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TechnoratiWASHINGTON - Senate Democrats urged the Justice Department on Monday to investigate whether one of its former prosecutors led attempts to suppress Florida voter turnout during the 2004 presidential election.
The request by Sens. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island is the latest facet of Congress' ongoing inquiry into whether politics played a role in the firings of eight U.S. attorneys.
One of the fired prosecutors, Bud Cummins in Little Rock, Ark., was replaced on an interim basis by Tim Griffin - a protege of presidential political adviser Karl Rove who worked at the Republican National Committee in 2004. The two senators Monday pointed to two e-mails to Griffin - titled "caging" and dated August 2004 - listing nearly 2,000 potential voters in Jacksonville, Fla.
The e-mails were posted on a political Web site critical of the Bush administration, but a White House spokeswoman said the Democrats did not doubt their authenticity.
"Caging" refers to efforts to disqualify voters who fail to sign for registered campaign mail sent to their houses. In theory, the practice identifies homes where voters no longer live. But the Democrats said in a letter to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales that "there are many reasons why registered mail might be 'returned to sender' that have nothing to do with a voter's eligibility."
The caging lists targeted predominantly African-American neighborhoods in Jacksonville, the senators said in their letter.
Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd said the agency is "not able to comment on an individual who is no longer a Justice Department employee, nor on allegations about this individual before he became a Department employee."
Griffin stepped down as interim U.S. attorney in Little Rock earlier this month.
The caging controversy also was raised last month by Monica Goodling, the Justice Department's former White House liaison. In House testimony, Goodling said Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty was aware of allegations of Griffin working to cage votes in 2004 - but told a Senate panel he was unfamiliar with the case.
Goodling said McNulty "was aware that that was an issue. I told him the day before that it was" and provided him then newspaper stories about the allegations, she testified.
People close to McNulty have said he did not have time to review the media stories before the Senate hearing in February and told lawmakers he did not know enough about the situation to discuss it.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press.
35 Comments so far
Show AllThe accusation of caging ought to be headline news; instead, the media have chosen Paris Hilton. In the summer of 2001, when the media could have been rousing our interest in Osama bin Laden, they were busy wrecking the reputation of Gary Condit over the Chandra Levy scandal. Did you think you'd ever hear/see the last of poor Natalee Holloway or Anna Nicole Smith? If a young person wanted to work as an agent of change, he/she could become an excellent free-lance investigative reporter. The free-lance part is essential, because very few media are willing to spend the extra money and energy up-front to support investigations that lack sensational results. You might go hungry; but you could change the world.
"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it."
Abraham Lincoln
http://blackboxvoting.org/
Just check out this site - this is where John Kerry should have sent his so called team of lawyers had he really had any interest in getting all the votes counted in 2004 elections as he promised during his sorry ass campaign. All of this is simply more BS politics being played to put forth the false idea of a 2 party system. You cannot have a multi or even 2 party system when the campaign money ALL comes form the same small groups of people, the American Aristocracy. Just ask yourself how many Senators of either party are ever affected by the laws they pass?
Regarding the talk of Racism -
I don't think that there are many (if any) people who are seriously committed to social justice are who are not aware of and appalled by the deeply rooted racism in the USA, especially at the highest levels of our (rotten) social/political structures. It's no secret that racism is always born in ignorance, usually to people suffering from low self-esteem. Putting others down tends to make them feel elevated. It could be argued that it's a treatable and fully cureable form of mental illness. The reason we shouldn't tolerate it is because it's a form of hatred that pollutes the air. It is harmful to everyone. It's worse than burning tires.
Wouldn't it be cool if we could make racism & hatred illegal? We could give the haters a chance to mend their ways and require the resisters to attend racial attitude management classes. Maybe the majority will agree on doing something like that in the future. Don't forget that less than 50 years ago, the idea of requiring people to attend "anger management" classes was unheard of. Less than 50 years ago, blacks in the south even had separate bathrooms. All men are brothers - and we're slowly waking to that fact.
Racism is one of the many ugly forms of ignorance, it is passing, and it will pass (despite all contradictory appearances), thanks to the work of all those who are awake and awakening.
