Voter Fraud & The Relative Truth

This is not a sensational piece. All of the information contained here is found at credible places. Another writer will come along and build upon this information, or tear it down. Heretics will always have their say. Regardless, it’s here. Really, a simple read.

It's been awhile, BUT.......
 

I’m not going to argue against updating the voting system; however, an update is different than fraud. Democracy, voting, fair elections, and equal rights are among those ideologies that humans must constantly work to preserve, update, and protect. I know we agree here, Jason.

(Or, to you. Gentle Reader).
 

In this country, those ideologies are still quite new and tend to hold a grip on less than advantageous past experiences that make up the history of this country. As you know, it hasn’t been 100 years since women have been allowed to vote; and even less time for the Equal Rights Amendment to congeal to our society. When consideration is given to the reality that some Southerners still refer to folks across the Mason-Dixon Line as “Yankees,” well, it is apparent social change doesn’t occur overnight. Read more…

Changing a belief system is often harder than changing an idea, and many systems of belief are rooted in the American soil. So, we must continue to toil (pardon my analogy). With all that said, things like fair elections are rooted and grown off the backs of those people who have fought and died for such causes, and these new systems of belief and ideologies that contribute to the positive advancement of a productive society must constantly get nourished, or they die.

Did you know voter-roll housekeeping is perfectly legal? Voter roll, purging inactive voters, was used in Florida and Ohio, both before and after the 2000 U.S. Presidential election; however, the 2000 election brought new attention to the practice. This gave rise to a wave of efforts, mainly carried out by Republicans during the elections from 2000-2012, to suppress a Democratic vote by trying to pass Voter ID laws, restricting voting hours, and limiting polling places; disenfranchise the vote. This is not fraud, but it is using the system as a tool to suppress a portion of society.

American elections are not universally consistent because of the way the voting system has historically evolved in this country. New York’s poor election administration can date back to the 1980’s, or even to earlier years. Consider the history of New York State, look at FDR and Tammany Hall, it’s easier to understand the state’s evolution and the reasons the state has issues with voting. Look at the history of each state and how it approaches voting, and it’s not hard to see the tapestry of inconsistencies working underneath the Federal government’s watch to ensure that Americans have a right to vote.

However, this is not fraud by Hillary. This also doesn’t mean the United States can’t and doesn’t hold fair elections. Also, this is not to say that what happened in 1980, 2000, 2004, 2012 (etc.), will always happen. It is to say, a healthy society is a work in progress and we all have a part. It’s easy for me to understand why the Democratic Party largely supports Hillary; she’s been a Democrat for decades and not just for a year. I mean, politics is a science. It’s the mode in which this country and many parts of the world carry out the daily affairs of running a country and interacting with the world.

This is a voting system that needs updated, streamlined, purged of inconsistencies and, many argue, restructured for a popular vote. However, it’s not that easy and involves a re-education of society; but, society has been re-educated many times before and will continue to educate itself. As long as we unite and discuss ideas for the forward advancement of society, and not divide, surely we will continue progressively toward the future.

As always, keep your eyes on the prize, humanity. The path is winding and full of pot holes. Watch where you step and watch what you read. Verify everything, multiple times from multiple sources.
 

Remember: Separate primary sources from secondary sources, and then separate those sources from propaganda, to help bring us closer to the truth. Keep at it, humanity. Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open.
 

