An Ounce of Prevention

Breaking with format, we’re going to start today with what I’ve learned. Actually, let’s start with where I learned it.

There’s a very interesting article from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Greg Palast detailing how the GOP is working to steal the upcoming election. There’s some very interesting reading there and I suggest that everyone take the time to read it.

EDIT: It would probably be easier to read it if I told you where it was. Here you go.

But did I learn that the GOP was working to steal the election. Not really. I figured as much.

Did I learn how they were working to steal the election? No, I’d heard most of this already.

What I learned and what everyone – and I mean everyone, whether you’re voting for Obama or McCain or an independent candidate – should pay attention to is how to deal with what you may believe is an attempt to make your vote not count.

From the end of the article:

“Here are some steps you should take to protect your vote. First, avoid the November 4th minefield. Voters, wherever possible, should vote early and in person. Where feasible, avoid mailing in your ballot, many are rejected for flimsy reasons, and first time voters in many states must include a photocopy of ID. However, if you have a mail-in ballot, don’t throw it away. Follow directions, use the correct postage (that’s an error that cost a hundred thousand votes last time) and, if possible, walk it in to your elections office.

At the polling station, should you find yourself one of the 2.7 million purged, or your ID rejected, then do your best to resist a “provisional” ballot–one third of which are not counted. Return with proper ID, or call 1-800-OUR VOTE for legal assistance. And never just walk away discouraged. That’s just what they want you to do.”

Seriously folks. Who you want to vote for is your own business but if there is a chance that someone is trying to kill your vote, you should do something about it. I’ve heard just as many claims from the right that the left is trying to steal the election. Whichever side you’re on, I think everyone agrees that this is one of the most important presidential elections ever. One that will play a big part in deciding the fate of our country for a long time to come.

Isn’t it better to follow the above advice than to be crying later that you got screwed?

Nope. No Buddhism today. I plan on remaining mindful of the situation and my own handling of events but this is a very important time in our lives. One in which mindfulness would only work if EVERYONE was mindful. Lacking that, it’s time for vigilance and action.

EDIT: CNN has also set up a hotline “if you have any problems or concerns about voting”. Their number is 1-877-GOCNN-08. They report:

“The hotline has received roughly 10,000 calls since it went live the middle of last week and viewers have reported a variety of problems and issues.”

YET ANOTHER EDIT: Enter these numbers on your cell phones. For those that need numbers instead of letters, here they are:

• Our Vote: 1-800-687-8683
• CNN Vote Hotline: 1-877-462-6608