Written by Richard Hayes Phillips, Ph.D.
CANTON, NY – The election results certified by the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections for New York’s 23rd Congressional District contain some numbers that are mathematically impossible. These numbers were requested in person and transmitted by e-mail just hours before certification on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009.
For six election districts in St. Lawrence County (the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 7th districts in Canton, the 14th district in Massena, and the 2nd district in Oswegatchie) negative numbers appear in the column for “blank” ballots, known in other states as “undervotes.”
Blank vote counts are ballots in which the voter did not choose any candidate in a given election and are determined by subtracting the total number of votes cast for the candidates from the number of voters who completed ballots. The remaining number would be those voters who didn't cast a vote for that election.
In Canton's 7th district, the certified results show a total of 148 ballots cast. The results of those votes were counted as 88 votes for Owens, 11 votes for Scozzafava, and 80 votes for Hoffman. The problem is that these numbers add up to 179 votes counted for the candidates, and there were only 148 ballots cast; St. Lawrence County certified these numbers to the state as accurate with the number of 'blank' ballots reported as -31.
The Board of Elections stated repeatedly that their numbers add up, and strictly speaking, they do. But negative numbers should not be required to make this happen.
Election analysts refer to this phenomenon as “phantom voters,” because they are apparitions. They do not actually exist. There can never be more votes counted for any office than the number of actual voters who cast ballots. There could be one or two, if on occasion an actual voter forgot to sign the poll book, but never 31.
In addition to the 31 “phantom votes” certified in Canton's 7th district, there are 16 more in Canton's 2nd district, two in Canton's 4th district, 20 in the 7th, 22 in Massena 14th district, and 2 in Oswegatchie 2nd district.
These numbers are minimums. As 'blank' votes do often occur when a voter does not choose a candidate, the number of blank ballots are commonly a positive number. According to the certiified results there were 757 "blank" ballots countywide, or 3.0% of the total ballots cast. Thus, along with the -31 "phantom votes" in Canton's 2nd district, there were likely four or five people who actually cast a 'blank' ballot, meaning that the number of phantom votes is more like 35 or 36 for that district.
An audit of the poll books revealed that there were 537 actual voters at the polls in Canton's 7th and 8th district, which voted at the same polling place, and there were 25 absentee ballots, for a total of 562. According to the certified results, there were 179 votes counted for Congress in Canton's 7th and 375 in Canton's 8th, making 554 altogether, but only 529 voters cast ballots.
Similarly, there were 435 actual voters at the polls in Canton 2, 4 and 6, which voted at the same polling place, and there were 26 absentee ballots, for a total of 461. According to the certified results, there were 449 votes counted for Congress, but only 411 ballots cast.
In Massena's 14th district, a single-precinct polling place, there were 365 actual voters at the polls, and there were 14 absentee ballots, for a total of 379. According to the certified results, there were 363 votes counted for Congress, but only 341 ballots cast.
In Oswegatchie 2nd and 4th districts, which voted at the same polling place, there were 412 actual voters at the polls, and there were 35 absentee ballots, for a total of 447. According to the certified results, there were 436 votes counted for Congress, and 442 ballots cast.
Thus, in the cases cited above, there may have been enough actual voters at the polls to account for the vote totals for the candidates. But the numbers do not match up, they do not withstand an audit, and they should not be certified by the State.
Oswegatchie illustrates perfectly how 'blank ballots' and 'phantom votes' can cancel each other out. Officially, there were two 'phantom votes' in Oswegatchie 2nd district (or -2 blank ballots), and a total of 25 blank votes in Oswegatchie's 1st, 3rd, and 4th district. The town of Oswegatchie's total number of blank votes was therefore reported as 23. For every town except Canton, the town totals for blank votes are positive numbers. “Phantom votes” are rarely visible except when scrutinizing the results at the precinct level.
In the certified election results from the above districts, where the voting machines appeared to be working properly, the computer-generated vote counts cannot possibly be accurate as they are showing more votes counted than voters.
Fundamentally, the fault does not lie with the Board of Elections, although perhaps they should have noticed the negative numbers before certifying them. The fault lies with computerized vote counting and our willingness to trust it.
It has already been reported that zero votes were incorrectly reported in numerous precincts in Jefferson, Madison, and Oswego Counties for one of the Congressional candidates, and that voting machine failures occurred in dozens of polling places in at least three different counties.
