David Cobb of the Green Party has come out and said what is on a lot of people's minds lately: "Given [Ohio Secretary of State] Blackwell's lack of cooperation and the problems which have plagued the recount, we have to wonder whether he is an incompetent elections administrator or whether he is deliberately obstructing the recount process. It is very clear that he has a conflict of interest and should have stepped aside weeks ago."
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Rather than let the fraud committed during this election slide out of sight in a haze of eggnog and figgy pudding over the next week, we should all be making our plans for bringing some accountability to Secretary Blackwell and every other local, state, and national voting official who prevented all votes from being cast or counted. If President Bush won't lead the way as a model of accountability, We the People must help him do it.
Now don't get me wrong. Take time to hoist a few wassails and enjoy some time with family and friends. Get yourself ready, mentally and physically, for the battles that will be fought in January to help preserve democracy.
Why continue to fight? Ten days into the Ohio recount process, reports being received from Green, Libertarian, Democratic and non-partisan observers in Ohio's 88 counties reveal many problems with the way voting and vote counting were done in Ohio during Election 2004. As stated on the Votecobb website: "Most disturbing of all is the way that 'separate and unequal' treatment for African Americans has once again returned to rear its ugly head in Ohio (as well as other states across the nation)." David Cobb's latest summary of findings was just published on Common Dreams.
Passively accepting Bush's "mandate" is not the way to go. We tried accommodation over the last four years, and it does not work. Michael Moore and others have reminded us that we must start to see our current relationship with the Bush Administration through the lens of an abusive relationship. Reason does not work. Fighting back and leaving the relationship (i.e., moving for impeachment for his sanctioning of torture) are the only way.
Jesse Jackson and a broad coalition are mobilizing a rally, bus ride, and protest that starts in Columbus, Ohio on January 3 and heads for the capitol in Washington for protest rallies January 5 and 6.
Whether or not you can participate in these activities, other activities are taking place all around the country. Check out the websites of groups such as Common Cause, Election Protection, and Do Not Concede. Figure out what best fits your time, skills, and temperament, but each of us must do something.
January is the time when each of us must step up to the challenge of defending democracy the way our country's Founders did in the 18th century and the way the Ukrainian people are doing today. Enjoy that wassail, and see you in January!