Plea from an Ohio activist

[mojogeorgo]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/12/14/175636/78

Yes, those of us in Ohio ARE on the front lines - and it feels like we are defending the Alamo. We are doing our part. A handful of determined people are working themselves to exhaustion. Yes, we ARE out there in the streets. And we ARE at the statehouse. And we ARE at the hearings. And we ARE filing the lawsuits. And we ARE out there doing the recount. And we ARE out there knocking on doors to investigate, verify and gather the facts.People all over the country who are web-tracking what's happening want to help, who feel helpless, frustrated, and sorry for us in Ohio, are offering good wishes and words of encourgement.

And believe me, we appreciate the encouragement. We do, and thank you for that. But we here in Ohio need more than a "You can do it" pat on the back. We ARE doing it. But nobody knows. Ohio is screaming the truth at the top of its lungs, literally, and no one hears us because of all the noise of the media silence.If you want to do something, here's what you can do to help.I am asking the rest of the country to please get out there and find well-known people who's voices are loud enought to be heard by the press who will stand up for us. Get a Senator or a media personality or anyone of very high profile to come out about this. The media blackout is killing us. Very few members of Congress, and no one in the Democratic Party has even seriously acknowledged the recount.

This is still looked at as the "sour grapes" effort of a couple of disgruntled 3rd party candidates who can't win anyway. It couldn't be further from that. The civil rights of every man, woman and child in America are at stake here.I don't care what it takes, convince somebody to break our story, to back us and give us the credibility we need and to let the world know we're here doing this. Redford, Sting, Kennedy, Fonda, Kerry... I don't care who, somebody, anybody who can attract the attention of the media (evidently John Conyers' and Jesse Jackson's brave voices are not loud enough.)

We've kinda got our hands full here, or we'd be doing that ourselves too. Give us a voice and we will deliver Ohio. Otherwise SOS Blackwell and the BOE will continue to slap us around like we don't matter a lick, at every turn. We are being squelched by a state government that is willing to violate our rights and even break the law as often as necessary to stand in our way and prevent us from exposing what they've done.I watched 100 of the greatest people I've ever met freeze their butts off for three hours Sunday, and 1500 the week before. And today people are out there at the Conyers hearing at the Columbus Statehouse again freezing, supporting the hearing, the investigation and the recount. And the Ohio recount has begun this morning.

If you want to help, please turn over every rock to find someone big who can get the media's attention who is willing to speak up for us. We need that. And we need it now. We'll take care of the rest. You'll have to pardon the tone of this message - I'm tired, I'm pissed and I'm still cold from yesterday. Thanks for anything you can do toward this.Democracy = the vote, Gary Polvinale Sandusky, Ohio

[catgirl]

1. Going to contact Congressman Sabo (Minnesota)

Gary- take a hot bath, you deserve it!

[CantGetFooledAgain]

2. kick n/t

[regularjoe]

3. Kick for activism. Kick for attention. Kick for truth.

[Higans]

4. The Country can support you. here is how:

This is my question. That the one Head line I want to see.

I'll Buy add time. I will join together with ever American Indeed Ever Human. We Will print Bumper sticker in every Country around the world. Ever one Print Bumper Stickers:


Is E-Voting ME-Voting? Prove it.

Chant this slogan at every election day every ware.

MAIL IT TO SANTA EVERY HOLYDAY.

GO HUMANS GO.

(Who's side are you on?)

[jazzjunkysue]

5. Thanks and a big hug, Gary.

I'm protesting here in the NYC area, and constantly writing lawmakers and have pestered the media relentlessly. We're sending in money to many groups like thealliancefordemocracy and commoncause and such, and we're keeping the buried stories active and sending them to air america and Olbermann. The recount and continued challange to the Ohio vote was in al the major news sebsites yesterday when I checked: ABC< CBS, MSNBC< Cnn and others. It's happening. We're doing alot and know you're out there.

The 60+ people who gathered in Connecticut this sunday put a list together and we're ready to jump in when needed. Which group do you feel is most connected and of most benefit? There are so many groups, but which do you think will help consolidate the national efforts?

Take care. We love ya!
Sue

[Kellis]

6. Im here.I hear you.Im trying.

Im doing all I can-desperatly trying to get the message out there.Keep the faith.
:kick:

[sunnystarr]

7. How about calling Oprah? (nt)

[catgirl]

11. Go ahead, call her...good idea!

I contacted my rep.

[keepthemhonest]

13. do you think oprah

will talk about this whether she is a dem or repub.she seems to have integrity

[bush_is_wacko]

15. No

Her freakin' silence has been deafening! So has Hollywoods! I am disgusted right now! WILL NO ONE SPEAK OUT? On another front, I did read an article about us dissidents in USA today! I suppose there aren't many reading it though!

[Kellis]

17. Oprah did an entire show on Voting

During the campaign.She was passionatly talking about how if Bush were re-elected womens rights would be thrown back into the stone ages.

It was obvious she was NOT voting for Bush.I think its worth a shot to try and contact her.

