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Fannin declared District 6 winner
Published Friday, October 2, 2009
After nearly a year in office, Pike County Commissioner Karen Berry has been ordered to vacate her seat.
Berry was declared the winner of the District 6 spot in the November 2008 election, victorious by just a six-vote margin.
But, her opponent Oren Fannin filed suit in December 2008, alleging her win came with illegal votes. After a long battle, Fannin received his desired verdict Thursday.
“It’s good that it’s finally happened,” Fannin said. “I was to the point, I was ready for it to be finally over regardless of the decision.”
Fannin’s attorney Joel Lee Williams said he is satisfied with the verdict, as well.
“This was the only way he could rule based on law and the evidence,” Williams said.
Judge Joel Holley, who presided over the case, ruled Thursday declaring Fannin the winner of the 2008 election, ordering him to take office and Berry to vacate her seat. His ruling said 10 votes were cast illegally for Berry in the election.
All the illegal votes were in absentee ballots. The first three invalid ballots were stipulated by both parties, since Carl, Mary and Brandon Kidd cast absentee ballots for Berry but lived outside District 6.
Two others discredited belonged to Berry’s son, Brent Berry and former daughter-in-law Ashley Berry.
Ashley Berry testified in the Pike County Circuit Court trial that she did not sign an absentee ballot for her mother-in-law, though there was one cast in her name.
Based on her testimony, whom Holley said the court deems “completely credible,” backed by comparisons of her authenticated signature, Holley ruled the signature on the ballot did not belong to her.
In addition, Holley ruled the signature on Brent Berry’s ballot did not match the ones he authenticated in the courtroom or the one on his appearance bond earlier that year.
Brent Berry testified in court that those were his signatures, but Holley ruled his testimony lacked credibility.
“The court, when making its own handwriting comparison can tell the Affidavit does not bear the original signature of Brent Berry and further because Brent Berry’s testimony is not believable,” the order read.
Holley said the testimony that Brent Berry signed and had his ballot notarized on Oct. 6, 2008, at his mother’s home at 6:45 a.m. and then drove his children to school by 8 a.m. in Helena that same morning was unbelievable.
“His testimony is contradicted by Ashley Berry and by reality,” Holley wrote.
Holley said it is disturbing that Ashley Berry, who testified the handwriting on the absentee ballots looked like Karen Berry’s signatures, and further that those ballots were signed by notary Kathy Lunsford Griffin.
“Although Ms. Griffin testified that she did witness the signing of these Affidavits this court gives no weight to such testimony,” the order read.
Holley said Griffin is not a credible witness for several reasons. First, her testimony was contradicted by Ashley Berry and Rodger Blair, both deemed credible, in court.
In addition, Griffin testified in court once that she signed Brent and Ashley’s ballots between 7 and 7:30 a.m. the morning of Oct. 6, 2008. Following Brent’s testimony that he voted at 6:45 a.m., Griffin changed her testimony as well, claiming she witnessed the signatures at 6:20 a.m.
Lastly, Holley questioned in court why she would fill notary acknowledgement information out in blue ink and sign her name in black ink. Her response was she always signed in black.
“However, the next two Affidavits examined by the court…Griffin signed in blue ink,” the document reads.
Further, Holley said Ashley’s and Brent’s ballots were not counted because, based on their own testimony, they were not residents of Pike County.
Misty Shelton and Rodger Blair, both residents of the district, also were deemed to have illegal ballots.
These were ruled both because they testified their ballots were not witnessed by a notary, though they were signed by Griffin, and because neither had a valid reason for voting absentee.
Both marked they voted absentee because they had a work schedule that conflicted, and both admitted in court that wasn’t the case.
The other three votes were made just by the court’s observation that husbands and wives signatures appeared to be “virtually identical.” Those votes belonged to Scott McQuagge, Deena Stephens and Johnathan Stephens.
Those ballots were also notarized by Griffin.
While in court, Holley noted in the order that three voters Tiffany Paige Gray, Norman Lyn Gray and Nerita Hinkle all testified to voting for Fannin but lived outside the district.
While Berry’s attorney Frank Ralph said those votes should be counted invalid, Holley said law clearly states contested votes must be submitted in writing before testimony is given.
Even if those votes were counted against Fannin though, it would be a mute point.