We must learn, so one day our democracy and our world can reach egalitarianism.
 It's the only way for the planet.

xoxo,

Your Democracy, The United States of America & YoU

A 19th century abolitionist

Wendell Phillips was an American orator who aimed to discredit the Constitution of the United States. He believed the document supported slavery and created a national divide.[1] Despite his contempt for the United States Constitution, Phillips realized the importance of American politics and the importance of American institutions.[2]  He understood the power of public opinion and he harnessed his oratory skill to preach “revolution to thoughtful men” in the North.[3]During the years 1850-1875, Wendell Phillips dominated the American lecture platform.[4]

Wendell Phillips was frustrated with the political inactivity to manumit the slaves in the United States. Phillips could not tolerate the constant backsliding of the Northern politician and their wavering stance on civil liberties for the bondsman.[5]He called Abraham Lincoln “that slavehound from Illinois."[6] Due to political ambiguities that surrounded slavery and freedom, Phillips felt compelled to attack and agitate the public on topics related to the abolition of slavery for the bondsman. He felt politicians would not adamantly pursue the immorality of slavery.[7]Wendell Phillips attempted to bring about social change via public speaking.[8]He made his reputation by telling people what they did not want to hear, and he was relentless in his mission to bring freedom to the slaves.[9]

Phillips struggled finding an adequate perspective to attack slavery.[10] He wanted to speak to the mind of the slave owner with hope of appealing to their moral conscience, but he was unable to discuss or agitate the subject of slavery in the South.[11]The southern slave society restricted free speech. The majority of the South, particularly the slave, was excluded from public debate.[12]Phillips was unable to persuade those who adamantly defended the peculiar institution, so he resolved to talk to the people in the North.[13] He attempted to persuade the North “that slavery was an evil thing from which they should divorce themselves.”[14] His reputation as a critic of public policy became so famous that his speeches became national events reported by the Boston and New York press, and circulated in papers throughout the northern and western states.[15]

Northerners understood that Phillips cursed the Constitution of the United States.[16] Wendell Phillips argued the constitution did not protect civil liberties of all individuals. In 1845, he wrote a pamphlet for the American-Anti-Slavery Society entitled Can Abolitionists Vote or Take Office Under the United States Constitution? Phillips did not believe this was possible. He argued that any man who votes “thereby supports the Constitution, since he consents to appoint as his political agent an officeholder who must swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States.”[17]He contended the Constitution was a “proslavery instrument” since it sanctioned Southern slaveholding. He attested the support of such a government is to participate “in the moral guilt of slavery.”[18]Phillips did not advocate abandonment of all government, he just did not support the United States government that was based upon and supported slavery.[19]

Phillips further drew perspective from the United States Declaration of Independence. He understood the need for natural rights for the Negro. Phillips believed natural rights referred to the right to resist and the right to rebel; if the Fathers could revolt against tyranny then, according to Phillips, so could the Negro.[20] Phillips argued the Fugitive Slave Law, a federal law passed on September 18, 1850, “should be resisted by force.”[21]Phillips persistently argued against the law even when other American politicians, such as Abraham Lincoln, kept quiet over the law.[22]

Wendell Phillips argued that it was slavery supported by the Constitution that divided the nation. He did not believe it was the abolitionist movement that created such a national divide.[23]Phillips had become the great abolitionist of the United States.[24]His goal was aimed at discrediting the Constitution without denying American nationality.[25]His speeches could arouse violence from those listeners who did not agree with his philosophy. During the winter of 1860 -1861, he was mobbed three times and might have been killed, but a group of young and stocky bodyguards protected him.[26]During the winter of 1861-1862, an estimated 50,000 people heard his lectures and speeches and nearly 5,000,000 people read them.[27] He likely encountered a large audience of hostile listeners than any other speaker of his time.[28]


Phillips detested everything about the Constitution and wanted to reform American institutions. He felt the ballot box could be used to elevate the nation “to a higher platform of intellect and morality,” but not without first changing American institutions.[29]Phillips believed in the “re-education of a whole people.”[30] He wanted to change American school-houses, American literature and American newspapers because he felt the political agitator had to enforce new ideas on to the editor, teacher and politician.[31]Phillips believed “public opinion could be transformed by rational means.”[32]Once new ideas of freedom reformed public opinion then a more just society for the bondsman could develop.[33] New ideas which led to a change in public opinion could “eradicate the prejudice of the twenty millions of whites.”[34] After President Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election in 1860, Phillips pursued the Republican Party as a vehicle for the abolition movement.[35] He developed into an American nationalist, and understood that the North and the South comprised a nation.[36]]--> In the winter of 1861-1862, he argued the “people of the States…are essentially one.”[37]