In St. Lawrence County, ballots from eight polling places had to be hand counted due to voting machine failure. Machines in Louisville, Waddington, Clare, and Rossie "broke" early in the voting process on Election Day. Republican Commissioner Deborah Pahler said that the machines kept "freezing up... like Windows does all the time". Machines in Hermon, Lawrence, Colton's 2nd district, and Massena's 1st and 2nd districts failed to print the results. Frank Hoar, an attorney for the Democratic Party, initially ordered the impoundment of malfunctioning machines but released the order on November 5th so that Bill Owens could be sworn in to Congress in time to vote on the House health bill on November 7th.
Electronic vote counting is much too vulnerable to failure and/or manipulation. If a mechanical (lever-style) machine breaks down, the failure is visible, and only the one machine is affected. With electronic vote counting, one person can change the outcome of an election and not leave a trace. This has been shown over and over again in scientific studies, including those commissioned by the Secretaries of State in California and Ohio.
But more than that, how can we have a democracy if we cannot know if the vote count is accurate? If election officials cannot know, and if the candidates cannot know, and if the voters cannot know that the official results are true and correct, why even have an election? Why go through the motions?
In New York State, 232 years of election case law pursuant to the state constitution has strongly upheld the requirement that votes be counted visibly, in public view, and the results proclaimed, before the ballots or the lever machines leave the polling place. It has long been understood that vote counting concealed from the public is a crime waiting to happen. Because electronic vote counting is an invisible process, it flies in the face of tradition and case law.
Richard Hayes Phillips, Ph.D., is one of the leading election fraud investigators in the United States. His book on the 2004 Ohio election, Witness to a Crime: A Citizens’ Audit of an American Election, based on examination of some 30,000 photographs of actual ballots, poll books, and other election records, is available at http://www.witnesstoacrime.com
Sally Castleman, co-founder of Election Defense Alliance (EDA), a national organization committed to honest, secure and transparent elections, contributed to this article.
The author thanks the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections for providing unfettered access to election records.
Blog Smith is inspired by the myth of Hephaestus in the creation of blacksmith-like, forged materials: ideas. This blog analyzes topics that interest me: IT, politics, technology, history, education, music, and the history of religions.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Christo Garcia is the winner of Charlie Sheen’s 20 Minutes with the President video contest.
Christo Garcia is the winner of Charlie Sheen’s 20 Minutes with the President video contest.
Climategate
The data discovery resulted in 160 megabytes of e-mails from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in England, on of the world's leading exponents of climate change.
Professor Phil Jones, the head of the Climate Research Unit, and professor Michael E. Mann at Pennsylvania State University, who has been an important scientist in the climate debate, have come under particular scrutiny. Among his e-mails, Mr. Jones talked to Mr. Mann about the "trick of adding in the real temps to each series ... to hide the decline [in temperature]."
Mr. Jones told Mr. Mann: "If they ever hear there is a Freedom of Information Act now in the UK, I think I'll delete the file rather than send to anyone" and, "We also have a data protection act, which I will hide behind."
In another e-mail, Mr. Jones told Mr. Mann, professor Malcolm K. Hughes of the University of Arizona and professor Raymond S. Bradley of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst: "I'm getting hassled by a couple of people to release the CRU station temperature data. Don't any of you three tell anybody that the UK has a Freedom of Information Act!"
At one point, Mr. Jones complained to another academic, "I did get an email from the [Freedom of Information] person here early yesterday to tell me I shouldn't be deleting emails." He also offered up more dubious tricks of his trade, specifically that "IPCC is an international organization, so is above any national FOI. Even if UEA holds anything about IPCC, we are not obliged to pass it on." Another professor at the Climate Research Unit, Tim Osborn, discussed in e-mails how truncating a data series can hide a cooling trend that otherwise would be seen in the results. Mr. Mann sent Mr. Osborn an e-mail saying that the results he was sending shouldn't be shown to others because the data support critics of global warming.
Secrecy in science is a corrosive force
Climate change: this is the worst scientific scandal of our generation
Climategate: University of East Anglia U-turn in climate change row
No wonder then Obama's energy czar, Carol Browner, dismissed this as much ado about nothing. She was on the board of APX, one of the leading carbon offset trading companies and EPA Administrator for eight years under Clinton. While Administrator of the EPA, she violated a federal judge’s order to preserve documents by wiping computers clean and her discrimination toward employees resulted in many becoming whistle blowers. Appalled by the actions of Carol Browner, congress enacted the Whistle blower Protection Act of 1999.
Carol Browner is one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change.
Al Gore was confronted with activists wanting to question him about Climategate.
30,000 scientists and the founder of the Weather Channel want to sue Al Gore.
