Pueblog USa
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Rhetoric and Intimidation
A rose by any other word is sometimes a weed.
We’ve received reports that certain representatives of campaigns were refused entry to the ballot counting at Pueblo County Courthouse on election night until a “background check” had been completed. Considering it was only address and voter registration information that had to be verified, we find the term “background check” a deliberate attempt at intimidation, and an insult, since there is a clear implication that the users of the term “background check” suspected the representatives of being criminals.
We’ve seen school board members recalled for less.
We ask the county clerk and recorder to chastise severely individuals under her direction who use insulting and intimidating language to anyone, especially constituents seeking to ensure that our democratic processes are carried out fairly and legally. Poll watchers and others are there to help the voting process, not hinder it, and deserve better treatment than suspicious references to “background checks.”