In March and April 1862, Phillips embarked on a six-week lecture tour which took him to the capital and through cities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan.[38]While in Washington, he lectured twice and visited the United States Congress. Vice President Hamlin personally met with Mr. Phillips, and President Lincoln had an interview with him.[39]After his interview with President Lincoln, Phillips, who once held Abraham Lincoln in contempt, commented that “Lincoln was slow, but he got there. Thank God for him.”[40]

Phillips was convinced the purpose of the agitator was not to make laws or determine public policy, but to arouse public opinion “in the interest of some large social transformation.”[41] Phillips advocated freedom for the slave in the years that led up to the American Civil War. Although he was not a politician, he influenced political thought and eventually Abraham Lincoln believed the slaves should be free.[42]Phillips used political discussion to induce social change because he argued such discussion was a mechanism for democracy.[43]

Wendell Phillips felt he was living in a democratic age and the ideas of the people were important. He felt there was nothing more important to society than using the “moral imagination” to transform the sentiments of the masses into “the form most suitable for the next forward movement of history.”[44] According to American historian Richard Hofstadter, the man “who launches a sound argument for a just cause is certain to win in the long run.”[45]

Marcus, Robert D., “Wendell Phillips and American Institutions,” The Journal of American History 56, no. 1 (1959), pg. 49 http://www.jstor.org/stable/1902062 (accessed September 22, 2011)

[2]“Ibid.” pgs. 44, 45, 46, 49

Bartlett, Irving H., “Wendell Phillips and the Eloquence of Abuse,” American Quarterly 11, no. 4 (1959), pg 509, http://www.jstor.org/stable 2710313 (accessed July 22, 2011).

[6]Hofstadter, Richard., pg. 141

[7]Marcus, Robert D., pgs 43, 45

[8]“Ibid.” pg. 46

[9]Bartlett, Irving H., pg. 509

[10] Marcus, Robert D. pg. 48[11]Hofstadter, Richard., pg. 186

[12]Marcus, Robert D. pg 46

[13]“Ibid.”

[14]Hofstadter, Richard pg. 186

[15]Bartlett, Irving H., pg. 509

[16] Hofstadter, Richard pg. 184

[17]“Ibid.” pg. 190

[18]“Ibid.”

[19]“Ibid.”

[20]“Ibid.” pg. 189, 192

[21]“Ibid.” pg. 192

[22]“Ibid.” pg. 138, 192

[23]Marcus, Robert D., pg. 49

[24]Hofstadter, Richard, pg. 198

[25]Marcus, Robert D., pg. 49

[26]Hofstadter, Richard, pg. 185

[27]“Ibid” pg. 198

[28]Bartlett, Irving H pg. 510

[29]Marcus, Robert D., pg. 44-46

“Ibid” pg. 44

“Ibid” pg. 46

“Ibid” pgs. 42, 46

“Ibid” pg. 46

“Ibid” pg. 44

Hofstadter, Richard pg. 192

Marcus, Robert D pg. 48

Marcus, Robert D. pg. 48

Hofstadter, Richard, pg. 198

“Ibid”

“Ibid”

[41]“Ibid” pg. 178

[42]“Ibid” pg. 188

[43] Marcus, Robert D., pg. 46

[44]Hofstadter, Richard pg. 179

[45]“Ibid”

Traits of the English Pointer

The dog does not chase game, but points to the animal.

The origin of the English pointer is traced back to the 17th century. Great Britain is accredited for developing the breed, and it is believed the pedigree was crossed with the line of the Spanish setter. The dog was initially used for tracking game during hunting; today the breed is used as a gun dog. The breed is known to be a trusted companion with a disciplined disposition. The dog grows to a height of 24 to 27 inches and weighs between 44 to 66 lbs. The canine has an average lifespan of 13 to 14 years, so you will have a committed buddy throughout the decades.

