Author: allan johnson
Date: 22:29:20 11/17/00
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On November 17, 2000 at 18:43:02, Stephen Ham wrote: >Dear Thorsten and Michael, > >I don't know if you guys are serious or just joking. If you are joking, I know >it's fun to mock the USA. But then, I've travelled outside the US many times and >am shocked at the obvious errors and inaccuracies that get represented as truths >in other countries. I wonder if that's the case here. > >Thorsten seems concerned that not all the votes are being counted. Thorsten, all >the votes in Florida have already been counted (except for the absentee ballots >which are allowed to be received until 11/17/00 and are being tabulated now). >Bush has already won in the vote count for the general election. But, as any >prudent state should, if the margin of vistory is too small, an automatic >recount is conducted. Bush won that again but by a slightly smaller margin. > >Where matters get messy is that the Democratic party then claimed that their >previously approved ballots were confusing to voters in certain locations (i.e. >West Palm Beach, Florida) and so have petitioned the courts to conduct hand >recounts in certain counties within Florida. Some ballots needed to be punch >holed, but for whatever reason, some people didn't punch any clear holes in >their ballot. The reasons for this are not clear (voter stupidity? machine >error?). Thus there are some arguments regarding whether a vote has been cast or >not, if the ballot was not clearly perforated as it should have been. Some >ballots merely have dimples or depressions in the paper. That's largely what the >controversey is about. Also, it's clear that the Democratic party would ideally >like to recount and recount until they are told they've won. Given the slim >margin for Bush, human error and machine error could theoretically change the >result. > >Anyway, while the process seems messy for the moment, this is democracy in >action and is proof that everyone's vote counts. The system works but clearly >there's room for improvement. Can you name a country where this same slim result >would have been handled any more efficiently and fairer? I don't think that >country exists. > >Sincerely, > >Stephen Stephen Thought I'd throw my cents in here since everyone else is.While I agree with much of what you said I still prefer preferential voting like we have here in Australia .In this system people can lodge protest votes eg the people who wanted to vote for Ralph Nader but not support Bush or deny Gore votes could do so freely.I think compulsory voting also has merit although I know there are justifiable concerns about it.Non compulsory voting is far too easily manipulated by undemocatic politians. I think this current situation is probably good for America.It's like a catharsis.Hopefully the country will learn and benefit from the experience Cheers Allan
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