============
"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dear Erikd Howard:
I think you'll find the best energy and results in working with one or more of the great human rights/social justice groups. Don't worry too much about all the young souls who don't want to get out of their playpens. While the children play - totally oblivious to the way things are and how they could be, the more concious adults accept responsibility & gladly work for a more just world. That's how it's always been.
If you get a chance to travel a little bit (or a lot) outside of the USA, you'll find that the people (outside of the belly of the beast) are typically more mature and more aware of (and concerned about) international politics, and the family of man. Europe seems to be a few hundred years ahead of us in many ways.
Also, know that the changes of the next hundred years will far surpass(!) the massive changes of the past hundred years, and that the most significant of those changes will be in mankind's conciousness.
In a hundred years everyone will know that all atoms are interconnected, that all life is one life, and so all the dreadfully ugly foolishness that we're seeing now will be aspects of our dark past. Mankind is truly are moving out of the darkness of ignorance and into the light of knowledge/wisdom, regardless of what the dullards & pessimists say. Those who work for social justice & peace are not working in vain. So, don't you ever be dismayed. Fight the good fight.
All the best!
Lemme get this straight... the Dems are asking the Justice Department to investigate this outrage?
Isn't that the same Justice Dept headed by, um, Alberto Gonzales? Isn't that the same 'Justice' Dept that followed marching orders to orchestrate the voter/prosecutor purges in the first place?
My head just exploded. It's like the old koan, "where do you throw away an old garbage can?" Who will issue the indictments on our corrupt and useless federal legal system? Meditating on this should enlighten us.
PeachMcD in Durham NC
Clue: "We the People, in order to form a more perfect union..."
"Voters decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything".
The ones who attempt to manipulate elections need to be held accountable as it sets a precedent. If nothing else, holding these people accountable makes others aware of what is going on.
It only requires that one look around at the current state of the world to see what happens when we remain complacent and do absolutely nothing.
Erik:
I think you're SOL if you're wondering how to work for positive change AFTER you've left university.
The young people who are traditionally in the vanguard have traditionally been university based.
Where have you been? Your campus had like-minded people organized in like-minded groups doing education and advocacy -- unless you were a Bob Jones grad. Give them money.
Perhaps the problem is the missing advice here -- JOIN something.
Take out sustainer subscriptions to truth tellers like ZNet, Truthout, Truthdig, Information Clearing House. Visit sites like National Lawyers Guild, ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, LAWG, CIP, CEPR, IFCO (Pastors for Peace) ... follow the links and find your own cause.
I confess to being a little fearful of saying anything in this and most online forums where talk of peace is mixed between put-downs and other verbal forms of violence.
Qwazdor, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, racism is an issue here, and I can see why it IS scarey for most white people to address. A week or so ago, I attended a white privilege seminar. Five people showed up, including two presenters. Still, I learned a lot and know I have a lot more to learn.
However, there are many legitimate issues raised by the article, and the comments which follow. Erikdhoward's post is thought provoking. The question is - what are we all going to DO NOW?
I think there is a lot of wisdom out there on that question but we each need to think about it and act, not just once, but each moment.
The purpose of this investigation and especially the pace is designed to gradually raise the heat on Bu$h the inferior now that they have him firmly on the spit.
This is better than nothing, but wouldn't be ideal if instead of politics these Senators would defend the constitution with no compromise and let the chips fall where they may.
Thats what the whole big oath deal was about; not the photo op.
college student that? college student who, for crying out loud.
Powerslave wrote:
"canuckchuck, what's the matter, are you afraid of the people voting? Gay "marriage" that has been decreed by judicial fiat is not legitimate. If it was voted on and approved by the PEOPLE, it would be legitimate. "
That is just nonsense. In fact it's stupidity at it's worse.
Someone on another thread said he guessed the will of the people don't matter. He was right. It doesn't. We are NOT a democracy where everyone gets to vote whether or not a group of people deserve to be treated equally under the law. We are a constitutional republic and that right to equal treatment is a birthright to every citizen in this nation. It doesn't matter one damned bit if 95% of the people of this country hated gay marriage and opposed it. That is the simple fact of the matter, and before it's over that is how the Supreme Court will eventually rule, unless of course Bush or a successor is allowed to put additional Alitos and Scalia-type nutcases on the court.
