Issue 123 Legal Corruption: Voting July 18, 2013

There is a form of legal corruption that prevents turn out on election days. We are not talking about Presidential elections, but all other elections that occur in the United States.

How they do it: What happens is that they have an election or a vote on a day other than a general election. So say there is a school budget vote, but they want to prevent turnout so the budget passes. Thus, they hold it separate from all other elections and votes that may be going on. In other words, if there is a sanitation budget vote and a vote for a seat in the local legislature, each will be held on a different day so as to prevent high voter turnout.

Why small numbers equal victory: It's simple really, only those motivated to vote will show up. People who want to vote or want their candidate or budget to pass will come and vote to ensure victory. Meanwhile everyone else is busy with their lives trying to make a living. These same people may not even know that a school budget vote is going on because they don't have kids, but will know about the local legislatures vote and show up to vote for that one. If they were held on the same day, then the person would have a chance to vote on that issue, but they are not. Thus, the people never actually have a chance to exercise their freedom of choice in certain votes due to them being uninformed.

Current elections: In the United States, the highest voter turn out is during a Presidential election. You can expect almost everyone to come out and vote on that day (the first Tuesday in November). However, the political primaries prior to it are almost anemic. Only a few people (at least from my experience) bother showing up to vote in the primaries which decides who the candidates for President or other political office will be. I tend to think of that as a problem as the people who win the primaries end up being one of the two possible winners in an election, including that of the President of the United States. I find it hard to fathom how my fellow Americans do not see such a vote as important (though I can't vote in any primary in New York State for I do not belong to any political party). Ladies and gentleman of the world, the United States has a problem.

A solution?!: What needs to happen is that these votes need to happen on certain days in the year that is both convenient and has all of the votes together. This means school budget votes, elections for sanitation commissioners, and even Presidential votes should happen on the same day. It would actually need a constitutional amendment, but the vote for a President should be moved to the second Saturday in November as Saturday is more convenient for the voting populace to come and vote. All votes, with the exception of primary and special elections would happen on this one day each and every year. This will insure the highest turn out possible for an election or vote.

As to primary and special elections, they should be held as late as possible to ensure candidates are vetted by debates and such. So my recommendation is that such an election or vote should occur on the last Saturday in July. Why the last Saturday of July? Simple, if all the primaries are held on the same day more people will come out to vote. I have worked as a poll inspector on two occasions in primaries, one for Republicans and Democrats during the contest between Obama and Romney and the other a primary for Independents. 21 people showed up for the Republican and Democrat primary, while only 3 showed up for the Independents primary. Special elections may garner more, but I have yet to work one myself, but I was paid $180 to work from 6 am to 10 pm to sit and do almost nothing all day. Holding them together, or in some cases in combination with special budget votes or even general budget votes and elections will increase turnout and actually make those elections count for something other than a select group of ideologues.

Conclusion: We need a change (unfortunately) in our election system. Many Americans just don't want to find time to vote as they either can't get off work, or are too tired to even bother. America has lost the idea of how valuable a vote is. Sure when working as a poll inspector I was working a small section of the voting establishment, but the numbers that come out each year on how many people come to vote is frightful in my opinion with less than 75% coming out to vote. Should it not be 100% as every vote affects us financially let alone our general lively hood? Increasing turnout can help to solve this issue, but more change is required. Can we fix the system and make things right?

Issue 122 Election Sabotage July 17, 2013

With the current Supreme Court ruling on the Voting rights act (see Issue 120 for details and reaction) I thought it best to show what some of the voting rights act seeks to protect against and punish. Let's begin.

Grand Father Clauses: This is an old method of abuse that requires a person to show proof that their grand father was a lawful citizen. However, many people especially Black Americans could not prove that because for a long time, their grandparents were slaves, and thus were not considered citizens. Such tests were also used to prevent immigrants and certain groups of whites along with people of other races colors and creeds from voting. It was a control mechanism to ensure only the interests of the residents of a particular area are represented.

