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 2:34 pm Ok, let’s declare a truce. Apology accepted. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 1:53 pm Well, now that you’ve elaborated, on this we can agree. I think that’s just what Adlib’s post said too–that people will fight the forces that try to take this country in an undemocratic direction. I believe in us too because I see that people are waking up to the bad direction we are heading and doing something about it. As did the Egyptians and other Arab countries against much much worse situations. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 1:50 pm I was listening to Morning Joke this morning and they were talking about the stock market. They at least had the sense to admit that it really doesn’t reflect anything meaningful about the economy. It doesn’t have anything to do with jobs. It DOES reflect how much money these corps are raking in–and how that has nothing to do with hiring at all. There are two economies–the one reflected by the stock market, and the other one where we 99% live. The first is doing smashingly, making more and more money for the top while the REAL economy is stagnant at best. Any poor schlemiel who plays the market is probably one of those who believe they are about to become a billionaire–suckers! You know that slooooow smile at the end of Herman Cain’s ad? That’s what he’s smiling about. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 1:27 pm Wait–before I even get into that hilarious Stewart bit, can I take a moment to rant about those mascara ads? They are so blatantly lying! They show a model WEARING FALSE EYELASHES and get away with saying this mascara does away with false eyelashes?! Those eyelashes are ridiculously false–they’re like joke eyelashes. Isn’t there a FTC or something that polices false ads? Anyway, enough about mascara. About Romney… no, wait. That ad was the perfect ad to juxtapose with him! He is just like that ad. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 1:19 pm Oh I was being dismissive –deliberately. Taste of you own medicine. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 12:34 pm That is such a dismissive and baseless comment. I’m supposed to feel relieved because you say “We’ll be alright.” Are you even interested in politics, I wonder? Because to make such a statement seems to show a disregard for policy or facts about anything happening in this country or the world. It’s fine to be optimistic, and you can certainly make a case that things are just fine the way they are. But to come here after AdLib has written an impassioned and factual post, after reading how many of us responded to his post, your comment is in essence, “I disagree.” I find that insulting and patronizing. This is not HP, where people drive by and leave comments like that. If you disagree that this country is in trouble, at least make a case. If you had nothing to say about this post, you should not have commented at all. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 28, 2011 @ 12:18 pm I think I get what you’re saying. I have had similar thoughts but mine go like this: The Repubs have become radicalized by the Obama presidency. And I mean to the point of sedition. They get this way somewhat with any Dem president, but this one particularly drove them insane–and race is in there for sure. And not only the R pols but the base too has become extreme so they can get away with more than ever. All the usual diplomacy is torn away and any pretense of Congressional congeniality is gone. Obama Derangement Syndrome is not just a sarcastic phrase– it’s quite real. It’s occurred to me that had Obama not won–if it had been McCain–we wouldn’t be nearly as polarized. Yes, we would be miserable with his bad policies, but the Congress would function, because Dems never fight, and because the Repubs wouldn’t have become extreme and treasonous. I am not saying things would be better–just the opposite. But the hatred and obstruction would be alleviated and the Derangement would be gone. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 11:30 pm Thank you, Em, and backatcha! You’ve listed the big areas of worry and I think that there is a cumulative effect on us. We look around and everywhere we see injustice and wrongdoing. Who can we really trust? As you said, we can’t even trust the ballot box. Can I trust the FDA to protect me from big Pharma? Can I trust politicized churches? Can I trust that the charity that I donate to won’t be involved in a scandal? We still have watchdogs to try and protect us from the abuses of unfettered capitalism– but the Right wants to dismantle even those weak ones. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 9:08 pm Amen is all I can add. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 8:58 pm Funk, very good points. I do think the R’s have spent when they have been in power, but don’t you think that’s why Grover Norquist gained such influence–as a response to, and a check on, that? And of course the deficit hawks have never been as hysterical. But the thing is, whenever they DO spend the more important issue is what they spend on: primarily the military. I am surprised that you think they would not shred the safety net though–they’ve said they would and so have all the candidates. They have written concrete plans to destroy Medicare/ Medicaid and have spoken for privatizing SS. Is it that you think they won’t because of push-back from voters? I’m puzzled why you say that. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 8:54 pm Sure, sweetie. Thanks for the insight. Now back to sleep with you. