Were Iraqis paid to vote?

[KalicoKitty]

A caller this morning on CSPAN stated that and that the troops were handing out flyers for the people to go vote.

[ElectroPrincess]

1. I heard that Iraqis were threatened that they would not receive

their food rations and other day-to-day needs (infrastructure support) if they did NOT vote.

I don't like to quote something that I don't have a link so I'll make this NON-substantiated. If anyone has a reputable link regarding this argument, please provide it here?

[ananda]

2. really...

I heard that Iraqis were threatened that they would not receive
their food rations and other day-to-day needs (infrastructure support) if they did NOT vote.
--------

Hmm... I have to admit that I was very surprised at the turnout. I was attributing it to Stockholm Syndrome and/or a reflection of the jealous diviseness among the factions, with the Shi'ites wanting to shut the Sunnis out of the power process.

It's hard to believe that Iraqi's would respond to threats concerning the infrastructure since it can hardly be in worse shape already. Now, as to food, that would be a pretty strong pressure.

Sue

[Champion Jack]

3. Thread here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3033327

[ElectroPrincess]

4. Thanks much for the anti-war link!

Yes, I don't find it surprising at all that the average Iraqis are threatened, bribed and/or cajoled into voting for Herr *'s glaringly successful election.

[Jackie97]

7. Okay.

As somebody against the war, I know a lot of my anti-war sources. Anti-war.com is not the most credible one. They've been known for saying stuff like the Jews controlling America if I remember right.

If the troops were going to threaten the Iraqis in any way, then wouldn't it make more sense to threaten to take away food rations or to bribe them with rations for not voting? The last thing the US government has been looking forward to is a Shiite leader being voted in and telling them to leave.

[ElectroPrincess]

9. That's exactly why they bribed the Kurds in the north

with a complementary quart of goat's milk.

I heard that from an "on site" correspondent calling in to CSPAN yesterday. :-)

[CWebster]

5. I guess they are still waiting for the glory moment

Of liberated Iraqis bowing to the white, christian invaders, strewing blossoms and sweet cakes.

[Jackie97]

6. Flyers, not money.

I handed out flyers on election day too. I didn't pay anybody to vote.

[ElectroPrincess]

8. How about tatoos?

You know like instead of ink, henna tatoos to show that you've voted?