Rigged voting: In this case, the people who are counting the votes add or subtract votes to insure that their candidate wins an election. It is mostly seen in totalitarian States like Iran today, but still does happen in America on occasion in certain voting districts (done by both Republicans and Democrats).

Moving the time and place: A time tested and proven way to manipulate the vote, the times and places for an election are purposely only given to one side while the other side is given the wrong information. Just by moving the polling place or giving the wrong day can obviously affect turnout of an election and guarantee a victory for the candidate.

Literacy Tests: A simple method of preventing people from voting, the test aims to use the basic English language (in the case of the U.S.) to make it almost impossible to pass for people with less than a high school education. This prevents the poor, and people who lack any form of proper education like immigrants from being able to vote.

Intimidation: The easiest form of voter manipulation is intimidation. Back in the late 60s Whites, Blacks and others were threatened that if their candidate did not win that they would be lynched. Similar happens today with threats of violence being the most easily seen. However, if the intimidation is coming from government such as with the recent IRS scandal targeting Tea Party, Libertarian and Pro-Israel groups, then it is harder to stop.

Conclusion: These are simple ploys used by both people and government to manipulate voting to ensure the success of their candidate’s victory. From there it is really up to the government to actually enforce the law.

Issue 121 voter ID's July 16, 2013

Is it racist to ask for an ID at the Voting booth? Is it racist to ask someone to actually have an ID to vote at all? Well some think so. So let’s go over why.

The Corruption Crowd: One group that is against voter ID's are people who want to ensure certain people and groups can vote multiple times for the same candidate. They also want it so people who are not citizens of this country can vote for their candidate as well. The Corruption crowd manipulates voters and twists messages to make their candidate appear better than they really are and gives favors toward the non-citizens in the candidates name. While the candidate may not have anything to do with this, these non-citizens are being pushed and in some cases paid off to vote for that candidate. Groups and individuals like this are, from my perspective, go against any law requiring people to learn English for it makes it easier to manipulate a person when they do not speak the native language. Also, preventing voter ID's allows some individuals to vote more than once, or even pose as Adolf Hitler or Mickey Mouse to vote for their candidate of choice. It is also why some dead people seem to come back from the dead to vote on occasion.

The One world Crowd: This group does not believe in national boarders. For them, living in a country for a set period of time means you automatically become a citizen and thus should be allowed to vote. A group like this is an amalgam of libertarians who want open boarders, and people who want a world government. The members may not always agree, but they want the right to vote to go undaunted no matter where someone lives.

Anti-Totalitarian group: Anti-Totalitarians fear a fascist or even a marxist regime. Any perception of a police officer asking for your papers to identify yourself reeks of abuse by government to them. So they oppose any form of national identification that they fear will lead to any form of police state. Just for reference, this group is bi-partisan as people on both sides see it in this manner.

Is it racist crowd: The final group sees any need to present an ID at a voting booth as racist. They remember the days when blacks and people of other races, colors and creeds where not permitted to vote based on law. So any infringement that could prevent their voting is seen as a possible injustice. However, this is all based on if the group or groups are singled out so as to prevent them from being able to obtain an ID, which in turn prevents them from voting.

Conclusion: As I am sure you will all agree, the corruption crowd and the one world crowd cause problems for the rest of us as they allow for the corruption of the vote. Mean while the anti-totalitarian group and the "is it racist crowd" must be assured that it will not come to a police state or a return to the days of fear. A national ID is a good idea that can be used to aid everyone depending on how it is used and what functions are added to the card itself. But most of all, it prevents a lot of corruption. As such I am in favor of the card so long as it is given to everyone at no cost to prevent racism and that it is only asked for when your identity needs to be known, not when the government demands.

Issue 120 Voting Rights Act July 15, 2013

Did you know that the Supreme Court overturned Section 8 of the Voting Rights act? The voting rights act was put together to protect all Americans from abuses with respect to being denied their right to vote. So any change or perceived change is going to be met with fear. But what exactly did the Supreme Court do to change the law. Read on to find out.

