Working on my letter to my Senators: re: Election Day cancellations.

[playahata1]

Here is what I have so far. Please tell me what I need to add or delete. Thanks:

Dear Mr. Graham and Mr. Nelson.

I cannot believe that Congress is considering canceling -- or at least delaying -- the 2004 Presidential elections because of some alleged "terrorist threat." First off, let me state that these "terror alerts" are nothing but red herrings and smoke screens designed to scare people into voting Republican on November 2. (I am a registered independent who will vote Kerry/Edwards.) These "terror alerts" are raised only when events do not favor the Bush Administration (opinion polls favoring John Kerry, indictments of persons associated with President Bush and/or the Republican Party, the selection of John Edwards as the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate, etc.) Therefore, I do not take anything that Mr. Ashcroft or Mr. Ridge says seriously.

I feel that under these circumstances, any cancellation or delay of the election is tantamount to denying Americans the right to vote for their candidate of choice. The Bush Administration claims that it is on top of things with regards to the so-called “War on Terror” – which is nothing a cover/pretext for domestic repression in this country and American domination abroad. Many Americans, myself included, do not feel any safer under this Administration, as its actions have created more American enemies abroad. As a matter of fact, I have more to fear from forces within my own country than I do from some “radical Islamist,” some “Al-Queda Network,” or whichever Boogeyman of the Week the so-called powers that be – via a supine, subservient media – want to dangle in front of us. I personally believe that Mr. Kerry and Mr. Edwards will be an improvement over anything Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney and their neo-conservative/neo-fascist masters and constituents have to offer in terms of sound foreign policy doctrine.

As far as I and many other Americans are concerned, Mr. Bush and his masters/constituents will do whatever it takes to stay in office. This is one of those means by which they intend to maintain their power, and it is immoral, unethical, and unconstitutional. America is not a one-party state – which is what it for all intents and purposes will be if the Presidential elections do not go on as scheduled. The Spanish elections went on as scheduled after the Madrid bombing – and the electorate was not driven by fear of terrorism; it no longer wanted the party in power, period. Many Americans feel that this country is headed in the wrong direction under this Administration, and want to steer it back in the right direction – on November 2, as scheduled.

[Worst Username Ever]

1. Here is the one I sent last friday:

July 8, 2004


(recipient),

I am writing today regarding an ugly issue that was brought up in a
recent AP article. This article has been reprinted in many sources, one of which is here:


http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/politics/9014105.htm


I want you to understand the outrage myself and my peers are feeling at the possibility of postponement, or even CANCELLATIONS of national
elections due to terrorist threats. The thought of delaying an
election due to any threat, real or imaginary, is contrary to the very spirit that makes us Americans. That someone could even propose this possibility is laughable.

We, as Americans, held elections during the Civil War. We can certainly hold them during an "elevated threat level," or even during an outright attack. Nothing must get in the way of our freedom, our rights, and of our democracy.

To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, those that give up any essential
liberty in exchange for temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety.

The thought of manipulating or delaying an election in any way, shape, or form rings of fascism. I hope you also regard it as such.


Sincerely yours,

[classof56]

2. Good letter

I'm going to contact my congressional delegation about this issue. But I want them to tell me specifically WHY they would vote to cancel/delay elections. And what about state issues/candidates? Are those just going by the boards as well? I'm pretty sure they're going to use the "in the event of a catastrophic occurrence, it would be best to postpone the vote" line, words to that effect. We'll see, but given the Republican-controlled congress I don't have much hope such a proposition would fail. But they absolutely NEED to hear from the millions of constituents who object to this action, ASAP. Good going!

Tired Old Cynic

[playahata1]

3. Thanks.

This worries me to no end. The vote is something that people of all colors have risked and given their lives to gain and maintain.

[elfwitch]

4. It's good but I'd tone down parts a bit...

I figure if you want them to take you seriously, it is better to just present facts and not attack or denigrate the Administration. Point out why it is unconstitutional. Point out how elections were not canceled during WWI WWII or the Civil War. Point out how voting is our right and our duty ESPECIALLY in times of crisis. I think you will get further.

Although I agree with your "red herring" argument and with your assessment of the tactics being used by the Administration, calling them names and indicating who you will vote for will only put you in the partisan nut-job pile of letters. They will probably never see your letter and your concerns will not be counted.

Just my dos pesos.

[ibegurpard]

5. Contacted both my senators and my congressman with the following:

"A very troubling notion continues to surface in the media. The idea that the U.S. government is even CONSIDERING plans to cancel or postpone elections because of terrorist threats (as reported here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5411741/site/newsweek/)is completely unacceptable. I understand that there are people out there who desire to disrupt our elections but the focus should be on how to FACILITATE elections in the event of a catastrophe. Cancelling or postponing them should be completely off the table as an option. If Americans let fear of terrorism erode the very basis of democracry, that basis being free and open elections, then the freedom we are so fond of touting is already gone."

Do it folks. You may think this is paranoia or over-reaction but this is not being floated for no reason. If the reaction is overwhelmingly negative then they know there's no way we will tolerate it. I sent this to my Democratic Senator as well as my Republican Senator and Congressman. This should be an idea that is repugnant to freedom-loving people of any particular persuasion.