There Is No Evidence That Voter-Impersonation Fraud Is A problem
Posted by Michelle Moquin on October 16th, 2014
Good morning!
From TPM:
9 Scathing Quotes From Judge Posner’s Dissent Against WI Voter ID
It’s only been one year since Reagan-appointed Judge Richard Posner converted to the view that voter identification laws are tantamount to voter suppression. His change of heart has sparked a fiery judicial opinion against a ruling in favor Wisconsin’s voter ID law.
Posner dissented against the decision by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals not to hold a full court re-hearing of a three-judge panel’s ruling authorizing implementation of the Badger State’s voter ID law. Posner clearly regrets his previous position on voter ID, writing in a 2013 book that he now pleads “guilty” to writing a majority opinion “now widely regarded as a means of voter suppression rather than of fraud prevention.” (The Supreme Court temporarily put enforcement of the law on hold for the midterm elections.)
Here are the most scathing quotes from Posner’s opinion.
—”Some of the ‘evidence’ of voter-impersonation fraud is downright goofy, if not paranoid, such as the nonexistent buses that according to the ‘True the Vote’ movement transport foreigners and reservation Indians to polling places.”
—”Even Fox News, whose passion for conservative causes has never been questioned, acknowledges that ‘Voter ID Laws Target Rarely Occurring Voter Fraud.’” [Link included in the original.]
—”As there is no evidence that voter-impersonation fraud is a problem, how can the fact that a legislature says it’s a problem turn it into one? If the Wisconsin legislature says witches are a problem, shall Wisconsin courts be permitted to conduct witch trials?”
—”There is no evidence that Wisconsin’s voter rolls are inflated — as were Indiana’s — and there is compelling evidence that voter-impersonation fraud is essentially nonexistent in Wisconsin.”
—”The panel opinion states that requiring a photo ID might at least prevent persons who ‘are too young or are not citizens’ from voting. Not so. State-issued IDs are available to noncitizens … — all that’s required is proof of ‘legal presence in the United States[.]‘
—”This implies that the net effect of such requirements is to impede voting by people easily discouraged from voting, most of whom probably lean Democratic.”
—”The panel opinion does not discuss the cost of obtaining a photo ID. It assumes the cost is negligible. That’s an easy assumption for federal judges to make, since we are given photo IDs by court security free of charge. And we have upper-middle-class salaries. Not everyone is so fortunate.”
—”There is only one motivation for imposing burdens on voting that are ostensibly designed to discourage voter-impersonation fraud, if there is no actual danger of such fraud, and that is to discourage voting by persons likely to vote against the party responsible for imposing the burdens.”
—”The authors’ overall assessment is that ‘voter ID laws don’t disenfranchise minorities or reduce minority voting, and in many instances enhance it’ [emphasis added]. In other words, the authors believe that the net effect of these laws is to increase minority voting. Yet if that is true, the opposition to these laws by liberal groups is senseless. If photo ID laws increase minority voting, liberals should rejoice in the laws and conservatives deplore them. Yet it is conservatives who support them and liberals who oppose them. Unless conservatives and liberals are masochists, promoting laws that hurt them, these laws must suppress minority voting and the question then becomes whether there are offsetting social benefits—the evidence is that there are not.”
*****
Readers: Wha’at’s UP?
Joyce: If they’re part of the republican party, I don’t think they exist. In my opinion, if women vote for the repubs, they are either as dumb as a box of rocks or just ignorant and don’t know that their party houses misogynists. Whatever the reason, it really doesn’t matter because it is their vote that matters, and a vote for the repubs is one less for the Dems…and then the damage is done.
If repub women can’t see what is so crystal clear about the repub party now, they never will, because it is pretty much as bad as it could get. Now…if the Dems don’t retain control of the Senate and take over the House this November, then we will all see just how bad it could really get, and we will have no power to stop them.
Howie: I know it goes without saying but I’ll say it…I think we all know the Aliens would most likely win. :) How are you doing?
Zen Lill: Happy Birthday! I HOPE that you take the day off and have a wonderful day doing something with your family and friends! Knowing you, you will probably celebrate through the weekend, if not the entire month. Have fun!
Blog me.
Peace baby.
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)
Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:
Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129
Thank you for your loyal support!
All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2014
“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream
" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"
October 16th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Zen Lill HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
I really HOPE you enjoy this day for it is yours to enjoy.
