November 7, 2006 - Today's Show
Why vote? (let me count the ways….)
Did you know that only about ½ of eligible voters have voted in federal elections? In 1960, it was 63 % and in 2000 only 51.3 % voted (Harris & Allen, 2003).
I believe we must vote to exercise our right to do so and we need to also lift the veil of secrecy around how our votes are processed.
If you saw the recent documentary screened last week on HBO, “Hacking Democracy”, your eyes have been opened and you may be wondering, “Why bother?”
The documentary pointed out that the computers that process 80 % of America ’s votes made by three main companies are easily tampered with in a way that cannot be traced. Individual counties across the country pay millions of dollars for these systems. If Bev Harris had not discovered the FTP site of one of the companies, the secrets of how these machines operate would still be a secret (Hacking Democracy, HBO, Oct., 2006).
In her book, “Black Box Voting”, Harris asks, “What would the founder of this country ask you to do?” In numerous quotes by J efferson and others, she offers the theme that our leaders are supposed to be accountable to us, the voters (2003).
Remember, one person can make a difference. Please vote and get involved in your community!!!!
Blessings,
Nita