You overlook the 'bullet ballot' anomaly, in that the drastic increases of 5%-11% occurred only in the swing states. All other states remained at a +/- 1% margin. I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the specific shift in those numbers is puzzling.
OK. I've had time to reread this latest PoliticsNC dispatch. I could say a lot about the written text, but the conversation with Nathaniel Pearlman is well worth a listen. For content and for nuances of a distinctive Lower Piedmont NC dialect. Our state is language rich in dialects and sociolinguistics. Plenty has been written and researched about this over the years. What so many do not value are our oral traditions, region by region. And it's "truth" you can count on that children who arrive at school with spoken language close to "standard" English have a leg up on those coming from backgrounds rich in oral traditions. And are even stigmatized for it. It would improve spoken and written English teaching if teachers were better schooled in "oral" traditions and learn from their students rather than the other way around. But because standard English carries power, schools have forever privileged this at the expense of broader/deeper ways with words. Don't get me wrong, we want learners to develop a command of both spoken and written language standards and usage. And Mills as he speaks about writing process is fascinating. Aside: Mills drops "ng" word endings as many of us do, and within the same conversation keeps the full "ing" endings. And it's natural to rural Anson County; at least I think it is. I know this post is about ballot drop-off/roll-off; the stakes concerning the "charade" of misinformation on purpose--big topic; and the in-our-face "media shift" weakening our national fabric of a common base of knowledge and the pursuit of truth(s)--another big topic. Much to ponder.
If we continue to tell the truth, maintain our dignity we will prevail. In the "Art of War" Sun Tzu points out ” For politicians, "the chaos sown by deceit can obscure genuine opportunities for progress and reform. A political process underpinned by integrity, conversely, creates a stable environment where long-term strategies can flourish unimpeded by the fallout of exposed falsehoods." I predict, the mid term elections will shift the power to a congress-controlled Democrats. This will happen as folks will become disgusted as the mismanagement and corruption will touch their lives in an all to tangible way.
I could not agree more, If we continue to tell the truth, maintain our dignity we will prevail. In the "Art of War" Sun Tzu points out ” For politicians, "the chaos sown by deceit can obscure genuine opportunities for progress and reform. A political process underpinned by integrity, conversely, creates a stable environment where long-term strategies can flourish unimpeded by the fallout of exposed falsehoods."
Damn. Seldom are read(s) with as much authentic analysis of “in real time” discourse/reporting. Because a lot is happening fast. I need to reread this.
I have always respected your efforts to be fair and balanced in your reporting even as I could understand your own bias. But I have pretty much given up on much of professional media because, as someone who is a long time subscriber to the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, as well as national cable news and PBS, I have seen how many reporters only repeat what they’ve been told instead of asking why.
It was clearly evident to me that our modern elections are fought on an unequal ground that shifts when money is involved. Education has been dumbed down when it was truly opened to those historically left behind. Not just southern blacks but also southern white mill workers in small towns were deliberately taught less than the truth about their own history. Until we can either return to at least a semblance of respect for tradition and the law. Now I truly doubt I’ll live long enough to see a return to a fairer, better state politically.
Casting votes for top-of-the-ballot candidates has been called "ballot fatigue.” It can have significant effects on local governance, representation, and the overall health of the democratic process.
In NC “ballot fatigue” may have worked in favor of Democrats, as we got a governor, attorney general and made significant gains in the legislature. Of course, the republican candidate for governor was more than unpalatable to most folks. The black nazi, who hung around porn sties is a bridge to far for even the most resolute republican.
The downside is we are dealing with a president who has promised to trash the economy and Federal government by raising tariffs on goods from Canada and other foreign governments, fire the folks who make the government run and deport millions of Undocumented residents. Of course, thinking back, he also said he would build a wall along the Mexican border and Mexico would pay for it. None of that came true and Mexico did not pay a cent. What happened was an individual within his band of near do wells and losers attempted to run a swindle seeking donations to build the wall.
If history repeats itself, people whose livelihoods are tied to imports, such as those in manufacturing and building industries, may lose their jobs, and the prices of gas, cars, and food may increase. This situation could result in profits for some, but negatively impact others.
That power grab bill disquised as disaster relief is beyond awful. Just curious what you think of BlueSky? I was sorry to read your comment about one of their posters.
Stealing the election is what Republican Jefferson Griffin is trying to do for the NC Supreme Court seat. He wants to eliminate 60,000 votes because they voted for Allison Riggs. As usual, it's the Republicans who won't respect the law, who steal ballots (happened a few years ago) and votes. I just read that Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters that this year’s post-election vote counting process is “another episode of ‘count until somebody you want to win, wins,’”.
Thanks, Thomas, for calling out the distracting voices. I always heard an expert was someone who was 20 miles from home...............BWTFDIK? I am hearing about a lot of Trump voters who don't understand how it all works (like a guy from Virginia asking if he can vote in a neighboring small town here during early voting. Where do these people come from? Or where have they been when they should have been learning these basics 30 years ago????
But why no audits? The high percentage of bullet ballots was the issue. An audit of the worst county would have been prudent.
You overlook the 'bullet ballot' anomaly, in that the drastic increases of 5%-11% occurred only in the swing states. All other states remained at a +/- 1% margin. I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the specific shift in those numbers is puzzling.
