Immigrant Voter Fraud Fears Didn't Materialize

sixkindsofbullshit:

It is rare that I begin (what I hope is) a coherent argument with a “Fuck You!”, and even rarer still that I include a “and the horse you rode in on!”, but this is just such a case. If you listen to this story from NPR you will learn that certain conservative anti-immigrant groups got their knickers in a big twist during the recent election, suggesting that large numbers of undocumented immigrants would turn out to vote, illegally. What’s worse: they would be voting Democratic. The solution, according to these groups, is vigilance at polling stations and going through voting records to check the citizenship status of those who voted Democratic. 

First of all, it seems patently absurd to think that any undocumented immigrant would want to risk drawing attention to themselves by voting. Secondly, how is it that these asshats are able to go through voting records to check on anyone’s citizenship status? Why bother to give us private voting booths if the record of our votes, including our names, addresses and all that, can be reviewed by anyone and his dog at a later date? 

Is “immigrant voter fraud” really the biggest thing we need to worry about during elections? Really? What about corporations being able to make unlimited donations and spend without limit on attack advertising? What about physical assaults on protesters by candidates’ campaign personnel? What about all the other shenanigans we hear about? 

Fuck you, Ban Amnesty Now and ALAPAC, and the horses you rode in on…

Now What? Indeed…

I know there are a lot of Republicans across the land jumping up and down for joy right now as they have taken control of the House and narrowed the gap in the Senate. When the celebrations are over their constituents will look to them to do something constructive (I assume), and that may be a significant challenge for them as they have been out of practice in that department for a decade or so now. We shall see.

Perhaps one of the most interesting notes on the election results today was the fact that Delaware voters came out strongly in favor of masturbation, handing Tea Party headliner Christine O’Donnell a defeat that could well end up costing the GOP control of the Senate.

Closer to home, it was very disappointing to see Rick Perry retain his job as Texas Governor. The finances in Texas are a lot more messed up than Perry is willing to admit. Bill White did a good job in Houston as mayor. We may see him again in a couple of years…who knows?