What is Section 8: Section 8 deals with States and territories of the United States that have traditionally been abusive toward black voters in the United States. These States include Texas, Alabama, Virginia, Alaska, etc, along with some specific counties in certain States. Section 8 contained a formula which determined if such places would be subject to federal jurisdiction when they wanted to change their voting laws. In short, these places needed to ask the federal government if they could change any laws with regards to voting, with the federal government deciding when it will no longer be required to administrate over these States and counties.

What happened: Just recently the Supreme Court ruled that the current version of Section 8 was invalid. It was a decision made in a 5 to 4 vote with the swing vote belonging to Justice Kennedy siding with the conservative faction of the Supreme Court. Therefore under court order the States no longer have to abide by Section 8's standards. This makes every State in the entire U.S. equal with respect to autonomy to making and enforcing their own voting laws. However, there is a catch. The Court also said that the Congress must update the formula in Section 8 to meet with the current treatment of racial and ethnic minorities of the current century. As such the Supreme Court rather than legislate from the bench told in an off handed way that congress if they feel a need to, can update and change Section 8. So Section 8 is still there on the books, but cannot be enforced in its current form.

What’s ahead: It is highly possible that Congress will update section 8, but I personally doubt that Republicans will allow it to happen under President Obama's watch. They, I feel, don't want any law that can potentially have the Democrats being able to control the laws on voting in traditionally Republican leaning areas of the country. So Republicans may wait and see who is President by the next election.

As to the issue of possible racism at the voting booth. This also seems like a very unlikely scenario. Our country has thankfully evolved from a nation of hypocrites and bigots to a more tolerant nation (though that is so long as we as human beings keep finding new targets to character assassination). So the possibility that black Americans and other people of different colors other than white will feel any form of voter manipulation or intimidation by government is from my perspective very unlikely.

Conclusion: We now enter a game of wait and see. Will congress update the law? Are the last vestiges of racial discrimination in the voting booth going to rear its ugly head? Only time will tell. Though I think we are going to be just fine without Section 8.

Issue 119 Citizenship Classes July 12, 2013

Should Immigrants have a citizenship class? To be honest, I'm not sure as to yes or no. So at this point I believe it should be optional with it being offered by the State Department (for a small fee) to be used to help immigrants accumulate points (under an ideal immigration system [issues 115,116, and 117), or to aid in the process of migrating to their new home in the United States. So what would be needed to become a "good" citizen?

Language: Teaching immigrants how to read and write in English is essential. It prevents them from relying on other people to interpret for them what a politician or a boss is telling them. Thus it helps act as insurance that they are being treated fairly by a boss and not being manipulated by a politician or anyone for that manor. Also, the ability to communicate in the native language aids in allowing the new citizen to interact with their new communities. This helps break down racial and ethnic barriers while preventing the formation of ethnic and racial ghettos as well as stopping social isolation due to the inability to communicate. Getting such immigrants to at least an 8th grade reading level is best as this will enable them to communicate while giving them the ability to learn and enhance their knowledge of the language as they live in their new country on their own.

The Constitution: Each immigrant must know the government and how it operates, starting with its core (the Constitution) and the reasons behind why people fought and died to establish and preserve that document. Knowing how the government works also prevents them from being misled by false promises of politicians as they will know the limits of power the government has. Within a Constitution, the basic God given (or natural rights) are put forth and should also be taught to the new immigrants. By knowing their rights and privileges as citizens it gives these new citizens the same knowledge and power that all citizens already have, while preventing any sort of oppression by government or their now fellow (or soon to be) citizens.

Where to go if in trouble: The immigrants will be made aware of who to call in case of an emergency or if they are in danger. Basically teach them to call 911 and what to do on the phone to explain to the operator in as fast and calm a way possible what is happening. Some may think this is simple, but some immigrants are coming from countries where the police are bullies and are abusers, so learning to trust is paramount. This is also why these immigrants should learn the language as the time it takes to find an interpreter is precious time that is wasted not getting to the scene of an accident or to a crime in progress.