I also HOPE your throat has healed and your Opera career is not in jeopardy.
I used caps for the word HOPE because I see Michelle do it in her posts.
Luv,
Your Blog Bro, HOWIE
October 16th, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for remembering, Mischa : )
& Howie, thank you for the kind Bday words, I appreciate it. I’m enjoying the day so far and as Mischa mentioned I usually celebrate the whole month, but this time I’m starting late (today) but I am booked out for the weekend and possibly longer, I HOPE it’s till the 31st! : D
I healed so well, you can barely tell anything was done, I’m so fortunate, picked a great doc to whom I am ever so grateful.
You all enjoy the day as well and I’ll be back to chat soon.
Luv, Zen Lill
October 16th, 2014 at 8:39 pm
I hope I make it in this time. Happy Birthday Zen Lill. You are a doll.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Zen Lill Happy Birthday. Wouldn’t it be just like this blog to shut down on your birthday.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
The White Nation wishes its blonde beauty a Happy Birthday.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:41 pm
It’s been too long. Happy Birthday my tender.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:42 pm
So if I could make it in I would be wishing you a Happy Birthday and wondering if I could suggest a drink or dinner.
Many more for the lady who brings class to the blog.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:43 pm
I’ve been waiting too long to meet you. I cruise the area looking for my long legged beauty but no such luck.
Happy Birthday Gams.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:45 pm
I’d take a piece of that month. Happy Birthday Zen Lill.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:46 pm
Did someone forget the topic. I couldn’t get in and when I do All I see is this HB to Zen Lill.
Is she supposed to be someone I should know?
October 16th, 2014 at 8:47 pm
Zen Lill, me & my Cuxs wish you a very Happy Birthday.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
Okay, we wish you a happy birthday and you make us happy with some more short/shorts.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Now it is your turn.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
Happy Birthday Zen Lill. I just know someone important is celebrating it with you.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:49 pm
Mys last name isn’t Trump, but I have means. Sure would like to share a bit with you on your birthday.
You are a gorgeous tall thing.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:51 pm
Joyeux anniversaire Zen Lill. Nous vous souhaitons le meilleur!
October 16th, 2014 at 8:52 pm
All the other guys don’t have a thing on me. I have been following you since you posted your first portrait.
Love at first sight.
Happy Birthday! Wish you would allow me to show you what a real man can do for the woman who turns him on.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
It’s that time again, huh? We all get older but I bet you just look better. I love your exercises.
Happy Birthday
October 16th, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Hope this makes the blog today. Happy BIRTHDAY
Zen Lill
October 16th, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Minnie#10, this is the topic. If you were a regular you would understand.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZEN LILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 16th, 2014 at 8:56 pm
I see someone made it in. I thought this was going to have to be a belated birthday wish.
HAPPY TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Zen Lill, right on time.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:57 pm
Wow! I have written in in forever. But I couldn’t miss your special day Zen Lill.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:58 pm
Happy Birthday Zen Lill. The Chammaras also want to extend their good wishes.
Hafa Adai.
October 16th, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Zen Lill:
You do have a following. Well Deserved.
Happy Birthday.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Thought this was a lock that I would make it in. I could still get knocked. But here goes.
Happy Birthday Zen Lill. You do know how to make a splash.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Minnie#10, on occasion we do make exception for the special ones.
Happy Birthday Zen Lill.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:02 pm
Your Fans say it best – Happy Birthday Zen Lill.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:03 pm
Minnie#10, there are topics and then there is the Topic. Today, Zen Lill is the Topic.
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!! You make this blog special for me.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:04 pm
Zen Lill, anytime you want to post more tips, this fan club is waiting.
Happy Birthday Zen Lill.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:06 pm
How come I don’t have but one posting of your pictures? How many did you post over the years?
Happy Birthday. I live in LA. So how come we haven’t met?
Single, 39, once married, no children, Stockbroker.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Didn’t think the blog would open for you Zen Lill, but I see your entourage broke it open.
I hope I still qualify.
Happy Birthday.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:09 pm
I tried all day and most of the night. This should count for a lot if I get in.
I live in LA. Let’s pick a spot we could just cruise by and if we like what we see, you stop and say hello.
Happy Birthday.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:10 pm
There is no voter fraud just criminals trying to stop others from voting against their agenda.
