"...and together we are going to change history." Senator John Kerry
Dear Senator Kerry,
I offer the following proposal for how we can all join with you and, in_deed, change history.
The proposal is grounded in a simple reality -- we have no way of knowing if and how each of our votes was counted.
And, we know that many of our fellow citizens confronted unconscionable barriers to their Constitutional rights as they attempted to vote.
And, we have years of evidence that efforts to create a valid election infrastructure have been resisted.
Thus, it is time for unselfish, non-partisan, and dramatic action.
In that spirit I request you consider the following:
-- Sometime on Monday, 29 Nov 2004, preferably during 'prime time' tomorrow evening:
-- Call a press conference open to the public. Senator Kerry I suggest that you be at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Senator Edwards at the Lincoln Memorial; simulcast;
-- Announce your withdrawal from the ballot;
-- You would then jointly demand a comprehensive audit of the results of the National election, conducted by a non-partisan, Congressionally appointed special prosecutor and a team of cpa, computer hw/sw/fw and network systems experts, with full subpoena authority;
-- You would urge every American citizen to demand that their State EC members not vote until the audit is complete;
-- You would request the immediate formation and dissemination of a national 'election system literacy program' so that all citizens, during the next two months are thoroughly informed of the reality that the current election infrastructure is so far from supportive of their Constitutional right to a fair and valid vote that before we proceed, we must fix it. We must have equal access to a legitimate process of voting;
-- And, upon learning the outcome of the audit you and Senator Edwards would recognize either that President Bush won based on the facts of the audit, or that a re-vote must happen.
I realize it will require great courage for you and Senator Edwards to take these steps, but it would be an unprecedented, magnificent and truly non-partisan service to the validity of our Democracy and of our credibility in America's efforts to nurture democracy elsewhere.
In a real sense Senator Kerry -- 'what do you have to lose?' What matters more to 'making history' and saving our Democracy: that you squeak past President Bush in OH, or that you called 'Time out: our franchise is on the verge of collapase and it must be repaired now.'
Senator Kerry, we need to recognize the mess for what it is, have all our fellow citizens understand just how big a mess it is, and then decide what to do next, collectively, to fix it by acting in the true spirit of "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, .........."
Thank you Senator Kerry for considering this proposal. I realize I am asking you to demonstrate exceptional courage and selflessness; I do so because I think you and Senator Edwards are courageous and unselfish and will fight to save our Democracy by first auditing and then repairing our electoral system.
Thank you,
xxxxx
"Halt and Audit"
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Dear dKos community: I realize that many of you may disagree with the proposal, and I urge you to criticize, and would appreciate it very much if you do so with counter-suggestions, and, even better with a bit of wit. Please also understand that I've got so much scar tissue that if all you are capable of doing is flaming, it will accomplish only a waste of your energy -- winter's upon us so recommend you conserve.
Thank you.