Basic culture: Learning basic culture of the American community can also help. Meeting people from other countries and learning to get along with their unique customs is a lot like dating, you’re only going to tolerate so much. So knowing what may or may not offend the local community and ensuring the new immigrant knows to explain why they do what they do helps to reduce the possibility of friction from the new immigrant and the community that is adopting them and their family.

Conclusion: Yes, despite everything I said, it is best to make this sort of class optional. Some of the immigrants may already know most if not all of these things and making them take the classes is redundant. However, it is my belief that those who actually wish to know will take the classes (so maybe I would not mind offering this free on my tax payer dime in this case). I want all people who wish for the American dream (their American Dream) to come to America. I want these hard working and generally honest individuals to come to the United States.

Issue 118 Boarder Fence?! July 11, 2013

Does a boarder fence deter illegal immigration into the United States? Does it actually reduce the amount of people coming in without permission? Well the answer is yes and no. Let's review.

When it works: It works when the fence is built effectively. The most effective types of boarder fence are double walled. This means two walls/fences with a space in between. Why is it more effective? It is more effective because the two walls make it harder to cross as while you may be able to get over the first wall, it takes time to get over the second and patrol officers use the gap in the middle to patrol the boarder.

When they don't work: The ones that don't work are the ones that illegal migrants can simply cut through, or clime over to get to the other side. Others are simply vehicle barriers that people can cross on foot to meet an awaiting vehicle. Basically, when ever they can simply cut, clime or walk right through, then the fence does not work.

Electronic Fence: This idea of using surveillance cameras to track when someone is crossing is a good one, but with a flaw. If no one is there to stop the people trying to cross then what the heck is the point of wasting the money on all those ground and motion sensors. There is no point to a fence that cannot be used to enforce legal immigration.

What is needed: We do need double fencing as it works especially in high population areas where cities of two countries are right next to each other. To act as a further deterrent, the space between the fences can have a kind of razor wire to tangle anyone who manages to get over the first wall. There will still be space for a patrol vehicle between the walls, but these walls will double as vehicle barriers with pilings to help deter enterprising individuals from digging drug tunnels.

From there we take advantage of natural barriers like the Rio Grand on the boarder of the U.S. and Mexico. In areas of high water currents place vehicle barriers in the water where boats can potentially be used to load cargo and people and ferry them to the other side. In unpopulated areas vehicle barriers along with natural shrubbery that hinders people moving by foot would be best. In this case a double vehicle barrier spaced enough with dense shrubbery or other plant and obstacles where it becomes too tedious to try and cross between by foot from one side to the other by foot.

The remaining component is having each part of this type of fencing wide enough to ensure that it is effective. If the double wall only lasts till the end of the city limits, then all the illegal migrant(s) has to do is drive to the end of the barrier and get picked up there. So spacing it out where it becomes too expansive to accomplish is the key. Basically make it so difficult that coming into the country legally is easier to accomplish (maybe combined with an ideal immigration system: see issues 115, 116, and 117).

Conclusion: An effective wall can work as in certain spots along the boarder illegal crossings have dropped by 75%. How much that is due to how the economy is doing or the fence itself is still in question however. What needs to be done though is replace boarder patrol with the National Guard. The National Guard troops are under direct control of the State Governors, but are equally adept at enforcing a boarder and following federal laws. Boarder patrol, which is controlled by Washington D.C. and its bureaucrats, becomes ineffective beyond immigration check points. This from my perspective is due to politics and how boarder policy can be used to manipulate certain groups in the election season. The Coast Guard already guards our boarders at sea so why not the National Guard on land, and the Air National Guard aiding this effort in the air. We do need a fence combined with an improved and effective legal immigration program to provide an alternative to the failed system that either remains unenforced or ineffective as we currently have now.

Issue 117 Ideal Immigration part 3 July 10, 2013

The final part of the program is a system so that people who cannot get sponsorships may become United States Citizens. It is based on a point system with some benefits to make it easier to immigrate to the United States.

