However, the Florida ballots are only part of the problem. Another part is the systematic exclusion of voter populations who are more likely to vote against a Bush.

When Florida figures out how to let those vote who are eligible, and exclude those who aren't to an acceptable degree, sort of like the other 49 states have, then you need a ballot.

A ballot which unambiguously indicates the intention of the voter. To use Barry's example, the voter needs to be given more than a tackhammer, rubber chisel and tablet made out of stainless steel or Jell-O.

Then you need voting officials who will COUNT the ballots. Actually count the things. All of 'em. Not just count the ones for their guy and then stop.

But when you put all that together, the systematic errors, you get a pattern of corruption which should be the subject of RICO. But, you also have Ashcroft, so folks are protected from that. Which might be under the "turnabout is fair play". Reno seemed to protect Bubba.

Dave Barry as a serious commentator, however, is a bit like having a cheerleader running foreign policy. There's a difference between funny and silly.

Arf