Scoop - Suzan Mazur: Diebold & The Mormon Mason Handshake

[althecat]

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0507/S00222.htm
Suzan Mazur: Diebold & The Mormon Mason Handshake
Friday, 15 July 2005, 12:29 pm
Opinion: Suzan Mazur



Diebold, the Ohio computer election systems manufacturer, remains under a cloud regarding irregularities in its tabulation of the 2004 US presidential vote, which led to the reinstalling of George W. Bush. So it may be productive to explore what appears to be a significant Diebold-Mormon link, as well as observe how the Mormons are jockeying for a major political role in America. We already know of the Bush tie-in to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Click here: Scoop: Suzan Mazur: Bush And The Mormons)

First some background on Mormon politics. Historically, Mormons tend to vote Republican, perhaps forever scarred by being driven out of Missouri and elsewhere in the 1830s -- some tarred and feathered -- by Democrats. Mormons subsequently threw their support to the Whig party, forerunners of today's Republicans.

The LDS church has made no fanfare about Diebold CEO Walden O'Dell being a "Saint". And O'Dell's promotion of the serving of alcoholic beverages at political fundraisers would further imply that he is not -- alcohol being a Mormon no-no.

But he was a major contributor to George W. Bush's reelection campaign, organizing a $1,000-a-plate dinner in August 2003 and encouraging supporters to donate $10,000, although Diebold's website now indicates high profile employees of the company should keep a politically neutral public face.

O'Dell's public reticence to be seen as a GOP stalwart followed an infamous letter to supporters the day before Ohio's Republican secretary of state Ken Blackwell chose Diebold as one of three suppliers for the state's e-voting machines. In the letter O'Dell said he was, "committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year."

[autorank]

1. "Just when I thought I was out of it, they pull me back"

Fascinating article...now I'll have to stay up another hour or so to get over it!

"Diebold's website now indicates high profile employees of the company should keep a politically neutral public face." Right, so the blatant political power they serve will be able to continue their services with some degree of "plausible deniability." Oh lord!