As Stated in part 1: Just like in part 1, allow applicants must go through a background check. It is just that simple. This background check aids in determining the number of points the applicant has. A persons affiliations, like to a church, or a charity provide positive points for the person, while a person with negative affiliations such as ties to radical groups will cause points to be subtracted. However, when it comes to being tied to radical groups or other negative influences like a gang, at least 5 years of separation from such a group must be required to remove any negative effects on the application process. This does not mean the individual will not be under close scrutiny, but by not having contact with the group or its members it shows you are no longer associated with them and thus less likely to commit a crime, or be an enemy of the State.

Good Points: Points will also be awarded for having already established a living place in the United States, being able to speak English (8th grade level), being able to write English (8th grade level), having a college degree and whatever else is deemed a positive by the system. If you worked under a workers visa, or business sponsor, or went to the United States under an education sponsor, but did not decide to become a citizen at that time, points will be added to your score. At no time will it be held against you for not wanting to be a citizen at that period in time, but will be in fact rewarded later for having been part of those programs. Also, if you already have family in the United States, that will also add to your total score.

Bad points: If you were a gang member, committed a violent crime, or are associated with a radical group linked to terrorists, you will be barred from all entry into the United States save the five years of separation clause for being a member of such groups and having contact with said members. Violent crimes exceptions will be on a case by case basis and all court records must be made available along with any evidence presented and evidence omitted to determine if an exception will be given. This is less about points and more about public safety.

How points add up: The total score needed to reach is 100. And each positive adds up to that score, like being able to read and right in English gets 20 points, a home/living arrangement an additional 10 and a job established another 10. Having been involved in a sponsor program, previous work experience or already having a college education gets you another 15 points each. So you can start out with over 50 points. Additional points may be awarded for being able to speak an additional language outside of English and your native language or already have family living as a citizen (wife, child, husband etc.) gets another 5 each. Being a person in good standing based on the background check gets an additional 10. Additional points may be added depending on wants and needs of the nation. But the idea is simple and it is easy to acquire points. If you apply, but don't reach the 100 points you will still be in the system and can add points over time. So say you got 75 points, but do not have a college education, you can add an additional 15 points by getting a degree equivalent to an associates degree in the United States bringing you to 90. So you can keep accumulating points as you go.

Family: If your children are age 18 and under, they will be immune to the points system as long as they are determined to be in your custody. Adopted children to people who are already citizens are also immune unless they are over the age of 16, where they will have to go through a points system, but must only achieve a score of 50 under the points system. A person’s immediate spouse must go through the background check but also must go through the point system, but must achieve a score of 50. It is a lower score for children (who are being adopted) and spouses because in some cultures education is repressed or hard to achieve, as such it makes it easier to ensure the whole family is able to come (I will not allow families to be broken up). However, the primary person who is applying will have to achieve the full 100 points for their family to come to the United States. If the spouse fails to achieve the 50 points, then the whole family will not be allowed to come to the United States. If a child being adopted (who is over the age of 16) does not achieve the full 50 points then they will not be allowed to enter the United States as a citizen.

Conclusion: The system is designed to be easy to achieve and understand, and as such a better alternative to trying to cross the boarder illegally. People cross illegally due to the system being so hard to understand and navigate. So this offers a simple alternative to coming illegally. The only bad part is that a quota system will be required so that the economic system is not overburdened by a mass influx of people and ensures both citizens and non-citizens alike have an equal chance of finding a job as more job opportunities are created. This also limits the possibility of new citizens ending up on welfare. Also, it must be based on a first come first serve basis, as such whoever reaches 100 points first gets first dibs to those coming in who achieve 100 points after them. As such some people may have to wait a year or more to get in based on the quota. But to save time and make sure these people do not loose their living arrangements or jobs, a limbo visa may be issued to an individual and their family on a case by case basis.

So this is it, an ideal immigration system that is meant to be simple and effective. I want people to come seeking their American dream and I hope that a system like this is created to give them the opportunity to do just that.