“The above reasoning and analysis would still mathematically culminate in a one vote margin for Fannin after the ten illegal votes were subtracted from Berry’s total…” the document reads.
It is effective immediately that Berry is no the longer the District 6 commissioner, though Fannin will have to be sworn into office before he has voting power.
Fannin said he first questioned his opponent’s use of absentee ballots when he began using them in his own race.
“I started looking back historically at the records, and I noticed that the same people who had voted absentee in the primary had voted absentee in the previous elections,” Fannin said. “During the runoff is what really got me. The same people voted in the primary voted the same in the runoff.
“The first thing I looked was to see if they were elderly, and many were not elderly. So I said, why are they voting absentee?”
During the election process, Fannin said at least one resident admitted he and his family vote absentee because Berry brings ballots to their home.
“There are a number of reasons you can vote absentee, but it all boils down to — you aren’t here or you’re physically unable. If it’s not those reasons it’s a Class C felony to do that or to be asked to do that,” Fannin said.
The judge’s ruling only requires Berry to step down from office. Whether criminal charges may come will depend on the District Attorney’s or Attorney General’s offices.
“If someone files a complaint and submits evidence someone perjures themselves, that’s a Class C felony,” said Pike County District Attorney Gary McAliley.
Fannin said he’s already submitted complaints to both offices and the FBI.
Joy Patterson, spokeswoman for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, said she is not allowed to confirm or comment about if they are investigating a matter.
She said in general, these types of offenses are usually handled at the local level, but sometimes the AG’s office will take on the matter if given a complaint.
Fannin said, overall though, he hopes his actions will ensure a more honest election process in the future.
“I’m hoping it will make elections more honest,” Fannin said.
Neither Berry nor attorney Ralph returned calls for comment Thursday.
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Comments
Posted by boochie (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 3:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now, will Berry face criminal charges?
Posted by inaword (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 6:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What ever happened to justice delayed is justice denied?
Posted by bglock2839 (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
now this is a clear action of voters fraud and chargers should follow because the law is the law.
AND did you get what the da said or stated if someone files a complaint against and submits evidences of wrong doing
I thought when you hear testimony in COURT and you have the stenography records that should be his EVIDENCES the da, but thats a thing of the good ole' boys way guessing because she was a commissioner, but keep in mind that does not put her above the LAW da.
Posted by yatta (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 7:59 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Isay (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is corruption on the local, small level but it is still corruption. Berry should be ashamed of herself. I regret the times that I have voted for her in the past. This Griffin person is no better. It just makes you wonder what other forms of corruption is going on with our local officials. We probably don't want to know. I tell my kids all the time that it is important to vote when you get old enough. How are you going to know who to vote for? It's so discouraging, but we can't give up. What's next?
Posted by divastar (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulation Mr. Fannin,
It is a shame that individuals will put themselves in such a position to win. What ever happen to honesty? I feel sorry for people who will stoop to any level to win. What was so important about this position? It is apparent that the voters in the district wanted someone new. Maybe because Mrs. Berry could no longer fulfill the needs of the people in that district and she could not stand the thought of losing the position and income. I am correct in saying she is also associated with the county school board? If so what will happen to her position there? It never pays to mistreat others or make them feel less than a person. If this is the person I met last year, she is such a rude and mouthy person who appears to think she is above others. Well, Mrs. Berry the time has come to realize you are not above anyone. As a matter of fact, your recent mode of thinking and behaving is below some people. Because not everyone believes in deception, but it has been proven that you may have tendencies to deceive others. I hope that you have learned from your mistake and ask forgiveness from your family, friends, Mr. Fannin and most importantly the people that supported and believed in you.
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It was worth the wait. The order couldn't have been more on point concerning everyone in this case. Those who lied were exposed as such and those who told the truth were deemed "completely credible". Hopefully it won't be long before the trio of voter bandits is off to prison where they will enjoy the hospitality of our state's fine correctional system. The commision should make a big spectacle out of the changing of the seats. Karen Berry should be called in, the order is read aloud, and then we all throw old vegetables and fruit at her. I will gladly print and distribute the flyers for that one.
Posted by gator18 (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I for one don't consider voter fraud a minor malfeasance. It is after all what our country was founded on. And by the way the notary,Ms. Griffin is liable for the fraud she committed and she is also bonded if any one was caused damage by HER fraud.