1. Features

   • The ears are high-set and hang loose, even when the dog is alert. You can see a long straight line extend downward from the dog's lean shoulders to its foot. The breed is toned and muscular with oval feet, arched toes and cushioned pads. The muzzle is distinctly separated from the dome of the skull, with a well-defined stop that enhances jaw definition and adds to their chiseled and alert appearance. The coat is short, easy to maintain and can be a solid color such as liver, lemon, black, orange, or mixed with white.

   Personality

   • The pointer has an even temperament, an obedient character and a noble appearance, but tends to be overly sensitive. The breed is highly intelligent and active, so regular physical and mental exercise is required. It should never show timidity towards humans or other animals. Its gentle disposition makes an ideal friend for the family.

   Gait

   • The pointer has a smooth walk emphasised by strong hindquarters. The tail rhythmically sways side to side with the pace of their stride. The breed is capable of great speed and stamina. The dog has a good reach with its long front legs and a powerful drive from their prolonged hindquarters.

   Health Problems

   • The breed is prone to hip dysplasia; which is a hind-end limp that is caused from wear or tear, hypothyroidism; which is an under-active thyroid gland that does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, arthritis and deafness. Deafness typically is genetic, or as a result of loud noises, such as gun shots.

     Despite such health problems, the breed has a low susceptibility to illness. As a dog ages, as with any breed, the risk of developing physical problems increase. Keep in mind that pointers are relatively healthy dogs with few inherited problems. Knowing the family line of a particular dog can indicate whether health issues are part of the their background.

     
     

     References

     • "The Encyclopedia of the Dog"; Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.; 1995
     • American Kennel Club: Pointer
     • United Kennel Club: English Pointer
     • Dog Adoption and Training Guide: The English Pointer

     Resources

     • Whistling Wolf: English Pointer

     
     

About Giant Poodles

Standard poodles participate in dog competitions.

Skin Allergies

• If you are typically allergic to dogs, then the Standard poodle might be the dog for you. The breed has a hypoallergenic coat and does not shed skin, which may reduce allergic reactions. The Standard poodle has a single coat of thick and curly fur that make it unlike most dogs that have a double coat of fur.

Grooming

• The Standard poodle's coat is corded, a tight loop-like appearance and requires grooming. The fur can hang in a variety of lengths. A Standard poodle used for water retrieval has shorter fur along its tail; however, a ball of fur is left on the tail-tip to provide buoyancy while swimming. According to the American Kennel Club, the 'poodle clip' was designed by hunters to help the dog move through the water easier. Patches of fur are left around vital organs and joints to protect the dog from the cold.

Work Skills

• Standard poodles are known for their pointing ability. The dog indicates a flock of hidden birds, remains still until the precise moment, then chases the birds out of hiding. The breed's original purpose was to retrieve ducks from the water. The French refer to the breed as the Caniche, which means duck dog. The Standard poodle can also make a caring guide dog. It has an expansive memory that aids its ability to be an attentive work dog for the visually impaired. Standard poodles are also used during search and rescue missions to retrieve humans from incidents of natural disaster.

  Temperament

  • Easy to train and a reliable companion, the Standard poodle is responsive to human commands. It is an intelligent breed and responds well to obedience training. It is known for its activity level and requires exercise on a regular basis. It often carries itself with dignity but can inhibit shyness or sharpness in personality. Socializing your poodle with other animals and humans, is recommended for a well-rounded disposition for your dog. A dog park is a way to introduce the poodle to other dogs, but make sure supervision is maintained at all times.

  
  

  References

  • "The Encyclopedia of the Dog"; Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.; 1995
  • American Kennel Club: Poodle

  Resources

  • Poodle History: Guide Dogs