Gloomy gray

Raining.  38 F.  Feels like November out there.

I typed a long and gloomy political thing here, but then deleted it.  It's the weather speaking.  But Wife has a big pot of industrial-strength pea soup on the stove . . .

About that political post

Well, after a second cup of coffee, I've decided to post some of this anyway.  Making Light has a bit this morning about police departments preparing for Civil Unrest after the election, with a subtext that only massive fraud can prevent an Obama victory. 

http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/010706.html

Sorry, but I think that stinks.

See, if you question the integrity of the process, you cast doubt on an Obama victory as well as on a loss.  If the Republicans can rig an election, so can the Democrats.  I grew up in Cook County, Illinois, home of Mayor Daley (Elder or Younger).  Democratic Party fraud sort of defined the process, there.  Not sure whether it still does.  But the lesson lives on -- Democrats can be just as sleazy as Republicans.

Demonize thy enemy . . .

Meanwhile, back at the answering machine . . .

Just deleted Ex-Mayor Rudy from our flash memory.  He can take his NYC opinions on mandatory criminal sentencing (apply modifiers whichever way you wish) and shove them up his NYC ass.

Why polls may lie

One thing that comes up in discussions of election fraud:  "Why would people lie about their vote to pollsters?"

Well, just for starters, some people may refuse to answer polls.  We have passed up several chances to be "polled" over the phone because we have no idea who the pollsters are, who they represent, and how they will use their results. 

Likewise, while a vote is alleged to be secret, we have no such assurance for poll answers.  If you are the sort of person who keeps lists (viz. "Lord of Light"), knowing who voted for this or that could lead to future action . . .

Finally, it's none of your damned business.