VOTING FRAUD ACTION - Need DU'er help ASAP - thx!

[Kevin Spidel]

Hey folks,


Kevin from PDAmerica.org here. We are in DC right now giving a presentation to 26 coalition partners to mobilize them around the issue of the voting fraud in ohio. We are getting them to pack the hearings on wed. We came together and pulled funds together to get a “state of the art” action software in which we will be utilizing to help get the word out to the media, members of congress, etc.

I am having staff write up the actions now.

I am in a break out session now to task out the techy stuff, and will be there for the next few hours.

This will be a huge blitz campaign starting tomorrow. Conyers is sticking his neck out again (like in 2000) and PDA and its activist base, and YOU will be there to support him. We want to get the buzz about this far and wide, so that Conyers can take the hearing TO OHIO!

We want to hear from you.. the activists as well

Draft your best Letter to Congress to urge members to join in on this action. Get them to attend the hearings on Wednesday (see details here: http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/120404W.shtml)

Ask them to sign on to the GAO Letter calling for the investigation!

Then draft a letter to the media urging them to cover this!

We are taking several letters from the grassroots, several from our staff, several from policy wonks, and want several from you all to go to our committee. We will then use those for an urgent action we hope to put online tonight.

So you all... the best letters ... bring them on.. post them here please!!!! we got the back end of the software online thus far. And will be in several meetings to finalize it. Time is a wasting! We need to hear from you! The online grassroots!

Please write your best letter!

Peace,
Kevin Spidel
National Field Director
Progressive Democrats of America
http://www.pdamerica.org

[Twist_U_Up]

1. kick

[KaryninMiami]

2. You have made my day! Thank you

A bunch of us have been writing about this very topic- that we need one major group to mobilize everyone and bridge the various action groups, message boards and concerned citizens together and here you are! PERFECT TIMING! Thank you for making my day!


DU TEAM- Visit www.pdamerica.org so you can see why this is the answer to what we have been discussing for days now and many of us have been ranting about all morning!

Keep this kicked!

Kevin- KEEP US POSTED ON HOW WE CAN GET BEHIND YOUR EFFORTS. Be as specific as possible when listing what you need people to do. Tell your staff to POST IT ALL HERE and Know that you have a big team behind you!

Also, Kevin, when you come up for air again, please email me directly via DU - would like to be involved in any way that I can including attending the January event in DC. I will email you directly as well. THANK YOU AGAIN!

[Kevin Spidel]

3. thank you!

we just popped $6k for this software to get YOUR letters out to the media, to self organize and flood the local AND national media AND your members of congress. This is the backend, not public yet, and NOT online yet. To get a rough idea... here is is http://capwiz.com/pdamerica

now bear with the bugs. I am in a meeting the next few hours to clean it up.

I NEED CONTENT!!! FROM YOU!!! NOT THE POLICY WONKS!!!

I TRUST DU'ers WAAAAYYY before i trust these "hill" guys!

Please send me versions of the letters you propose to send to CONGRESS (Short and sweet and powerful)

and versions of letter to the MEDIA.. with A LOT OF FACTS in that one.

I want to use a template from a DU before i use these guys. PLEASE HELP ME HELP YA'LL!!!!

The team is workign over time now... i am back into the meetings.

We are tryign to coordinate the media and get our caucuses abuzz.

I am back on the phone, thank you and peace,! Kevin

[WMoses]

6. It would be very helpful...

...if someone could post some templates for these letters. In fact, I'm sure that someone may have done this already and must be available somewhere. Does anyone know where they are? And can post some of them here?

Out Bush!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

11. Hey Everyone, about the template letters....

Do you remember hearing (a few weeks ago) about letters against some action were sent out, and 95% percent of them were the same letter signed by diffent people? We need to avoid this! Use templates to save time, but make sure to show your individuality to the people at the other end. When they recieve the same letter 500 times it doesn't have the same impact as 500 letters from 500 PEOPLE.
:thumbsup:

[KaryninMiami]

9. Please send letter samples to Kevin at PDA!

Can someone direct him to where these are posted at DU? I am trying to find them but not having much luck yet as they are from weeks ago. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[KaryninMiami]

26. Hi Kevin- a few letter samples here. Any news to report yet?

Also, discovered a link to another group who is organizing. As you mentioned that you were working on mobilizing many of the different groups together (thank goodness)-- here's a link to one that is pretty new but could be a great way to reach more people (and other groups). http://www.counter-inaugural.org/index.php

Somehow, we have to link these all into one main place so that we can send messages to everyone and communicate news and events to every aligned citizen regardless of which group/blog/party/etc. they are connected to. If they pulled it off in the Ukraine, then we can pull this off here!

[KaryninMiami]

4. KICK- READ THIS PLEASE!

[understandinglife]

5. Have you posted this at dKos and sent it to Brad Blog??

If not, happy to do it for you and thanks for all you are doing to save our democracy.

In another thread someone noted the following: When folk say 'Get over it'; a powerful response is be "What -- get over our Democracy?"

Peace.

"Did Bush Know?"

