Barack Obama Joins the NeoCons (AEI) to Reform Elections

[Wilms]

Let's not freak out until we know more. Dispite how disappointed we were with Carter/Baker one could argue that we gained a bit and didn't lose much.

Still, imagine my surprise to see this.



The American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution Launch Joint Election Reform Project

Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) Gives Inaugural Remarks

Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2006
PRESS RELEASES
AEI Online (Washington)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2006

Today, two of America�s key policy research institutions--the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) and the Brookings Institution--launch the new AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project. The program is a joint effort to monitor the implementation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and to develop a bipartisan policy agenda for further improvements in the administration of elections.

Introduced in the wake of the contested 2000 presidential election, HAVA was passed by Congress in 2002. The law provides funds to the states to enable them to replace punch card voting systems. It has also created an Election Assistance Commission to help administer federal election laws and has set standards for the administration of federal elections by states and local governments.

The new AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project will encourage constructive changes in HAVA and its implementation. It will also synthesize election-related research and strengthen the link between the research and policy communities. The effort began today with the initiation of a new website, www.electionreformproject.org. The site will be regularly updated and will include information on voter registration, technology, access, early and absentee voting, provisional balloting, election administration, and voting integrity issues.

Said AEI president Christopher DeMuth: "The best way to preserve democratic institutions and good government is to ensure that elections are executed freely and fairly. As the United States spreads democracy throughout the world, we must do all we can to protect the democratic system at home. I look forward to another successful partnership with the Brookings Institution as we move forward with this important research."

snip

http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.23752/pub_detail.asp




http://www.electionreformproject.org

[papau]

1. the Brookings Institution is a liberal Dem org. so no big deal

:-)

[Wilms]

7. Hence my taking a breath. However...

Looking at the website seems a little too "Voter Fraud"y for my comfort.

They seem to endorse e-voting though acknowledge the GAO report.

We'll see.

[...of J.Temperance]

2. Obama was the best thing since sliced bread when he was elected eh?

Now he gets beaten up over not supporting the filibuster, which I can kind of agree with. However I can't agree with saying that Obama is joining forces with the Neo-Con's. Sorry ;)

[Wilms]

8. Yeah it was pretty harsh,

I should have softened it by including the Brookings Institution especially since Obama just made the opening remarks.

He's not on the board of this new group. :blush:

[w13rd0]

3. And Al Gore...

...presented his MLK speech with the support of Bob Barr, before a stage set by an alliance between conservative and liberal organizations. Judicial Watch and Sierra Club launched the lawsuits to reveal Cheney's papers. We can, on occassion, find common cause. I don't need to oppose a common sense measure just because some knuckledraggin bigot also sees some sense in the same.

[Wilms]

9. I agree.

And AEI :scared: me.

[applegrove]

4. I don't happen to believe diebold stole votes. I believe it defaulted

improperly, it can be hacked, too few were put in Democratic districts. And 45 other ways of fooling with the intent of the law.

If there is an argument to be made that machines (verified ones) can save money for each state.. then I'd be for them. As long as there is transparency... I don't think states can avoid not keeping up with the times and saving money in the long term. As of now, states have to take money away from schools and programs and health to balance the books.

Really - the sooner we can all come together as democrats on a strategy to get really transparent & cheap elections.. the better. At the same time gerrymandering and vetting voters by voting group are being fought. We need to fight all the election malfeasance.. in every way. Every day. And not get tunnel vision.

[farmbo]

5. Err...defaulting improperly IS stealing votes...when it alway defaults to

...(surprise) Bush.

:grr:

[applegrove]

6. The annecdotes of faulty defaulting were on both sides from the reports

I read. More defaults to Bush.

Still - we need tranparency and I would trust Obama & the Brookings Institute to formulate policy.