[keepthemhonest]

22. I just wrote her

this is my rant.It is so hard to explain from scratch everything that has happened in the last month ,but that was my best attempt this late in the evening


Hi Oprah,

I want to thank you for the things you have done for people over the years. You bring enlightenment ,tolerance and understanding to many.

I am a concerned citizen writing to you to ask that you cover the integrity of our voting system on your show. Have you heard that 20% of americans don't trust our voting system(is that just the informed 20%?)
Have you heard that the Election is not over?Have you heard Arnebeck filed a lawsuit against Ohio and that many citizens were disenfranchised? Have you heard about the other lawsuits?Have you heard about Mr.Conyers and the Judiciary hearings and the investigation into Ohio and Mr Kenneth Blackwell? Have you heard about the 51 Capital March? Have you heard anything about the election irregularities that seem to be all in Bush's favor?Have you heard that people waited 8-10 hours in the rain just to vote?Have you heard about the 113 machines that could have been deployed to these precincts but were not?Well neither have Americans because the media is not covering it. They seem to hear about the voter fraud in the Ukrane and how the exit polls there were used to show fraud.Why is that not acceptable here?Are americans too busy shopping for the holidays and being comfy that they won't fight for their democracy?

Oprah,I have never written to you for anything,for any reason selfish or otherwise,but I ask you as a concerned citizen of these United States to please inform your public.We need to have fair elections,in order to achieve that we need proof that we voted.Let me ask you would you go to the bank and deposit your paycheck and feel secure without a receipt?Of course not, even today at McD's you will get a receipt.I am not a politician but I am concerned about the integrity of our voting system and worry that fraud may have occured.

I know Bev Harris from blackboxvoting.org will be able to show you how these black boxes can easily be hacked into on election night.Bev has been investigating this since the 2000 election. One more interesting thing is that the only people that are allowed to know what program runs these black boxes are the owners Diebold and ES&S(republican owned .)They gave Bush big contributions to the campaign and also promised to deliver Ohio to Bush this election year.

[SharonRB]

36. Sounds good except for using Bev Harris

Not a good idea to bring her into anything anymore, given the recent events at blackboxvoting.org.

[bunny planet]

27. Fantastic idea!

[bunny planet]

28. Except not the part about Bev Harris. Just saw that. She can't be our

spokesperson any longer. You've got to keep up with what's going on in other threads. Bev has had a permanent meltdown. No need to get Oprah mixed up with that soap opera.

[zeemike]

8. I have written so many E-mails

To news media, my congressman, and senator and not one response
They are simply ignoring us.
We must do more, but I am not shire just exactly what.
Perhaps civil disobedience is our only hope, and then only if it is massive enough to get there attention.

[catgirl]

12. They usually respond by mail

But at least they're getting your messages!

[jagsd01]

9. AM IN CONTACT W/ SEN. BOXER--NEED INFO

Hello Dems: am in contact with Senator Boxer. We NEED A SENATOR to object. Does anyone have a good WORD doc that I can send. There is so much on DU and we need to boil it down.

email: [e-mail]

[Peace Patriot]

21. Just sent you...

...my 11/24 election fraud summary. It will help bring people up to speed. A lot has happened since, but this is a good beginning (it briefly summarizes and explains the various stats analyses, among other things). I will send you an update later tonight, on Conyers hearings, recent revelations, Maxine Waters, etc.

[ntwkgirl]

35. just sent letter, links to studies, etc

I hope it's useful.

This is a tradgedy and I'm sick over it.

What other Senators can we lobby?

Please write Conyers...he wants 1 mil letters. I'm new here, I don't know anyone.

Call for Action!
Respond to Rep. John Conyers' request for one million emails demanding that the House Judiciary Committee hold full hearings on the 2004 Election: send your message now!

Please spread it!

www.house.gov/judiciary_democrats/contact.html

[SharonRB]

38. There's a petition on another thread

asking her to be the one to stand up and be counted. Sorry, I don't remember the thread, but it shouldn't be too hard to find.

[SharonRB]

39. Here's the link for the petition

www.contestthevote.org

It may be too late, but worth trying.

[pbartch]

10. GREAT LETTER. I'm sending a copy to Dems Blumenauer and Wyatt

here in Oregon.

[planetc]

14. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and here's what I'm going to try nex

...next

So far, four good strong letters, one of them mine, have been published in the local paper which is a small one. Tomorrow I'm going to try to get Hillary Clinton on the phone, and Mr. Schumer, and Rep. Hinchey. I'll see what I can do, and I'll report in.

We can't give up this time. We dare not give up this time. We cannot let this continue a day longer than it has to. And remember, there are loads of people out there who already suspect that what happened happened. We just need to reach them.

If time permits, I might have another crack at the NYTimes, but they have had me on their crackpot list since I started sending them letters about Bill Clinton. Still, if I get something written, and the Times doesn't want it, maybe somebody else will.

If there's anything *else* you need, just sing out. Carol from Ithaca

[GetTheRightVote]

18. I too have protested in Ohio, DC, NC and will continue to spread

the news as mucha as possible, I am doing all I can to help you over there in Ohio, coming over to help with the recount to, see you there.