[understandinglife]

7. Kevin, realize how busy you are so....

....I checked the two current, relevant recommended diaries at dKos and did not see your info there, so I cross posted the above in both diaries and have sent on the Brad, as well.

Peace.

"Did Bush Know?"

[KaryninMiami]

15. Please send Kevin your great lettter to Keith O.

I remember reading it a while back but cannot seem to locate it now. It was a good letter however and he might be able to use it!

Thanks for posting this on other blogs. I really am convinced that PDA is the best way to get all of these groups together which is what we need most of all right now.

Thanks again!

Karyn

[understandinglife]

16. Thank you Karen. Here is the link to a copy of the letter....

....here at DU:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=203&topic_id=101359&mesg_id=115415&page=

Feel free to send it to Kevin or anyone else whom you think might find it useful.

Peace.

"Did Bush Know?"

[KaryninMiami]

23. Thanks back to you!

Waiting to hear from PDA regarding next steps... Am feeling very encouraged today after hearing directly from Kevin about what they are doing in DC today!

[KaryninMiami]

8. Kick this and post it everywhere!

[corbett]

10. You're The Best! With You In Spirit On 12/8

Wow! You sure are busy! Keep up the good work. I've written the letters you request and hope that you have a packed house as planned!

[KaryninMiami]

12. Send your sample letters to Kevin

They are comprising a list of sample letters to use for outreach. Scroll up and send him what you've sent to Congress and to the media! Thanks!

[Senator]

13. Better than a Letter. Put them on the spot>>>

Here is a Declaration of Intent (posted below) that we all need to demand that our "leaders" sign on to.

The simple question it asks is "Are 10-hour poll-tax-lines for poor, minority voters AND no lines for affluent, white voters tolerable? In short, are you a racist or not?"

It's one thing to sit on your hands (ala Jan. 6th 2001) while no one is watching. But it's quite another to be put on the spot to do your duty, or fail to, and then have to look in the mirror every morning.

They must be shamed.

---------------------

Declaration of Intent
As a Member of Congress it is my sworn duty to uphold and defend the US Constitution. Being mindful of that oath, I believe that the single moral tenet on which that document, and therefore the nation, rests is the principle that government power can only be derived from the consent of the governed.

Consequently, the right of the People to have confidence that they are being afforded free and fair elections for their government officials is a right that no other consideration can supercede. A free and fair election is one in which all citizens have been afforded equal access and opportunity to cast their vote and have that vote accurately counted.

I choose to make this declaration at this time because it has now become clear to me that several states have, to this point in time, failed to fully provide for what would generally be regarded as a free and fair election for their citizens. And consequently, they have generated an insufficient level of confidence in their official result.

There can be no arbitrary point in time -- whether it be a date scheduled for appointing electors, electoral voting, or electoral vote counting -- that can limit the right of the People to have their consent justly measured and expressed. An election is a survey not a contest.

With these principles in mind I would urge the duly authorized election officials in each and every state to make every effort -- whether it be ballot recounting, independent auditing, reopening voting, or even judicially-sanctioned statistical adjustment of results -- to assure that their election truly reflects the will of the citizens of their state.

I wish to recognize that efforts are ongoing in some states -- by candidates, election officials, the news media, and citizens groups, through recounts and other means -- to clarify and adjust the official results in order to increase the level of public confidence. These efforts are necessary, however, they cannot be sufficient.

This is true because by far the most disturbing circumstances that have occurred in this election are the confirmed cases of disparate treatment being afforded to certain classes of voters. If systemic barriers to exercising the franchise existed that correlate to a citizen's age, race, religion, gender, socio-economic status, military status, partisan status, absentee status, immigration status, or other identifiable characteristic, the election was neither free and fair, nor lawful in the absence of any corrective remedy being applied.

Therefore, in keeping with my oath of office, I publicly declare my intention to act on January 6th 2005 and object to any presidential electors that I believe to have been unlawfully appointed. To do less would make me complicit with a violation of our shared democratic principles.

_______________________________ Member of Congress

-------------------

For a printable copy: www.thedeanpeople.com


--

[KaryninMiami]

14. Great- keep this kicked and keep writing to PDA

[senegal1]

17. KICK AND SOON TO COME UU WASHINGTON AREA CHURCH

BLASTER.

[KaryninMiami]

18. kicking again-- PDA Needs our support!

[davidlynch]

19. Letter I Sent To Senator Boxer (CA)

Senator Boxer:

It is certain that fraud has occurred in Ohio. The only question is its depth. At minimum, voting machines have been intentionally mal-distributed to disenfranchise minority voters.

Yet the mainstream media is silent. We need to do something. Our democracy is at risk.

Please support the Conyers effort in any way you can. If possible, attend the planned hearings in Washington. Please join the effort to insist that the GAO fully investigate the irregularities in Ohio.

Everything depends on it.

Sincerely,
David Lynch

[floridadem30]

20. I have sent over 25 letters to different congress members and gao but

I am more than happy to send a few more.

[KaryninMiami]

22. Please post some samples of letters you have sent

They are trying to compile a list of these and a template to be used moving forward.

Thanks!

