One of my correspondents is a green activist and a liberal political activist. She forwards many E mails to me from environmental groups and today I received one from a man named Greg Palast, who is an associate of Robert Kennedy, Jr. This E mail outlines election fraud in key states whereby black voters are being disenfranchised by the thousands on technicalities. Also those who have lost their homes through the mortgage crisis are finding themselves unable to vote.

Greg asks for donations to bring this story to the mainstream media.

I E mailed my friend that I found it odd that such a major news item should need private funding to reach an audience. I also sent a copy of Palast’s solicitation to Obama headquarters. They’re the pros. They should know what to do next.

That’s one issue.

Another is disaster relief. Even before the massive draining of our resources to fund our wars in Iraq and elsewhere, there were drives to help victims affected by natural disasters. Victims in other countries, of course, could always use whatever help can be sent their way. But in the U.S., shouldn’t our government be able to help our victims without asking for private donations? Billions to kill, and begging for change? It doesn’t compute.

Xx, Teal