"It's Not Just In Cook County!"

Have you ever been pressured into doing something? Perhaps an over-zealous salesman or teacher or coach put you "on the spot" to do or try something you really didn't want to do. Sometimes we submit to pressure out of fear of consequence, or intimidation, and end up later regretting our decisions. Having lived in the Chicago area for many years, I understand pressure from government; the political system in Cook County is infamous for its corruption and legendary stories of vote fraud and voter intimidation. Dead people vote in most Cook County elections, and real threats from an opposition opponent are quickly resolved by the party in power (if you know what I mean). When bribery doesn't work, threats of investigation and veiled blackmail aren't above the area of possibility when dealing with a political opponent; but, all in all, Chicago is still the "City that Works!" even though its wheels are greased with alleged graft and corruption. Voters in the "City" know how they are "supposed to vote".

Even our national elections have had their share of vote fraud and intimidation. I recall vividly those "New Black Panthers" standing outside a Pennsylvania polling place wielding batons and hurling epithets to people as they entered to cast their votes; frightening some into turning away for fear of bodily harm. Oddly, this prosecution was never pursued by the Obama administration. Voter intimidation and illegal influence are very bad things in the election process.

I have just come across an article dealing with the upcoming election for Russian President and other parliament positions. It seems that there has been some "pressure" put upon potential voters to vote for the Kremlin's party. I guess some things never really change, and the ways of the old U.S.S.R. are alive and well in "Mother Russia". I can't say I'm too surprised by this, as I predicted Vladimir Putin's bid for the presidency last year, and it looks like a foregone conclusion. The old KGB Chief doesn't really seem like the flag bearer of a democratic republic to me. He has already started making noises about a confrontation with the United States over missile defense in Eastern Europe. I can't say that I blame him, as Obama's weak defense posture is an easy target and he will likely give in to intimidation.

As the Russian election is being approached, there are stories of vote buying and pressure to stay home, away from the election. Students have alleged they have been "advised" on the proper candidates to vote for to insure funding for their universities. University officials have denied trying to use influence toward the students.

A republic is a difficult form of government to maintain; we have been trying in America for over two-hundred and thirty years. I don't know how the Russian Constitution reads, but if it is at all designed like America's, guard it with all your heart and mind, because there are those who will, willingly try to steal your freedom by twisting its' precepts. I wish all of the Russian people well as they try to maintain a free republic. Please, don't give in to intimidation of any kind or generations will suffer for it!