is DFA finally waking up????

[garybeck]

It looks like Democracy for America is finally starting to recognize there's a problem. I just got this flash video from them in the email, which follows with a petition to call for paper ballots.

There are some obvious things in the video that will bother us "experts" here at DU - like the focus is only on having a paper ballot, just to file it away in case there needs to be a recount, when we all know a VVPAT or opscan ballot that is not subject to at least a random audit is basically useless.

However, it is good to see they are recognizing the need for a paper trail. Perhaps it's a sign that they are willing to delve into this issue, and if we hammer them on it maybe we can teach them about the problem with the opscans and the need for random audits.

Here's the video, I must admit it's kind of dumb. But I'm glad to see they are doing *something*:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/paperballotflash

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

1. 3 questions and comments on that video

I think the video is very clever but misguided.

1. I wonder if folks could use similar idea but
modify it to say "paper ballots" and not "paper trails"?

2. Also, would like to see the word "receipt" erased from the video.
That just creates work for us in explaining that we don't want a receipt,
and we don't want to encourage vote selling. A very unfortunate word
to use in a video about verified voting. Just provides ammunition for our
opposition.

3. I want to know why DFA is asking folks to sign a petition, rather than lobby for
HR 550? (Are they just fishing to get email contacts?)You do petitions when you don't have
legislation to support. Do these people know what they are doing?

[GuvWurld]

2. Sounds a like classic false alternative

I haven't watched the video yet but from the OP and reply above, it sounds like a pretty routine false alternative.

[garybeck]

3. agreed, but

is the glass half full or empty?

DFA has been ignoring the issue for over a year. Now they had the where-with-all to produce a video about it. It's not perfect, it might not even be that good. But it's a sign that they recognize the issue.

DFA has a HUGE base and a HUGE mailing list. We should see this as a good sign and perhaps an opportunity to get our foot in the door and encourage them to take it to the next level.

Watch the video - it's only a minute long. And there's a feedback form at the end. Tell them what you think.

I personally have sent back at least a dozen solitication envelopes to DFA, without any money but a letter about the need for election reform instead. I'd like to think that doing this sort of stuff got them to pay attention. Let's keep it up.

[kster]

4. If you are trying to explain why we need Paper ballots

to someone that is not in the "know" this video is good to raise that awareness. Its put in a way that everyone can understand.

I really don't think this video hurts our cause.

My two cents, for what its worth.

[Land Shark]

6. ah, it ain't That bad, i give it good marks for viral qualities, planting

seeds, and making a foundation for other ideas.

[kster]

7. Agreed ..................nt

[PVK]

5. DFA is run by Howard Dean's brother Jim Dean.

I'm pretty sure Jim Dean is up to speed.