Distrust Everybody
Tailpipe's recent column (Privacy Schmivacy, Tailpipe, October 23) really shocked me. The fact that party affiliations are listed in plain sight on absentee ballot envelopes that go through the U.S. Postal Service raises the possibility that, as you put it, a unscrupulous postal handler could manipulate the vote. I believe that the candidate a voter chooses should be only known by the voter and the pollworker (and NO ONE else!). I know that the USPS is one of the more trusted methods of sending important mailings, but I can assure you that there are plenty of people within its ranks who might be willing to break sacred protections in order to help the person they think should be in the Oval Office win. There should be no room for this crap, especially after what happened in 2000 and 2004. Something needs to be done about this — fast!
Sean Holt
Pembroke Pines
Simply take a blank self-adhesive mailing label or blank piece of paper, cut it to size, type or write "Noydb" (standing for "None of Your Damn Business") on it, and stick or tape it over the "Dem" or "Rep" before mailing back the absentee ballot envelope. Simple, huh? Can the Broward Elections Supervisor or her office staff refuse to process it? Another choice would be "Nsp" ("No Stinking Party"). Great article! Keep it up!
Name withheld by request
Via the internet
There is possibly an additional problem with absentee ballots more than just the party affiliation. The issue is whether the ballots will be counted early or at the time of the in-person ballots are counted. Are absentee ballots held in a drawer and counted only if the race is tight for certain candidates? I hope one of your readers or perhaps you can assure the public that these absentee ballots will be counted properly and in a timely way for the election. Remember the cry: "Every vote counts!"
Philip L. Fazio
Lighthouse Point
Editor's note: Absentee ballots are actually tabulated before Election Day ballots.
Genius Strikes Back
How much of this drivel did you borrow from others ("Vets' Worst Enemy," Amy Silverman, October 23). McCain leads Congress at being pro-vet but not when amendments are tied to bad legislation.
Look in a mirror and take a picture. Then look at the digital image. The word dumb will appear on your forehead.
H.L. Goldstock
Via the internet
Waiting for the Pulitzer
Just had to write to say the review of "Changeling" by Ella Taylor ("Go Ahead, Make Her Day," October 23) is one of the most beautifully literate reviews of a movie I've ever read... and I subscribe to the New York Times as well as read your paper.
Bob Edelson
Via the internet
Find the Real Jihaddist
This guy isn't even close to a terrorist ("A Jihad on Joe," Michael J. Mooney, October 9). Joe Kaufman is on a witch hunt trying to scare people into voting republican. What this story doesn't say is that on the same page as his little petition is a link to donate to McCain and Palin. His motives are not pure.
Name withheld by request
Via the internet
The liberal media sides with evil terrorists. This is shocking.
Name withheld by request
Via the internet
... And the Nobel
This is the best piece I have read in a long time ("The Real Girlfriend Experience," Michael J. Mooney, September 18). It reminds me of the NPR show "This American Life." Nice work.
Name withheld by request
Via the internet
Fascinating. Reminds me of going out of my way to speak with people on the street that others think are just crazy bums. Actually engaging them with normal conversation, instead of shying away or thumbing your nose at them. The expressions on their faces are so alive and beautiful when you turn a blind eye to their current condition and treat them like what they are - human, just like you. I'm not saying it can't backfire sometimes, but you have to take it all in stride with a smile on your face and love in your heart. There is always a fascinating story there that can tell you more about YOURSELF than you want to admit.
Name withheld by request
Via the internet