Posted by OldTimer (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What Mrs. Berry and others did was wrong and she has no one to blame but herself. Most of the absentee voters fully intended to vote for Berry. What was circumvented was the absentee voting
procedure.(.e. getting the ballots properly witnessed). In most cases this was due to no fault of the voter themselves that their ballots were kicked out(again the
burden falls on Mrs. Berry). What basically happened was that the
will of the people did not prevail because of the violation of a technicality procedure of the absentee voting process. Again that
rests entirely with Mrs. Berry and you have to tip your hat to Mr.
Fannin for using the letter of the law to gain the District 6 seat.
As I mentioned before, how many votes could be thrown out for
both candidates if they had checked the entire district for residency at the time of the election? The closeness of this election could get it overturned by either candidate if you looked hard enough.
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 11:20 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Troy Messenger for removing my comment. Will you at least tell me why you did it? I used no profanity of any kind and I didn't threaten anyone. You get to enjoy freedom of the press, but you do not afford others the same freedom. Was it that I used words that were too big for your readers to understand? Gotta keep the expectations low round these here parts.
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Three things Fox. Number one.....I will say whatever I please, whenever I please, however I please, and to who I please per the Bill of Rights. Number two......everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, I have said is true. It only qualifies as libel if it's not true and even then only if it can be proven that a reasonable person would believe the accusations. Please know what you are talking about next time you try to sound smart. They conceal this sort of information in books. Read slowly at first, pace yourself. Take Tylenol for any headaches. Number three.....what Karen Berry did initially was bad enough. Voter fraud robs every individual of a right that millions of Americans have fought and died for. It is a precious gift that many in this world don't have. But Karen Berry took it to new lows. Instead of just admitting what she had done and take her lumps, she had her own son lie in court to try to save her own skin. We are fortunate that even though that family is a bunch of liars, they are horrible at it. They couldn't convince someone in hell to buy ice water. How did someone that dumb get voted into a public office? What are you people doing down here at election time? Take a break from the movin' picture box and get involved in the electoral process for once. Get out and actually find out what the candidates are about. I do like that FoX called me out. I don't mind answering for what I say or do. I make it a point in my life to be brutally honest so that I never have to worry about having to cover up things the way Karen Berry did. If you don't like what I have to say or it makes you uncomfortable, change the channel. I do question FoX's character though. If you don't find Karen Berry's actions completely disgraceful and can write them off as minor violations, then you yourself are probably dishonest in many of your dealings. I guess lying and fraud aren't a big deal to you FoX. Well they are to me and everyone else who strives for goodness and morality.
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everything I said in that post in June was true. What does it have to do with voter fraud? Nothing, but people deserve to know what kind of person is sitting as their commisioner. No, I don't like the Berry family. In fact, I rather depise them. They are liars and treat people like garbage. That doesn't make what I said untrue. You can choose to believe me or not. I don't care. And if my intent was to defame them, then so be it. People who do bad things will have those deeds exposed. Don't want someone talking about you? Don't give them something to talk about.
And Tommy Boy was hilarious. I love that movie.
Posted by Blue_Sky (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good news!!! Congratulations Commissioner Fannin!
Posted by encore (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FoX- I guess you'd support anyone who broke the law. Voter fraud is not minor! And to the citizens of Pike County the Commission seats are important. Just go on down to the Berry's and cry with them and tell them how right you think they were. Hey, and if/when she is prosecuted you can be in her cheering section. If it is like last time in court you'll be the only one there.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the information brought out in court is in fact true , then Fannin should not get the office either . The entire election should have been voided and someone appointed to serve until the next election . Pike County also needs to tighten up the rules pertaining to absentee votes and make people aware of exactly what district they live in .
Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ditto, elvis2.
Posted by BadMoonRising (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OldTimer: Your posts repeatedly lead me to believe that YOU are a part of the "system" you defend. Your left-handed compliment to Mr. Fannin is offensive to those who find the spirit of the law is embedded in the letter of the law. Your excuse that people intended to vote for Berry and were thwarted by procedure is ridiculous. If you are, indeed, privilege to all of the secret evidence and other matters to which you have alluded, it would be better for those of us who merely vote to have you follow Mrs. Berry out the door.