October 16th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
I live in Iowa. We have idiots voting for the republican party because they hate Reid or Obama.
They vote against their own best interest because they are morons.
October 17th, 2014 at 6:08 am
Happy Birthday Zen Lill. 한국 당신이 최고!
October 17th, 2014 at 7:23 am
How Crooks Trick You Into a Virus Download
By Keith
Search for player software can lead to a virus download: Internet Scambusters #618
Think you’re immune to making a virus download?
Maybe you don’t realize how cunning crooks are in tricking you into installing malware on your PC. We explain how they do it in this week’s issue.
Let’s get started…
How Crooks Trick You Into a Virus Download
If you ever get malware on your PC, the most likely cause will be that you performed the virus download yourself.
Despite everything we hear it’s not that easy for crooks to plant malicious programs on your PC without your help.
They use lots of cunning tricks to fool you into downloading their viruses, some of which even the best security software may not detect, especially if they’re newly crafted.
In a security report published earlier this year, Microsoft said these “deceptive downloads” were the top threat in nearly every country worldwide, where they studied the contents of nearly 600 million computers.
What makes them “deceptive”?
Well, it’s because they’re often baited with free, genuine downloadable programs and games, or even music.
“For example,” says Microsoft, “you might receive a file in an email or through social networking but when you try to open it you see a message that says you don’t have the right software to open it.
“You do a search online and come across a free software download that claims it can help you open the file. You download that software, but you unknowingly might also be downloading malicious software … with it.
“This malware might have the ability to access personal information in your computer or use your computer for cybercrime.”
In another common version of this trick, victims receive a message pointing to a video, usually supposedly of a sensational nature.
But when they try to watch the video, they’re told they need a special viewer or an add-on to their usual media player (called a “codec”).
Again, this is merely a ruse to get them to download a virus onto their machines.
Others are less dangerous but just as frustrating, like programs that change your browser’s home page (and keep changing it even when you try to re-set it), or spyware that reports on your viewing habits for unscrupulous marketing companies.
So, what can you do to avoid this nasty trap?
Well, think about it: Genuine online video, music and games producers don’t, in the main, produce items that need additional software to run them beyond what is already available on most machines.
Why would they, since such a requirement would severely limit the popularity of their products?
So, if you already have a mainstream media player and standard viewers like QuickTime or Adobe Flash, you shouldn’t need anything else — including add-ons and updates that the malware crooks might say you need.
So, here’s Microsoft’s advice:
Think before you click.
Only download material from sites you already know you can trust.
Make sure you’re using the latest versions of software that are already installed on your PC.
Use a reputable anti-virus program and keep it up to date. This last bit is crucial because, as we said earlier, crooks are always coming up with new pieces of malware. The best way to keep your software current is to allow automatic updates for programs you know and trust.
Use newer software whenever possible. This is less likely to be vulnerable to malware attacks.
If you think you may already have fallen victim to a deceptive download, run a full scan of your system via your Internet security software.
If you have a current version of Windows (Windows 8 or 8.1), you can run the built-in Windows Defender.
Or with older versions, you can try Microsoft’s free Safety Scanner.
Of course, there are also plenty of other anti-virus programs — free and paid-for — that safeguard you against nearly all except the most recent threats.
And some Internet browsers now have checks built in for deceptive downloads.
Sometimes, your security software may detect malware but be unable to remove it. You may need professional help, but you can also sometimes find removal guidance online if you know the name of the virus.
Microsoft also offers advice in their Malware Protection Center.
In a worst-case scenario, you may have to restore your PC to an earlier version. This underlines the importance of keeping regular system backups.
Otherwise, you’ll be back to square one with a completely new install. That’s a high price to pay for a single, deceptive virus download!
Alert of the week
On the same theme as this week’s main issue, there’s a new alert relating to the current popular Ice Bucket Challenge fad.
In this craze, people produce videos of themselves pouring a bucket of water over their heads — in the name of charitable money-raising — and then challenge their friends to do the same.
It makes for some hilarious videos, which is why crooks are sending out emails supposedly pointing to some really spectacular ones, but they’re really just malware links.
Other scammers have set up bogus lookalike pages for the original charity that sparked the craze — the ALS Association.
If you want to donate, go directly to the ALS Association website.
Time to conclude for today — have a great week!