Climategate: Follow the Money, Bret Stephens.
Australia's Parliament defeats global warming bill.
Gore does not like to answer questions.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The World's Leading Banks, before and after the crisis
An illustration, entitled "The World's Leading Banks, before and after the crisis," and an article: "Capturing the Asia Opportunity," from strategy & business magazine dramatically illustrate the global banking and financial picture.
Orly Responding to Slams by News Media
So, for the news media, exactly in which hospital was Obama born?
Millions Go For Signs, Not For Jobs
The Senate seems to feel that spending millions to put up signs about the stimulus is better than spending billions to actually put people to work. I noticed the signs personally while traveling throughout New England that the signs are there; the workers are not. The signs appear to be self-congratulatory efforts that have not resulted in stimulating the economy.
Time to Investigate Michelle?
As Michelle has injected herself into health care rationing, and lately she has lobbied for Chicago as the next site of Olympics, she is now fair game for examination. As she has decided to become a more politically active person, the news media should be reviewing how much of the taxpayer's money is being used to fund her travels and her speaking appearances. I believe we should really find out more about her past experience as an attorney, and exactly why she no longer practices law. What happened in Illinois?
No Free Speech in Maryland
At a health care rally at the University of Maryland, a protester began heckling Obama. The man apparently yelled “Obama you’re a liar. Obama, your health care kills children. Abortion is murder.”
The man was promptly removed by police. The crowd is overjoyed and gleefully cheers as the man was carted off for having the temerity to challenge Obama publicly.
As the man mounts the stairs, one guy knocks his hat off, then a guy on the left spits on him but the cop sees it and carts him off too.
Phoenix Junior: Beacon for Warfare
The product referred to, the Phoenix JR, is manufactured in Florida.
The company's website describes the product:
Phoenix Junior
(NSN: 5855-01-438-4588)
featured
Phoenix Jr. (NSN: 5855-01-438-4588) is an extremely rugged and low cost Infrared marker beacon. The Phoenix Jr. was principally designed as an individual Combat Identification marker employed to minimize fratricide (the inadvertent destruction of battle field assets by friendly forces.) It has also been used as a vehicle ID marker, drop zone indicator and perimeter marker. Since its introduction in 1984, the Phoenix Jr. is the most widely used electronic Combat ID system in the world.
Phoenix Jr. and the war on terrorism. The Phoenix Jr. has been utilized by American and coalition forces for combat identification in theatres of operation such as Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. The Beacon has many uses in combat and other operations for marking personnel, vehicles, pathways or locations. It incorporates a flash rate that was specified to prevent confusion with small arms fire. Use the Phoenix Jr. to identify friendly force positions, demarcation lines or perimeters.
Phoenix Jr. is the world standard for covert signaling and identification of military, law enforcement, SWAT and homeland security assets.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 28 Grams | 1 Ounce
Size: 38.09 x 15.87mm | 1.5" x .625"
Flash Repeat cycle: 1.3 Seconds (fixed)
Flash Duration: 20 Milliseconds (fixed)
Battery: Common 9 volt
Configuration: 3 Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
Coverage: 240 degrees x 360 degrees
Switching: Attach or remove battery
Operating Depth: The Poseidon — Phoenix / Pegasus Mounting Clip (902801) provides a water tight casing for the beacon and battery assembly. If immersed without the Poseidon case, the unit will continue to operate until the contacts fail due to water and electrolytic corrosion. Given these conditions the depth limitation is solely determined by the battery’s ability to withstand depth.
OPTIONS
Phoenix Jr. IR (902111IR)
Phoenix Jr. Red Training Model (902111R)
Phoenix Jr. NV Green Training Model (902111NV)
Intruder Trip Wire (902511)
Vehicle Auxiliary Power Supply (902611)
Poseidon — Phoenix / Pegasus Mounting Clip (902801)
Light Output Frequency :
Red - 640 nm
Infra Red - 880 nm
NV Green
Alternate frequencies available on request
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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How Low Will He Go?
General MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito
Cheney
Obamabow
Obamabow to Emperor
Cheney
Obamabow
Obamabow to Emperor
“Main article: Bowing (social)
Bowing (o)jigi (お辞儀, おじぎ), (o-)rei (お礼), is probably the feature of Japanese etiquette that is best-known outside Japan. Bowing is considered extremely important in Japan, so much so that, although children normally begin learning how to bow from a very young age, companies commonly provide training to their employees in how to execute bows correctly.