[candice]

16. Email Conyers, send letters to local papers, sign MoveOn petition,

email your Congressperson and Senators.



To email Conyers and request the hearing on the Ohio election"
www.house.gov/judiciary_democrats/contact.html

[catgirl]

19. Just e-mailed environmental group

which happens to have a gorgeous famous actor/director who passionately fights for the cause. Think he'll call me? Perhaps.

[catgirl]

20. Just e-mailed environmental group

which happens to have a gorgeous famous actor/director who passionately fights for the cause. Think he'll call me? Perhaps.

[Amaryllis]

32. Does anyone know how to get some action from MoveOn? I have emailed them

so many times on this issue, using their feedback form, and nothing in response.

[Griffy]

23. Im in DC... the eastern front... fighting here too... BE HERE 1/6/05..

to back up our leaders, whoever they may be, in the congress on that day in the congress. Like in F911 members of congress will stand, will you stand with them?! i will

[Lydia Guerra]

30. We'll be in DC January 6

Chicago gets around!
See you in DC January 6th.

[KaryninMiami]

24. Let's Keep this kicked- hopefully someone will read this

Who has the connections to bring some major media attention to this. I will send this out to everyone I know as well (but am out of town until tomorrow).

Keep this floating DU - it moved me to tears and my hope is it will move someone into action. We need a voice and we need media attention and we need it now.

PS: Gary-- you are doing great work! Know that your DU family sends you much support.

[texpatriot2004]

25. Kick it for Ohio

[MarkusQ]

26. kick

[Lydia Guerra]

29. From Chicago - We went to Ohio Dec. 4

We saw a film of the November 13 hearings in Columbus on Dec. 3 and were compelled to travel to Columbus Dec. 4. This is the report I sent to our local neighborhood newspaper, to Sen. Kerry, to our family and friends, to our alderman and state representative. We will do whatever it takes to help, Ohio:

"We are just back from Columbus, OH and thought I'd let you know that we are SO GLAD we decided to stand and cheer with the people in Ohio. The incidences of racism, voter suppression and fraud are simply astounding. The sense of betrayal felt by every-day Ohio citizens is palpable. When I asked some locals, at the rally, how they were feeling about the outcome of the election and about their struggle - most responded that a) they were surprised people from outside Ohio even knew about it - the media silence affects even them!, b) that people from outside Ohio even cared, and c) they felt embarrassed that this injustice happened to them. I talked to normal looking moms, dads, college kids, etc. not the people all dressed up with buttons and special interest t-shirts.

"There were not many people from outside Ohio there - except the speakers. We met up with our acquaintances from who filmed the whole thing. So, as far as I know, there were only 3 of us from Chicago and 4 from suburban IL. I heard there were a few people from Michigan and other states. There may have been about 1000 people at the rally on the state capital lawn. They thought it was a tremendous crowd. Being from Chicago, I was envisioning thousands!

"Ohio wasn't even the worst state.
The afternoon rally was - a rally. The evening program included school children from the host school, Africentric Middle School, with their African drum and dance group, a mixed chorus who lead the auditorium in singing "Lift Every Voice" and "Amazing Grace." And then, four tiny first-graders recited "I Am Somebody." There were many impressive local leaders as well as national leaders. Moreon that later. After the program was a time for questions and, of course, had a question, "What are the chances that ONE required US Senator will support the House Committee on the Judiciary and the GAO to conduct a full-scale investigation into election fraud?" The Executive Director of NAACP's National Voter Fund, Greg Moore, responded to the question. Mr. Moore said that he'd had two conversations with John Kerry within the last week and that JK is indeed interested and participating in following up on an investigation.

"We are so glad that we decided to go. Now, we are called to bear witness to these events and to tell of the still raw emotions of the Ohio people we met and repeat the facts we heard reported from the experts, rather than simply report on them from internet news stories, or report on the film we saw taken by the folks from Arlington Heights of the November 13 hearings in Columbus.

"I urge Sen. Kerry to Speak and Act Publicly and Legally: do the right thing, step up to the plate, throw your hat into the ring, etc… Call for a full investigation into Election Fraud not only in Ohio, but Florida, New Mexico, Washington, Iowa, etc."

Whatever it takes, Ohio, we are there.

[billie_]

31. kick

:kick:

[cyberpj]

33. Understood - And I'm still doing all I can every day

I'm sending short but concise letters and emails plus making personal phone calls to friends, newspapers, mediablaster lists, my congresspeople and others. I'm writing letters to my local editors and those around the country.

Luckily ??? I'm laid off right now and can do this all day.

I will NOT STOP until you, we, Conyers, Jackson et al get some HELP!

:yourock: I thank you and I won't let you down.

PJ

:kick:

[ClassWarrior]

34. Here's a good thing to email out...

http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/121604Z.shtml

NGU.

[Kralizec]

37. Definetely! Please read that story if you haven't already. n/t

[ginnyinWI]

40. Done: I just wrote a letter to my senator, Russ Feingold. n/t

[ChicanoPwr]

41. There is a piece in counterpunch

Very good piece.

http://www.counterpunch.org/moses12152004.html