Gay marriage is good for society, and it harms nobody. Those opposing it do so based solely and exclusively on baseless prejudices..
Good for Massachusetts.. And I'd say as well that the Governor there is a hero.
One more thought.... IF it had been up to the blessed people and their prejudices.... slavery would never have been voted away... A woman's right to choose would never have passed.... Bi-racial couples would still go to prison if they married......
It's just nonsense. Constitutional rights are there for judiciaries to interpret. It's as simple as that. It's totally legitimate.
You're a moron...
Erikdhoward,
The fastest and most affective way to reach the masses, I believe, is through mediums that appeal to those masses. I think Comedy (Social & Political), ala Lewis Black or Bill Maher (HBO Series) are good examples, but don't appeal to enough of the younger people you speak of.
As a Vietnam Vet, I came to appreciate the Peace Movement of my generation, but that was driven by a baser, more selfish fear of being "Drafted" by the youth of my generation. But it worked. If we could raise the "Draft Affect" over the troubling issues of Iraq, voting rights, Racism, The Hysterical Patriot Act, etc., we would have something.
I appreciate your candor and concern. Get creative about what appeals to your generation (The Simpsons type of thing) and make it relevant, entertaining and
cutting edge. Motivate and activate emotionally sane connections. Also, look for role models and hook up with those type of people.
I think you are on the way already,
Best Wishes
erikdhoward the internet and websites like this..especially the discussions. Encourage them to travel widely especially to developing nations. It'll open up their eyes, hearts, and minds. Believe me the internet is last bastion of freedom in an ailing democracy. Encourage them to read also (and not the trashy souless magazines on our newstands that only teach consumerism) and turn off the frigging TV!
To young and fearful:
Learn about stacked voting control via DRE voting machines that do NOT have a hard copy record of the individual votes cast that will allow an audit, and then do your best to end that rape of common sense.
Unless there is assurance that your vote counts, there is no reason to trust the government that provided the opportunity to cheat you and your fellow citizens.
This is a critical and very important first step to protect your vote and to assure that the opportunities of your dreams can be realized.
Even on commondreams people are afraid to address RACISM! That's what this article is really about - suppressing the black vote in Florida. And you are all talking about "Dempublicans" and homosexual marriage and recent college grads who don't know what do do with themselves? You can't even talk about what's really going on! Can't get out of the same tired routine liberal thoughts. No wonder most African-Americans are of the opinion the racial majority intentionally ignores the racism problem - even you self-proclaimed "progressives" find the issue... unpalatable.
Nice honest question erikdhoward.
I can only say what I do.
I attempt to stay informed about the factors that are converging towards the catastrophe of our world "collapsing," to use your excellent term. (Read "Collapse" by Jared Diamond, if you haven't, and see the film "Children of Men" about what we have in store for us unless . . .)
I give speeches. And write articles. And books. And post here. And work to help the Green Party and my Progressive Caucus in my state Democratic Party.
I choose to do what I can and have an aptitude to do. You have talents, interests and skills. Enter a field of knowledge, practice, or work that will leverage your influence. Work to save the world. Prevent its collapse. That way, you are not a victim. Or "oblivious." Or a "stationary intellect." You are a leader.
erikdhoward,
I would say listen carefully to conversation and at an opportune time ask a question that needs to be answered. They won't have a clue because they don't care.
They must realize that there are limits to the size of our planet, change is inevitable; and when change comes, the ones that will survive will be informed people who made smart choices.
Then smile at them like you will be their boss when that time comes.
canuckchuck, what's the matter, are you afraid of the people voting? Gay "marriage" that has been decreed by judicial fiat is not legitimate. If it was voted on and approved by the PEOPLE, it would be legitimate. The Mass. Legislature is so gerrymandered that no one considers it to represent the people.
Dear erikd:
A few years ago, I would have said, move to New Zealand. Now all I can tell you is SURVIVE! Your generation is kept indentured to student loans so you don't have much time for this. On the other hand, you kids are smarter than we are, so there is hope. There is always a way.
