Presidential Election

[LadyBlu]

Can someone please explain to me how it is that with all the discrepencies(sp?) that have occured in the election process in FL they can make the state look viable again?
What is going to happen now?

I love the fact that the FL Supreme Court has ruled as they did, but now we are hearing how the Legislative Branch can override the Supreme Court decision by giving Bush the State Electoral votes. Then it will be left up to the US Supreme Court.

Why can't everyone just agree to count the damn votes, count voters intent.. and move on?

 

[HomeGuru]

Because the two Mr. Wrongs don't make a Mr. Right.

 

[Jack Mevorach, Esq.]

For every complicated question there is a simple answer - and it's wrong.

 

[HomeGuru]

For every complicated question there is a simple answer - and it's wrong.

HomeGuru response: what is wrong, the question or the answer?

To be or not to be?
To ask or not to ask?

 

[Jack Mevorach, Esq.]

HomeGuru,

It appeared to me that LadyBlu was seeking a simple answer to a complicated question. That is what I meant.

 

[LadyBlu]

HomeGuru,

It appeared to me that LadyBlu was seeking a simple answer to a complicated question. That is what I meant.

Ohh no Jack.... I love complicated issues... makes life so much more interesting.

I was basically asking at what level does it all end? When it goes before the Legislators? Or can it still be disputed through the Judical process? At what point is it determined that there are no more options left?

 

[LegalBeagle]

You know what I think ?

a) Had someone set a standard on the 11th of Nov for recounting rules, they could have counted the whole state by now. Bush KNEW this would result in a loss for him so he has done everything he can to stop the count. Not because it is unrealiable, but because he would result in his loss. This makes him truly unfit to lead this country.

b) All the courts so far, except the Florida Supreme Court have been scared to give a decision that would impact the result, REGARDLESS of whether the law is on Gore sides. The US Supreme Court stopped the count because it could result in major constitutional problems. Not whether it is right or not, or that the correct result will be finally found and that votes will finally be counted. They could have let the count continue and heard arguements on Monday, but they stopped it because they do not want people to know the result of those counted votes.

c) The constant bashing of Gore to the extent that he is trying to steal the election by legal means is the most damaging alligation to date. Bush filed the first lawsuit and is acting like the dictator of a third world country trying to hide votes.

d) For the past x years, the US has been involved in many elections in other countries. Always with the view that ALL votes count. If they are not, the condemnation the US gives to these countries and possible sanctions are incrediable. All votes must be counted, and yet here we are with possible the next president of the US winning because he was more successful in ensuring the votes are not counted.. and the US Supreme Court about the stop all counts.

e) We hear a lot that local election boards have discretion. The Bush camp argued this successfully in Miama Dade where Gore wanted to force a recount. The Bush camp said the local board could decide whatever they wanted. They won. Yet they constantly bash the recount since there is no standard.. yet, should not the local board decide how to count ?? why do they suddenly not have the power to decide ??



We constantly hear how awful Gore is being, but in my opinion, Bush and the Courts are failing the American people.

There, that is what I think



[Edited by LegalBeagle on 12-10-2000 at 11:55 AM]

 

[LadyBlu]

LB, it really does scare me sometimes how much we think alike..

I agree with every point you have made.

My personal opinion? Bush signed into law here in TX that handcounts were to be conducted if the result of the election was close. Also that *pregnant chads* would be counted in a recount, as it clearly shows *Voter Intent* it is funny how hypocrytical we can be when we want to avoid the possibility of losing something.

I find it very amusing that if they allow the hand recounts that Catherine Harris would not allow that Bush only has a 194 vote lead on Gore. Hmmmmmm, maybe he has reason to be scared..

 

[Jack Mevorach, Esq.]

I don't know where this will all go. We have the makings of a constitutional crisis. In truth, I'm not following it that closely because I'm so busy with other things. Your question is a good one. Usually, once a dispute winds up in court, the court(s) resolve it. However, there are many legal doctrines by which courts defer to the legislature or executive or other entity. I'm interested to see that the Florida legislature is poised to attempt to end it, despite what the courts say.

Stay tuned. See you on the post-mortem.

 

[LegalBeagle]

Well, I said nearly 3 weeks ago that Bush would win the legal vote.. but it would be obvious to all that Gore won the actual vote. I think it is now obvious the US Supreme Court will overturn the FL ruling.. It amazes me that they have taken on a case that 99.9% of the time they would refuse.. I did not think that the level of importance to a case superceded law.