Basic bows are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (boys and men) or clasped in the lap (girls and women), and with the eyes down. Bows originate at the waist. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotion and the respect expressed.
Bows can be generally divided into three main types: informal, formal, and very formal. Informal bows are made at about a fifteen degree angle or just tilt over one’s head to the front, and more formal bows at about thirty degrees. Very formal bows are deeper.
The etiquette surrounding bowing, including the length and depth of bow, and the appropriate response, is exceedingly complex. For example, if the other person maintains his or her bow for longer than expected (generally about two or three seconds), it is polite to bow again, upon which one may receive another bow in return. This often leads to a long exchange of progressively lighter bows.
Generally speaking, an inferior bows longer, more deeply and more frequently than a superior. A superior addressing an inferior will generally only nod the head slightly, while some superiors may not bow at all and an inferior will bend forward slightly from the waist.
Bows of apology tend to be deeper and last longer than other types of bow. They tend to occur with frequency during the apology, generally at about 45 degrees with the head lowered and lasting for at least the count of three, sometimes longer…. The depth, frequency and duration of the bow increases with the sincerity of the apology and the severity of the offence….”
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Paratrooper's Mom Begs Obama: 'End It' - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston
As family and friends mourn a fallen U.S. paratrooper, his mother made an emotional plea to Obama that it's time to either bring home the troops or end the war in Afghanistan.
The body of Benjamin Sherman, 21, was recovered in Afghanistan Tuesday.
"It's time we do something. This has gone on too long. They either need to come home or we need to end it," a tearful Denise Sherman said.
Sherman was on his second tour of duty when he disappeared in Afghanistan last week during a mission to resupply troops in the western part of the country. He was a paratrooper with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, based in Fort Bragg, N.C.
His family said Sherman jumped into a river to try to help another soldier when both were swept away. He was missing for about a week. "My brother is the type of man whose main values are honor, respect and standing up for what you believe in."
- Meredith Sherman, sister
Dozens of troops searched frantically for Sherman and his comrade and found the pair after about a week.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Co-Worker: Ft. Hood Suspect Made ‘Outlandish’ Comments Condemning US Foreign Policy
Dr. Walid Phares, Director, Foundation for Defense of Democracie's Future of Terrorism Project, is interviewed about Ft. Hood. He referred to the "Ft. Dix Six," a reference to the five of six Muslim immigrants who were convicted of plotting to massacre U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey; and, he noted that one private was killed--Private Long--and another soldier was wounded by a Muslim terrorist, Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, at a Little Rock, Arkansas, Army recruitment center (in which a Muslim protester later appeared to proclaim "Islam is the religion of peace"). The American military has been a terrorist target according to Dr. Phares.
The shooting attack at Ft. Hood by a Muslim soldier, the Ft. Dix convictions, and the Little Rock shooting are anything but isolated incidents. Leaving out the numerous attacks on American soldiers overseas, by soldiers in uniform or in fake uniforms, attacks have continued in the U.S.
1) On 23 March 2003 there was a grenade attack by Muslim Sgt. Hasan Karim Akbar that killed Army Captain Christopher Seifert and Air Force Major Gregory Stone and wounded 14 others. He was convicted of two counts of premeditated murder and three counts of attempted premeditated murder on April 21, 2005. Notably, during his trial Akbar smuggled scissors out of a conference room, then asked the Military Police Officer guarding him to remove his hand cuffs so he could use the restroom. When the officer removed Akbar’s restraints, he stabbed the officer in the neck and shoulder before being wrestled to the ground by another officer.
2) While serving as a naval signalman on board the USS Benfoldin the months following the attack on the USS Cole, Hassan Abujihaad (a/k/a Paul R. Hall) actively provided Islamic terrorists with sensitive information about the location of Navy ships and their weaknesses. He also discussed sniper attacks on military personnel and attacks on U.S. military recruitment sites with Muslim terrorists as well. For his crimes, Abujihaad is currently serving a ten-(10) year sentence. On 5 March, 2008 Abujihaad was convicted by a jury and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
3) There is also the case of U.S. Army captain James “Yousef” Lee, the former Muslim chaplain charged with espionage while serving at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Lee was arrested at a U.S. airport on charges of espionage after he was caught in possession of detailed maps of the detention facility along with other classified materials.
4) In addition to Lee, two other Islamic Arabic translators stationed at Guantanamo were convicted of unauthorized possession of classified documents.
Ultimately, the U.S. Army opted not to proceed with the espionage charges against Lee due to national security concerns arising from the evidence that would be made available to the public at the trial.