Hello all. This is directed to all whom believe that the youth of our nation is lost/ill-informed:
I am 21 years old and have just received a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences/Spanish. I read daily/hourly about horrendous events happening around the world. My insides scream for change, my actions hopefully replicate such sentiments, but I ultimately feel that I am powerless. It seems, to me at least, that my generation is strongly divided into three camps: a tremendously small minority of action-takers, a slightly larger group of the stationary intellect, and an overwhelmingly sized group of the oblivious.
The problem: I am aware that change almost always comes from the youth of a (they are *usually* the first to recognize and act). However, my generation *as a whole* does not seem aware. Therefore, considering my age, my ultimate question posed to the aforementioned is this: What suggestions do you have for a recent college graduate that desires to prevent our most wonderful world from collapsing? How might I reach my peers and appropriately demonstrate the damage caused by negligent/oblivious actions?
POWERSLAVE, you already have the right to get a gay marriage in Mass., so what is your problem? Can't get a date?
the majority of democratically elected representatives of Mass. decided that the issue was settled, and voted not to put the measure up for referendum....If the christian righties had their way, they would vote on it daily until it went their way, then vote to stop more votes, you hypocrite
Both the 2000 and 2004 elections were stolen. Some elction officials in Ohio are doing prison time.
The 2004 election was not stolen, get over it. How many of you protested the attempted Democratic coup in California in 2003, when it became apparent that Arnold was going to win the recall, and so called "progressives" got a Democratic federal judge to say the recall election violated the federal voting rights act? I remember. I remember that it took an appeals court decision to give back the right to vote to Californians.
Nothing a few well placed bribes can't fix. Tired of corporations making decisions for you yet?
i don't get this s--- at all. isn't the whole a.g fredo firing the attorneys scandal really about vote suppression (it's about corruption investigations, too)? if the dems care about vote suppression and election rigging, where the hell were they in 2000, much less 2004?
Com_n_sense:
I like your style!
:)
When only millionaires run for office, only millionaires will be represented.
When machines count the votes, the people's votes don't count.
The Dempublicans are dangling another carrot. Like Lucy with the football and us as poor Linus, we're suppose to believe they'll actually do anything about a crime that obviously involves millions of dollars and hundreds of people.
This coming from the same Dempublicans that throw the will of a vast majority of the people in a ditch by refunding and increasing an illegal occupation. The same Dempublicans who as of yet done next to nothing to have even one major crime figure in this criminal, ass-clown act we call our government even break a sweat! After six-years of being able to gather evidence of the blatant crimes committed they STILL need more time.
Well pardon me if I'm not getting excited.
Dempublican: Any Democratic Party Member that ignores the will of the people. Also see: liar, hypocrite, back-stabbing soulless whores
Funny how we all still fall for Cheney/Bush/Rove "look, over there - a flying elephant!" They've done a wonderful job making us all forget that the REAL voter fraud is spelled D.I.E.B.O.L.D. Where the hell did all those "investigations" go? And how much did said traitors pay to make their litany of crimes go bye-bye?
@ Pwerslave & Kathyodat
Where are youse guys coming from?
The 2000 and 2004 steals were beyond even Mayor Daly's most liquid wet-dreams.
And the result has been the worst catastrophe for America since the Civil War (you may disagree, but we haven't seen the last of the fall-out...)
POWERSLAVE is right, they are a bunch of hypocrites. As Radar said in MASH, "Their ringer just spotted our ringer".
They've got all the players in place to steal 2008, what is anyone doing about THAT?
These are the same Democrats who "suppressed" the vote in Massachussetts by denying the people the right to vote on gay "marriage". Hypocrites.
This could take years to figure out! Then more years to prosecute whomever!
Greg Palast said all that needs to be said about this, there are more important things to be investigated!
Some movement towards justice is better than none. I still think that all those who have supported Bush's diabolical, so called war on terror - should be kicked the hell out of power. All that blood on their filthy little grabbing hands, is so very gross. They don't represent the American people, they represent the worst 1% of us only.
Dennis Kucinich is working on legislation requiring that the presidential election be hand counted:
http://blackboxvoting.org/