Still a lot of work to be done

Today is garbage day. No, that's not a metaphor about the elections, it's just a reminder that I've got to take out the barrels.

Yes, today is also election day, and we progressives, liberals, and other anti-Bushites can cast our ballots and then hope for a needed turnaround in at least the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate, but no matter how successful we are, it's hardly the end of the current reign of terror.

If the House turns around, it still leaves Republicans in control of 2-1/2 of the 3 branches of government. Even with the Senate also turning, we've still got two more years of Bush/Cheney & Co. and Lord knows now many years till we can effect some changes on the Supreme Court.

Yes, we hope for the best news at the end of the day when all the votes are counted (and that the people's voice is heard, not Diebold's), but even the best possible result is only the beginning of reclaiming our nation.

The Democrats of today are only marginally better than the Republicans, and there's no guarantee that they'll have the leadership ability needed to stand up to W on the full range of issues, from Iraq to gay marriage to health care to global warming to restoring the Bill of Rights.

Many of us are wondering this morning what types of dirty tricks may be played to keep people from voting, or to keep their votes from being counted.

If you encounter any voting irregularities or attempts to prevent voting, call this number immediately to report it: 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Already (8 AM, PST) there are problems being reported, with voters being turned away in Florida, and machine problems leading to long lines in Pennsylvania. Check protectourvotes.org for more updates throughout the day.

Tags: election day, voting, democracy, dirty tricks, Democrats, Congress