In today's edition of "Today's Uptake" we present a trio of critical analyses on contemporary political issues. First, an examination of The Washington Post's analysis reveals stark racial and political disparities in GOP-led voter fraud crackdowns, highlighting the disproportionate targeting of minorities and Democrats.
Next, we probe the significant implications of Donald Trump's alleged involvement in the January 6th insurrection, as recent findings by the Office of the Inspector General suggest direct ties to the former president, raising questions about his eligibility for future office.
Lastly, the edition features insights from "COUNTDOWN with Keith Olbermann," focusing also on the Colorado Supreme Court's disqualification of Trump from the state's electoral ballot due to his involvement in the insurrection and controversial revelations about Trump's rhetoric and actions.
Analysis of Election Integrity: Racial and Political Disparities
The Washington Post's comprehensive analysis of nearly every prosecution by election integrity units in six states reveals a striking racial and political disparity. These units were established or expanded in response to false claims by Donald Trump about the 2020 presidential election being stolen. The analysis found that 76 percent of the defendants, whose race or ethnicity could be identified, were Black or Hispanic, while White people constituted only 24 percent. Furthermore, 58 percent of those charged with identifiable party affiliations were registered Democrats, compared to 23 percent registered Republicans. The convictions achieved by these units were predominantly for minor offenses or mistakes by individual voters, such as casting two ballots or falsifying a registration. This contradicts the claims of wide-ranging fraud schemes that these units were supposedly established to combat.
Despite allocating significant resources, these election integrity units have limited impact on successful prosecutions. Nearly as many of the 115 cases resolved by mid-December ended in dismissal or acquittal as in guilty verdicts. The Florida, Texas, and Ohio units obtained all the convictions, while those in Virginia, Georgia, and Arkansas failed to secure any. Republicans defend the units as necessary for voter confidence and election security, highlighting specific cases of alleged fraud. However, critics argue that the units have been ineffective costly, and have primarily served political ends, disproportionately targeting minorities and Democrats. This has raised concerns about the potential misuse of these units for voter suppression and intimidation, especially among racial minority groups. - Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com
GOP voter-fraud crackdown overwhelmingly targets minorities, Democrats
Black and Hispanic people made up more than 75 percent of defendants and Democrats nearly 60 percent in a controversial push by Republicans to prosecute election cheating, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis by The Washington Post
December 20, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EST
As Donald Trump falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, Republicans in some states launched special units to prosecute voter fraud as part of a high-profile and controversial push to stamp out cheating some claimed was rampant.
Why Trump's Personal Involvement in the Jan. 6 Insurrection Matters
Rober Jennings, InnerSelf.com
Recent Office of the Inspector General findings provide substantial evidence implicating former President Donald Trump in the January 6th insurrection. This involvement, allegedly through his staff and supporters, points to a direct connection between Trump and the events that unfolded against American democracy.
In light of these events, former President Trump faces significant legal and political challenges in 2024. Notably, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state's presidential ballot due to his involvement in the January 6th insurrection. This decision is grounded in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It disqualifies any person from holding office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States.
Colorado Disqualifies Trump; Trump Lies, Denies He Read Hitler
In this edition from "COUNTDOWN with Keith Olbermann," two significant events are highlighted. First, it covers how, on December 19th, 2023, the Colorado state supreme court took a decisive step by disqualifying former President Trump from the state's primary and general election presidential ballots. This disqualification was rooted in allegations of Trump's involvement in the insurrection, and the court justified its decision by upholding the Constitution and the 14th Amendment's disqualification clause. The urgency of this decision was underscored by Colorado's law, which required the certification of primary candidates by January 5th, leaving little time for legal processes.
Additionally, the transcript raises questions about the potential ramifications of this decision for Trump's political future and the broader implications for the conservative movement. It also touches on Trump's controversial statements, including references to him reading a book of Hitler's speeches and his divisive rhetoric concerning immigration. The transcript provides insights into the evolving political landscape and the legal challenges surrounding Trump's eligibility in the upcoming elections.
About the Author
Robert Jennings is co-publisher of InnerSelf.com with his wife Marie T Russell. He attended the University of Florida, Southern Technical Institute, and the University of Central Florida with studies in real estate, urban development, finance, architectural engineering, and elementary education. He was a member of the US Marine Corps and The US Army having commanded a field artillery battery in Germany. He worked in real estate finance, construction and development for 25 years before starting InnerSelf.com in 1996.
InnerSelf is dedicated to sharing information that allows people to make educated and insightful choices in their personal life, for the good of the commons, and for the well-being of the planet. InnerSelf Magazine is in its 30+year of publication in either print (1984-1995) or online as InnerSelf.com. Please support our work.
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