Changing The Rules

To the Editor:

In response to Brian Gibney’s letter of Nov. 21, 2000, regarding reactions to hand counts, he raises an interesting question. He referred to “rules” for interpreting the validity of counting hanging, swinging, or pregnant chads. These rules have been in use, in that area, for over 12 years. Brian, please explain to Bee readers why, half way through the hand recount, the Democratic election board opted to change those rules and restart the recount with new rules, which yielded an increase in votes for Gore? Come now, Brian, is that fair? Changing 12-year-old rules in the middle of a recount? He goes on to say that Republican side “...most lacks regard for the law,” and criticize Harris for trying to “close out the election and declare her candidate the winner...” Florida law requires her to do so... It’s the job she was elected to do! It’s the Florida Supreme Court (6 Dems +1 Liberal) who are “making laws” instead of interpreting them as they were appointed to do. Even the Democratic legislator who wrote that law said Harris correctly applied the law as he intended. Gore claims he is only putting “the will of the people first.” Perhaps he needs to look at the NBC poll which shows 61 percent want him to concede the election, and move on.

Frank Viola

320 Great Quarter Road, Sandy Hook November 29, 2000