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 8:02 pm AdLib, I so appreciate your posts, and this is one of you finest. I have been feeling the truth of what you write in this piece ever since Obama took office and that realization–that we are at an irreversible crossroads–has only grown stronger. If we do not reverse our trajectory, the America we imagine it to be truly is finished. In fact it may be too late, but I don’t think so. We are at a crucial tipping point though, and the next election will be decisive if the Republicans win. In four years of Republican rule, they will have stacked the court for generations, and done so much damage to the media, the internet, and education that whatever remains of the Left will be impotent. These are not my fevered fears–this is what they openly admit to in any number of manifestos churned out by Cato, Heritage and ALEC. What stuns me is that the Republicans are not very secretive yet we keep acting surprised! And when they are not overt regarding their intentions, all one has to do is listen to what they accuse the Dems of–Paul Ryan being the most recent example–to know exactly what THEY are doing. It’s gone beyond projection to pathology. Time after time they insist we have done the exact thing they have just done in spades. It’s uncanny. If I could reduce all the issues that motivate the Occupy Movement down to one overarching anger and frustration it would be that of injustice. Whether it is income inequality, the banks and Wall Street, Iraq, war crimes, mortgages health care, outsourcing, education–they all boil down to radical injustice and unfairness. Not only are the laws and rules stacked against us, we see that justice itself is a misnomer, and is applied completely differently, or not at all, to those with wealth and power. Crimes and fraud are committed against us on a massive scale and perpetrators go unpunished or are slapped on the wrist. Yet if we commit even a minor crime we are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And if we want to really talk injustice, look at a man of color serving decades for possession of a small amount of drugs. When we see that the top are above the law, our trust in our institutions are ruined. And it’s not just government–it’s our religious institutions, our charities, our industries. Who is left to count on? This is so destructive to society. When the people can’t rely on the basic rules of the game, when every institution seems corrupted and unjust, we adopt a dog-eat-dog attitude, and I see that in the rise of the Tea Party. But I am also seeing the antivenin for that in the Occupy movement, and I honestly believe that more and more people–eventually the vast majority–will see that too. I am seeing it in the MSM even–I sense that most are cheering for it, hoping it works, hoping it lasts and grows. I think that people are yearning for something to change the coarse we’re on, and this is it. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 8:01 pm If you lived in one of the many other countries you consider inferior to the USA, you and your husband wouldn’t have to worry about losing your SS and Medicare. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 7:06 pm Maybe I should reply to your husband, but you should stand by your statements if you believe them– and I think you do. I certainly don’t hate you, but I disagree with you and think your statements reflect an ignorance of many facts about the US compared to other countries. We rank 39th in education, are the only country in the West without national health care, have one of the lowest voter turnout rates, have the highest income inequality of ANY developed country in the world–I could go on and on. And for you to claim that Americans are “the best people in the world” is frankly laughable and nativist. BTW, in California, we are so rude we actually don’t ask for Hispanics to produce their papers, as opposed to another state I can mention. We are so rude, we actually have a state Dream Act. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 27, 2011 @ 6:39 pm Funk, my initial reaction to that is that it is a mistake to do that. It will avoid confrontation with the authorities, but that’s partly the point–to confront the authorities. It will also make OS merely a student protest–it shouldn’t be. Thoughts? » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 26, 2011 @ 3:59 pm Sue– I am incensed too!!! Why this isn’t a huge issue is a mystery. All I can think of that there are only so many emergencies the public can focus on at once. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 26, 2011 @ 3:56 pm Well, KT, drugs and alcohol make for some very strange bedfellows–like Buchannan, as you noted below. JUst ask someone who is appalled in the morning! 😉 » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 26, 2011 @ 3:29 pm Exactly, Khirad! What hubris, what gall. Christianity IS “just another religion–among many others just, if not more, valid. Ask the billions of Muslims, Chinese, Hindus and atheists. Any religion that proselytizes and has as dogma that they are the ONLY way to God is bound to see themselves as the only “legitimate” religion. » Posted By Chernynkaya On October 26, 2011 @ 3:27 pmComments Posted By Chernynkaya
In a splintered 6-3 ruling, the court upheld Indiana’s strict photo ID requirement, which Democrats and civil rights groups said would deter poor, older and minority voters from casting ballots. Its backers said it was needed to prevent fraud.
It was the most important voting rights case since the Bush v. Gore dispute that sealed the 2000 election for George W. Bush. But the voter ID ruling lacked the conservative-liberal split that marked the 2000 case.
Which makes me ask, which has more weight, this or the ’93 Voting Rights Act? Because I am certain that most cases of voter ID can be proven to be discriminatory of certain groups.
http://www.eac.gov/assets/1/workflow_staging/Page/27.PDF
(Please see below comment for quote. It seems unambiguous.)
REGISTRATION
§ 1973gg. Findings and purposes
(a) Findings
The Congress finds that—
(1) the right of citizens of the United States
to vote is a fundamental right;
(2) it is the duty of the Federal, State, and
local governments to promote the exercise of
that right; and
(3) discriminatory and unfair registration
laws and procedures can have a direct and
damaging effect on voter participation in elections for Federal office and disproportionately
harm voter participation by various groups,
including racial minorities.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/03/03/468132/-Voter-Suppression-At-Justice:-DOJ-Gets-Tongue-Lashing-During-House-Oversight-Hearing
But all that aside, my larger point, and the thing I think drives us to the streets is that there seems to be no justice, and the chant I always hear at all protests I’ve been to is “No justice, no peace!” It covers everything.
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