Bacon's Rebellion

Proud of Virginia (Again)

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by

James A. Bacon
in

Since Bacon is grinchy this morning I’ll take another tack — this is what cheers me: the orderly, gentle and reasonable way the McDonnell-Deeds recount was conducted and concluded. Hundreds of Virginians took time out of a holiday week to take part, the vast majority of course for no or little pay (the legal meters were running.) Perhaps things got testy in some of the count rooms, and of course Creigh’s many friends and supporters are disappointed, but even on the partisan blogs it was clear both sides were treating each other and the effort with respect. The winner was the election process itself. Deeds’ concession showed real class (as Brad Marrs’ had the day before when the recount went against him.)

To everyone who took any part at all on either side or in the middle, thank you.

I am confident that if any glaring errors had surfaced, the court would have taken proper notice. No human election process will ever be perfect, whether manual or electronic. Doubt will always linger with a result that razor thin. Sadly, the biggest winner on Nov. 8 is unchanged –none of the above — since most people didn’t vote at all. Those are the people I don’t get. (Inappropriate comment removed by author in spirit of the season.)

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10 responses to “Proud of Virginia (Again)”

  1. Lucy Jones Avatar
    Lucy Jones

    Do you really believe people that didn’t vote for a governor “spit on the graves of patriots” or was that joking?

  2. Will Vehrs Avatar
    Will Vehrs

    Steve, I agree with your sentiments, even the “spit” comment. We shouldn’t cut non-voters any slack.

    I am concerned, however, at how many errors were apparently discovered between election night and the recount. I realize most of these were human error on the part of frazzled election workers. I hope that local election officials, especially where these errors were discovered, will tighten their processes.

    The closeness of the AG race and the fact that a recount was held are probably very good for the system.

  3. Lucy Jones Avatar
    Lucy Jones

    Wow, Mr. Vehrs. I usually have so much respect for you. You always seem to stick to the facts and keep the name calling out. That’s not really fair to say those that couldn’t discern what the candidates were for are un-patriotic. They spent so much time “spitting” at each other, many felt they couldn’t vote. Would you rather they had just voted on the least mean candidate or the best looking candidate?

  4. Will Vehrs Avatar
    Will Vehrs

    I apologize for the typos in my last post–I had to hit “publish” before the lights went out and didn’t have time to proofread. It should be “made a difference in who holds an important job.” “Lessor” or “lesser,” I don’t know.

    Lest another controversy get started, I’m down on those who don’t show up to vote at all. Those who show up at the polls and decide to not vote in a certain race(s)–the “undervoters”–are at least expressing in a somewhat meaningful way that they are displeased with their choice(s). I’m ok with that, although I think it should be possible to make a hair-splitting choice.

  5. Lucy Jones Avatar
    Lucy Jones

    You are right. I’ll take responsibility for undervoting. It was not the best time to have an adult tantrum and probably closer to throwing the baby out with the wash. You are exactly right that it was my [misguided] way of showing the candidates that the biting was too ugly for me. What I viewed as a stab to Mr. Kaine’s religious beliefs just really got under my skin. I’ll do better next time!

    Merry Christmas to you, sir, and don’t forget to share the egg-nog!

  6. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    Sorry. Just a little hyperbole on my part. It is really the people who never vote, who can’t even be bothered with the whole idea of voting, rather than those who might protest by staying home one time that I had in mind. Egg nog indeed — SDH

  7. Jim Bacon Avatar
    Jim Bacon

    I guess I’m still feeling in a Scroogish frame of mind. I agree with Steve. People who don’t vote do spit on the graves of patriots. How many Americans died to advance the cause of freedom and Democracy over the past 225 years? We could never enjoy the (domestic) peace and prosperity we have today were it not for their sacrifices. If they could fight and die, the least we can friggin’ do is shake off our lethargy and go vote every couple of years. Any people too somnambulent to vote deserves the worst.

  8. Lucy Jones Avatar
    Lucy Jones

    Mr. Bacon… I’ll share some eggnog with you as long as you’ll wait until it’s warmer to spit. It’s just too daggone cold right now for that.

  9. Freddie Avatar
    Freddie

    The large majority of people who do not vote do not pay attention to the candidates or issues. I don’t mind if people who are ignorant do not vote.

  10. Lucy Jones Avatar
    Lucy Jones

    I voted, I voted!!! I was there bright and early!!! I have my sticker… I can show it to you!

    I only left ONE little empty space

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