[KaryninMiami]

21. My letter to Senator Nelson and Senator Graham

It's long winded but says what I am feeling... One of many letters I've sent out these past few weeks. Hope it helps, Kevin!

Dear Senator Nelson,

Something went terribly wrong on November 2nd. There are clear indications of widespread “irregularities”, massive voter disenfranchisement, illegal practices and bizarre behaviors at various precincts plus evidence of numerical abnormalities within exit polls and electronic machines. The reports encompass many states, although Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and New Mexico presently have reported the highest number of voting problems.

Floridians will never forget the horror as we watched our voting rights disappear in 2000 when the Supreme Court stopped the recount and illegally award the election to George Bush. Four months later a complete recount sponsored by 4 major newspapers uncovered what we all knew was true all along- Gore did win Florida.

In 2002, I had a terrifying experience while voting on our new electronic machines. After casting my vote for Bill McBride, the machine said that I had voted for Jeb Bush when it asked me to verify before hitting the final vote button. It took two tries before it registered the candidate I had selected. I knew at that moment that we had a serious problem with e-voting, but had no idea, until this year, just how serious it was.

In addition to the massive disenfranchisement on Nov. 2nd, reported by thousands of precincts (mostly minority areas and universities) and huge voter suppression efforts prior to the election, the main issue of concern is regarding the electronic voting machines. Bev Harris and her investigative team and an array of credible investigative journalists have uncovered clear evidence of election fraud. Ms. Harris’ experiences, including Volusia County, Florida, where original poll records AND ballots were found in dumpsters (all on film) plus other major investigations are at www.blackboxvoting.com.

Recounts are in process in New Hampshire and Ohio. Bev Harris of Black Box Voting and her team are demanding access to polling information county by county in Florida through the Freedom of Information Act. In Ohio, attorneys from the Green, Libertarian and Democratic parties plus Jesse Jackson held town meetings and investigations and which prompted legal filings for a statewide recount.

Considering that the mainstream media is not discussing this subject (except in small, inconclusive spurts or distorted reports), 1 in 5 Americans is a pretty substantial amount of citizens who are now questioning our democracy. Many have spent countless hours researching facts including some very credible scientists, university professors, research experts, computer engineers, reputable polling organizations (such as Zogby), and congressional legislators who have demanded a full investigation with the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO).

What is clear now is that this is not a conspiracy theory. We need your help in demanding a complete and thorough investigation. In addition, we are also calling upon you to Contest the Election until these investigations are complete and before the electoral collage votes later this month.

Senator Nelson, this is not a partisan issue. Trust in our electoral process is critical to our democracy. We need the right kind of investigation into anomalies, using appropriate methods. Please support our efforts to make sure that every person who voted on November 2, had their vote count as they had intended. Without your support and the support of our elected officials, we will never know what happened. Millions of citizens will never again trust the integrity of our voting process which is the most frightening outcome of all. If we cannot vote and be guaranteed that our vote counts as we had intended, then our democracy has been hijacked.

The citizens in the Ukraine took to the streets and DEMANDED THE TRUTH by demanded a complete investigation into the reports of voter fraud during their election. This resulted in their being granted a re-vote. We have many more indications of fraud in our country from our election and we are counting on you to support our efforts to investigate the election before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

[trudyco]

24. kick

[rockedthevoteinMA]

25. Here ya go...

I wanted to thank you for being such a great Senator, and always fighting for the people you represent. I am proud to be a constituent of yours, as is my family. I was made aware of your work, related to Emerson College, and helping to negotiate the issues there. As a student attending this school, I was very impressed with your hands on approach to attempting to remedy the situation. A thank you is indeed due.

Over the past few weeks I have become aware of many irregularitites in the election on November 2, 2004. It has been brought to my attention that many of these are beginning to add up, in a way that is too difficult to ignore. Ohio, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Nevada, to name a few, have had major statistical anomalies, which cannot be explained. There have been major reports of disenfranchisement of minorities, computer malfunctions, county lockdowns, and many reports of the possibility of votes for Senator Kerry registering for President Bush on the confirmation page of the touch screen voting machine. These are just some of the basic reports, there are countless others available.



Representative Conyers from MI, along with many of the other Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee have initiated an investigation into these reports. They have also written a letter addressing these discrepancies, and addressed it to the Secretary of State of Ohio, Mr. Kenneth Blackwell. The full text of the letter can be found here:

http://www.house.gov/judiciary_democrats/ohblackwellltr12204.pdf

The press release for the Forum to be held December 8, 2004 @ 10 AM is located at:

http://www.house.gov/judiciary_democrats/ohvotinghrgadvisory12304.pdf

This forum to be held is necessary to many of us at the grassroots level. We have fought hard to have our voices heard. Many have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to make this happen. I urge you to look into this, and lend your support to this cause.

Our democracy stands at risk of losing its legitimacy in the eyes of many. These major anomalies must be recognized, and investigated fully, to provide a sense of authenticity to this past election.



Thank you for your time.



Sincerely,

(One former rep I met with told me to always thank them first)
Hope this helps! :)

[lwesty]

27. done n/t