FoX: Voter fraud is an affront to the fundamentals of our democratic form of government. Your flippant dismissal of the matter is insulting. That you find enforcing laws sleazy is reprehensible. I suggest you also follow Berry out the door for the good of those of us who find great importance in both our votes and the law. What is sleazy is your small-town mindset and your arrogant ignorance.
Finally, Ms. LUNSFORD Griffin should have her notary privilege revoked and the matter be made public record so that her act of moral turpitude proscribes any position of trust, Mr. Allen. The DA and AG should be investigating all involved in this corruption. Tragically, the matter will reach more than the Berry network and therein lies the truly dreadful potential for this sorry episode. Still, even though the potential harm to people I happen to like is quite probable, it is absolutely imperative that such flagrant abuse and corruption be punished.
Pike County is far more than the close-knit cadre of old timers and insiders who smugly operate their system with an arrogant disregard for the elements of the law they find cumbersome or intrusive.
Pike County is the people memorialized on US 231, the square and in front of the courthouse. Pike County is the thousands who go about their jobs, follow the rules, pay their taxes and cast their votes in the belief that they live in a nation where such things matter, and matter a lot. Pike County is the long-suffering farmers who have toiled the land, the mechanics and retailers, the loggers, the factory workers, the truck drivers, the educators and more.
Pike County is the ultimate victorious party in this case. Few among us are so vindictive that we revel in the misery of others. I certainly don't and I harbor no ill will toward Mrs. Berry nor any of those associated with this ugly affair. The acts, however, I detest and abhor and that is why I think that the criminal aspect of this matter should be pursued and those who are found guilty should be held accountable. The crime was not against Mr. Fannin alone, it was against every person who faithfully casts a ballot in each election, every soldier who set foot in hostile lands and every mother whose child returned home resting underneath the flag of our nation. If it is not prosecuted, then it is compounded.
Posted by yatta (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would love to see the rules for this comment room. After some of the comments in this room, why was my post removed? The only diffence in my post is that is was typed n full CAPS.
Posted by encore (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FoX- To set the record straight, the 3 votes you are referring to were not taken away from Mr. Fannin because Berry registered those people, knowing they lived outside the district. That was her doing, and they claim they voted for Mr. Fannin, but who knows. Also as the Judge stated in the article above they can not contest those votes unless they do it writing. Even if the Judge had not counted them Fannin would have still been the winner. Another thing, I'm sure if all the absentee ballots were looked at that she got they probably all would be invalid or at least a large majority. Your reasoning about it only being 10 doesn't even make sense. That is like saying I only killed one person not two.
Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, corruption in politics. never knew it existed. . . Sounds like Ms. Berry had "poor on the job training".
Posted by OldSchoolPike3Worker (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man, I've done some stupid things in my day but nothing like this. Even I could run for the District 6 seat and improve the office if elected.
Posted by OldTimer (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BadMoonRising, are you sure it isn't some bad moonshine rising?
Either that or you are paranoid. You get on here and make outrageous accusations without the least bit of substance. No,
I'm not an elected official, so you don't have to worry about voting
me out. Neither an I an insider but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once. Seriously, as I said earlier, I don't have a dog in this fight. I just made note that Mrs. Berry basically beat herself
in this race. If she had went to the extra effort to have some of
the ballots witnessed correctly(i.e. the ones that were in the district and fully intended to vote for her), she wouild have still won the race. Regardless of everything that went on in court later. What I do know is both candidates(very well). Fox is not
off base at all in one of his allegations(I will let you figure out which one since you think you have everything and everyone figured out.) Judging from this forum and the one that was deleted by the Messenger Thursday night, I will say that Mr. Fannin also wins with the number of "loose cannon" supporters. Hopefully, Mr. Fannin won't be like that.
Posted by Beloved (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a shame. Isn't Berry the special education director for the Pike County Board of Education?
Posted by BadMoonRising (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fox, you are indeed out of line calling that action sleazy. It is sleazy only when it runs against your position. You demean everything as theatrics when it doesn't suit YOUR fancy? I have desert sand on my boots and there is now another location where I would add their prints.
OT: my assertions regarding you and Fox are based solely on your comments. I am not a patsy to whom you can cite any kind of crap and expect little more than a stenographer. You have made continuous remarks unchecked and now that someone has the temerity to challenge you they are drunk or a loose cannon? Your bombast is tiresome and reeks of the indolence of unfettered bureaucracy. A loose cannon? Drunk? YOU are the one all over the place during the course of this matter. I will let you choose which cheek to kiss, but your insults to ME will not go unchecked. "Hopefully Mr. Fannin won't be like that." Hopefully, you will ascend to an adult level of direct confrontation with people and not assume the role of martyr when you started the fire.
