More On The Recount

To the Editor:

In response to Brian Gibney’s letter of December 11, 2000, it became apparent he missed the point in some areas, so I would like to try one last time.

 1. The recount... the election officials commenced the recount using established rules, which had been in use for 12 years. In mid-count, for a reason I never heard explained by the election officials, they decided to change the rules. The fact that the new rules yielded a higher “harvesting” of votes for Gore appeared in both the press and broadcast media. I do not know how Brian could have missed that. I also understand federal election law requires that an election be governed by “the laws in effect on Election Day,” not a week later during a recount.

 2. Harris... Brian is absolutely correct in stating that “if the returns are not received by the time specified, they may be ignored and results on file be certified.” (Emphasis added.) Florida law gives Harris the option. She exercised that option by rejecting the late ballots, and gave her reasons for doing so based on decisions made regarding prior elections. She also obtained a legal opinion from an outside law firm known for its strong ties to the Democratic Party. Understandably, Brian is not happy with the outcome, but the Democratic Florida legislator who wrote the law insists Harris applied it as he intended... and he ought to know!

 3. Polls... I quoted an NBC poll showing 61 percent wanted Gore to concede. Brian suggests I look at an unidentified poll indicating 46 percent want another recount, and 47 percent do not. That’s exactly what I’m saying.... more people do not want recounts than want them. That is your data Brian, not mine!

Bush was only acting to prevent a highly subjective and inherently unfair recount from further confounding the election. Try this... take about 30 business cards, punch holes in two, leave two alone and punch various depth “dimples” in the rest. Then ask several people to count the number of cards where they think the person intended to puncture the card. The results are simply amazing... kids especially get a kick out of this, as well as a great civics lesson.

The past six weeks have been a frustrating time for all of us. I was pleasantly surprised the other night when Gore delivered a beautiful and conciliatory concession speech, then asked all Americans to accept the US Supreme Court’s decision and move forward. I am willing if you are, Brian... maybe we will meet in town someday perchance... the coffee is on me!

Respectfully,

Frank Viola

320 Great Quarter Rd, Sandy Hook                   December 17, 2000