Democracy for Vancouver

Via Skippy, we learn that Florida is unlikely to go the way of a re-vote:

Moments ago, Democrats representing Florida in Congress released this joint statement, effectively putting the kibosh on a mail-in re-do primary:

“We are committed to working with the DNC, the Florida State Democratic party, our Democratic leaders in Florida, and our two candidates to reach an expedited solution that ensures our 210 delegates are seated. Our House delegation is opposed to a mail-in campaign or any redo of any kind.”

[emphasis added.]

I assume that the failure to come up with a solution is because FL’s congressional delegation is split between Clinton and Obama supporters, and they can’t come to agreement as to how to craft a do-over.

But this year, in this climate, we can’t have any vote go uncounted.

African Americans in Florida were disenfranchised by the thousands in 2000, just as they were in Ohio in 2004. If there is anything less than a full and transparent accounting - and full opportunity for participation by all Democratic voters in all states - then we will be well and truly fucked if Clinton is the nominee when November rolls around.

I lived in Florida for 20+ years, and if there is anything African American Floridians recognize, it is full and transparent racism in all its many forms, and the many ways one can be betrayed by Democratic politicians.

Why should minority voters trust a system that picks and chooses whose votes will be counted, particularly when-and-if their best chance ever for being represented in the White House gets out-maneuvered for the nomination? Why should they participate at all?

Democrats will not win in November without the African American vote. This could be a third-time’s-the charm situation, where we get it right in all 50 states and win big, or it could be 3 strikes and we’re out, not just in 2008 but for national races in the foreseeable future.

Both Florida and Michigan must have fair and open chances to vote for either Clinton or Obama, DNC rules or no. Yes, they fucked up, but this year of all years we can’t punish the rank and file for the stupidity of state party operatives.

And, though I hate to do it, I have to disagree with Skippy: simply splitting the votes 50/50 between Clinton and Obama is a cop out. Sure, it will seat the Florida and Michigan delegations at the convention, looking good for the cameras while seeming superficially “fair,” but it gives no true representation to any Florida or Michigan Democrat.

Primary, Caucus or Mail-In: they have to do it, and do it right.