I’m usually suspicious of conspiracy theories, whether they come from the right or left.  So often, conspiracy theories seem to force a narrative on events that allows proponents to avoid confronting the more prosaic factors underlying most large-scale tragedies: human failings on a massive scale and an indifferent universe.  But I just scanned Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Rolling Stone article in which he makes a compelling case that significant voter fraud occurred during the 2004 presidential election, particularly in Ohio.  I’ve heard similar claims in the past and I always dismissed them as more hyperbole from the fringe left.  I reasoned that any indications of election fraud would have been revealed in the media.  Perhaps the idealist in me wanted to trust in the supposed transparency of our electoral process–to refuse to believe that another fiasco like the election of 2000 could happen again.  I’m certainly not qualified to judge whether fraud did indeed occur in Ohio, but I may have been mistaken when I so casually dismissed the protests of some of my fellow progressives.

 

I’m also starting to think that the disability community’s push to have electronic voting machines installed in every precinct might be making us unwitting enablers of future stolen elections.  I’d rather let another person mark a ballot for me than have any concerns that the security of my vote could be compromised. 

 

 

I’m beginning to suspect that my wheelchair has magical age-combatting properties.  I was ordering a beer yesterday when the server, no doubt a well-meaning and conscientious lad, asked me, “You sure you’re old enough?”  I desperately wanted to reply, “Sonny, I was drinking beer when you were still fascinated by your own boogers.  Now run along and get me my damn drink.”  But I simply smiled politely and nodded.  Throughout my whole life, strangers have tended to assume I’m younger than my actual age.  Perhaps it’s because of my small stature or my lack of a deep, manly voice.  I suppose this perception of me could come in handy as I get older, but I still find it annoying at present.  Maybe I’m destined to be a gimpy version of Bob Costas, looking eternally young even when I’m in my dotage. 

I  visited the new Minneapolis Public Library earlier this week and took some pictures suitable for blog posting.  The new library is impressive and a wonderful example of how taxpayer dollars can be used to create a public space that is both useful and beautiful.  The ambience is open and inviting, with plenty of windows to fill the interior spaces with natural light.  The children’s area is especially well-designed, with shelves built to kid-height and reading chairs that are built for kids to perch themselves alongside a more grown-up reader.

 

I’ll post more observations on the library over the weekend, but stay tuned for the first of the photos.