In our exuberant, admirable support for our individual candidates for President, I think we're overlooking something. This is a very exciting time. IMHO, this is America at it's best. We are a nation of laws and rules, this is how we operate, this is why we 'work' as a nation. We're watching the Electoral process and the Constitutional process in action. This is something we are not often privileged to see on such a grand scale.

A bit about Florida. Florida law provides for an automatic recount when a candidate's margin of victory is not more than 0.5 percent of the total votes cast for the office. The losing candidate can waive this recount. If a recount is not automatically triggered, a candidate may demand a recount on grounds of error or fraud. This is Florida Law.

In addition, after the automatic recount, a losing candidate can request a second recount be performed manually. Florida Law also provides and allows for contests and protests. The contest is filed in state circuit court, a protest with the County Canvassing Board.

Florida Law also provides that ANY taxpayer or voter may file suit. Some residents of Palm Beach County filed a lawsuit alleging the ballots were "deceptive, misleading and confusing." This is their RIGHT under Florida Law. This is the process of rules and laws. The outcome of this is left to the discretion of the court. Rules and laws.

Having said that, I have a personal reaction to those who would say that if you're too stupid to find the hole, you're too stupid to vote. Our Constitution guarantees us the right to a vote. Period. A right to have our voices heard, no matter our education, our abilities, our sex, our race. We're watching our citizens participate in their right to challenge our rules and laws. It's an amazing process. Whatever your opinion of the Electoral College, the Popular Vote, the candidates, don't you feel some pride in the process we're witnessing?

I donBt believe our nation is so fragile that it cannot withstand this process. To me, this is America at its best. WeBre a nation of people who challenge and question. A nation of people who have earned the right to fight for or against any thing we feel impinges on our rights. To those who would say this will cause a Constitutional crisis, I must question their faith in the American people. We may have become spoiled by our technology and expect instant gratification, but I think the majority of Americans want to see the Electoral process work no matter how passionately we wish our candidate to be our next President.

I also think this have been a wonderful demonstration of the importance of voting. It clearly shows us that our votes do count. I think itBs a graphic illustration to our young people and to those of us who may have become apathetic about out right and responsibilities as citizens. Whether itBs Bush or Gore, I think these last few days have been fascinating.

-- Casey DeFranco (caseydefranco@mindspring.com), November 11, 2000

Answers

Well said Casey.

I too am almost enjoying watching our political fabric being streched and with the same confidence as you. Maybe we need this kind of nightmare once in awhile to make us appreciate our system's resilience as well as the importance of our paying attention to our ballots.

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), November 11, 2000.

Your very objective comments are greatly appreciated Casey.

Unfortunately it seems that Republicans (at least most on this forum) think that if a person is stupid, they don't have any rights.

If that were the case, then Bush would never have been permitted to get this close to being our next president.

-- thanks (for.very@intelligent.commentary), November 11, 2000.

Eloquently spoken!

-- Bravo (Standing@Ovation.com), November 11, 2000.

The Republic will survive, of that I have no doubt. This is just one of those aggravations that happens now and again, always has, always will.

-- I'm Here, I'm There (I'm Everywhere@so.beware), November 11, 2000.

Unfortunately it seems that Republicans (at least most on this forum) think that if a person is stupid, they don't have any rights.

I wonder if your statement shows such stupidity that you should lose your rights?

No, I guess not. It's a dumb statement, a really dumb statement, but you have the right to make it. I would stand and fight for someone who is as stupid as you are to have the right to vote, I would even allow someone as stupid as you are to vote for President, but only once.

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), November 11, 2000.

Oh, because of who I am addressing I should make it clear that I would allow you to vote once PER election, not once per lifetime. Hope that clears it up for you.

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), November 11, 2000.

Casey:

Wonderful observation. Very true. Thank you for your comments.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), November 11, 2000.

Getting awful defensive of Republicans for a "Libertarian" there Unk! (pssst.. your secret is safe with me) ;-)

Maybe you "overlooked" the threads where the Repugs said that people who were confused and punched 2 holes should be executed. By no means should they be allowed to have a vote that is actually counted in the determination of the president, they said.

-- LOL (Unk@closet.repug), November 11, 2000.

LOL:

A quick scan of IP addresses suggests that Unc is really Bob Barr, Georgia, 7th district. :^)

Best wishes,,,,,

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), November 11, 2000.

Since I agree with the Republicans that folks who screw up their ballot should not get another chance to vote later I responded. Or does this dispute over the ballot run purely down party lines?

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), November 11, 2000.