OK. I've had time to reread this latest PoliticsNC dispatch. I could say a lot about the written text, but the conversation with Nathaniel Pearlman is well worth a listen. For content and for nuances of a distinctive Lower Piedmont NC dialect. Our state is language rich in dialects and sociolinguistics. Plenty has been written and researched about this over the years. What so many do not value are our oral traditions, region by region. And it's "truth" you can count on that children who arrive at school with spoken language close to "standard" English have a leg up on those coming from backgrounds rich in oral traditions. And are even stigmatized for it. It would improve spoken and written English teaching if teachers were better schooled in "oral" traditions and learn from their students rather than the other way around. But because standard English carries power, schools have forever privileged this at the expense of broader/deeper ways with words. Don't get me wrong, we want learners to develop a command of both spoken and written language standards and usage. And Mills as he speaks about writing process is fascinating. Aside: Mills drops "ng" word endings as many of us do, and within the same conversation keeps the full "ing" endings. And it's natural to rural Anson County; at least I think it is. I know this post is about ballot drop-off/roll-off; the stakes concerning the "charade" of misinformation on purpose--big topic; and the in-our-face "media shift" weakening our national fabric of a common base of knowledge and the pursuit of truth(s)--another big topic. Much to ponder.
If we continue to tell the truth, maintain our dignity we will prevail. In the "Art of War" Sun Tzu points out ” For politicians, "the chaos sown by deceit can obscure genuine opportunities for progress and reform. A political process underpinned by integrity, conversely, creates a stable environment where long-term strategies can flourish unimpeded by the fallout of exposed falsehoods." I predict, the mid term elections will shift the power to a congress-controlled Democrats. This will happen as folks will become disgusted as the mismanagement and corruption will touch their lives in an all to tangible way.
I could not agree more, If we continue to tell the truth, maintain our dignity we will prevail. In the "Art of War" Sun Tzu points out ” For politicians, "the chaos sown by deceit can obscure genuine opportunities for progress and reform. A political process underpinned by integrity, conversely, creates a stable environment where long-term strategies can flourish unimpeded by the fallout of exposed falsehoods."
Damn. Seldom are read(s) with as much authentic analysis of “in real time” discourse/reporting. Because a lot is happening fast. I need to reread this.
I have always respected your efforts to be fair and balanced in your reporting even as I could understand your own bias. But I have pretty much given up on much of professional media because, as someone who is a long time subscriber to the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, as well as national cable news and PBS, I have seen how many reporters only repeat what they’ve been told instead of asking why.
It was clearly evident to me that our modern elections are fought on an unequal ground that shifts when money is involved. Education has been dumbed down when it was truly opened to those historically left behind. Not just southern blacks but also southern white mill workers in small towns were deliberately taught less than the truth about their own history. Until we can either return to at least a semblance of respect for tradition and the law. Now I truly doubt I’ll live long enough to see a return to a fairer, better state politically.
Casting votes for top-of-the-ballot candidates has been called "ballot fatigue.” It can have significant effects on local governance, representation, and the overall health of the democratic process.
In NC “ballot fatigue” may have worked in favor of Democrats, as we got a governor, attorney general and made significant gains in the legislature. Of course, the republican candidate for governor was more than unpalatable to most folks. The black nazi, who hung around porn sties is a bridge to far for even the most resolute republican.
The downside is we are dealing with a president who has promised to trash the economy and Federal government by raising tariffs on goods from Canada and other foreign governments, fire the folks who make the government run and deport millions of Undocumented residents. Of course, thinking back, he also said he would build a wall along the Mexican border and Mexico would pay for it. None of that came true and Mexico did not pay a cent. What happened was an individual within his band of near do wells and losers attempted to run a swindle seeking donations to build the wall.
If history repeats itself, people whose livelihoods are tied to imports, such as those in manufacturing and building industries, may lose their jobs, and the prices of gas, cars, and food may increase. This situation could result in profits for some, but negatively impact others.
Never give up.
That power grab bill disquised as disaster relief is beyond awful. Just curious what you think of BlueSky? I was sorry to read your comment about one of their posters.
What’s the current state of affairs with the power- grab bill now?
Thanks for writing about this. I’m in Woodfin.
Stealing the election is what Republican Jefferson Griffin is trying to do for the NC Supreme Court seat. He wants to eliminate 60,000 votes because they voted for Allison Riggs. As usual, it's the Republicans who won't respect the law, who steal ballots (happened a few years ago) and votes. I just read that Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters that this year’s post-election vote counting process is “another episode of ‘count until somebody you want to win, wins,’”.
A good take on this situation: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-11-24/fukuyama-how-save-democracy-technology
As a reporter who coveted government and politics for 8 years (1972-1980) I concur
Thanks, Thomas, for calling out the distracting voices. I always heard an expert was someone who was 20 miles from home...............BWTFDIK? I am hearing about a lot of Trump voters who don't understand how it all works (like a guy from Virginia asking if he can vote in a neighboring small town here during early voting. Where do these people come from? Or where have they been when they should have been learning these basics 30 years ago????
Repeal Section 230 and hold social media behemoths accountable for what they profit from spreading, just like any other publisher.
Hear! Hear!!