Both of you: cry me a river, you made asinine and hateful comments during the course of this matter. You have berated everyone who challenges your incessant condescending and patronizing posts filled with hints of secret evidence and a system that operates opaquely as a benevolent benefactor and now your feigned indignation is repulsive.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You got MY vote OldSchoolPike3Worker !
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Beloved
Yes correct about Ms. Berry.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gator18
My thoughts exactly about Ms. Griffin. I wonder if charges will be brought against her....and if any further charges will be brought against anyone else for voter fraud?
Posted by Booger (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice weather. I sure am glad it is starting to cool off a little.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 2, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice weather indeed "Booger".
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OK....this is the new rule. If you were not at the trial or have not read an official copy of the transcript from both hearings, the you are not allowed to have an opinion. That's what is ruining us as a people. Everyone rushes to throw in their two cents even though they know nothing about the subject. Most of you are guessing, assuming, and trying to "reason" out in your own minds what probably happened. There was a hearing where all of this was discussed and a guy that the state deems competent and reliable because he went to college for a lot of years and then was such a good lawyer that he was given a position as a judge rendered a decision based on what everyone said. There's a reason people like FoX, encore, BadMoonRising, OldTimer, and myself weren't asked what we thought when this decision was made. We are not qualified. I, however, did attend the trial and the fact that the judge ruled exactly how I would have leads me to believe that I was paying pretty good attention. If you weren't there, just say "I have no idea what's going on so I refuse to comment based on my ignorance of the subject at hand." That would be such a refreshing change rather than having to walk through the enormous pile of bull that is on this comment page.
Posted by my2cents (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 3:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is nice that the weather is cooler; however, it may not stay that way for long.
All I want to say is that many of the "posters" on this subject have, at one time or another, complained about the amount of "taxpayer money" being spent on this mess. Now you seem to want to spend more. I don't understand.
I have to agree with elvis2 & virtuous that, because there were votes cast for both candidates by people that live outside of district six, neither of these candidates are perfect & someone should have been appointed to take this seat until our next election which I think is next year when we shall, once again, vote for governor among other positions. However, I think I read in an earlier article, regarding this matter, that some of the people that voted in district six didn't know they lived outside of district 6 so I must also agree that the county needs to make sure that our voters know what district they live in & where to vote.
I'm also curious as to how "encore" knows that Berry registered the 3 absentee voters who live outside of the district & voted for Mr. Fannin. How could you possibly know that to be a fact as you imply with your statement?
Finally, everyone seems to be so upset over a county commission election & 13 (including those for Fannin) illegal votes when what we should all be in an up-roar about is Acorn's involvement in the national election, the sorry state of our economy & the officials we have helped to send to Washington that are &*%$ us all.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems that no election is without something that just does not seem right....and it's been going on for years. This election and things that were brought to light would probably have gone uncontested were it not for "small town America."
I do however applaud Mr. Fannin for standing up for what he felt was the right thing to do....and take all this through the court system.
Too bad we just could not have had another election last year between Fannin and Berry.....but everything had to be investigated.
Posted by encore (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Fox - The 3 people live right across the road from Berry (came out in court), and only one of those was an absentee voter, the other 2 voted. You keep referring to Mr. Fannin's character, why don't you be more specific? What it is you don't like?
MY2cents - I don't know that she registered them or not but it just seems obvious since they are her neighbors.
Posted by my2cents (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought I remembered that the 3 illegal Fannin votes were cast by walk-in absentee voters. This is neither Mr. Fannin's nor Ms. Berry's fault but is due to an incorrect voter list for District 6 (I'm shocked are you?) or just a plain old mistake by whomever is in charge of walk-in absentee voting.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my2cents...
I am not that surprised.
The first time I voted in Troy....was in the courthouse. It was just past noon...and when I walked into the courtroom...the poll monitors were eating lunch. They were all eating fried chicken obviously homemade. I got my ballot which had greasy fingerprints all over it. I sat down with my ballot and pencil. I felt someone looking over my shoulder and when I looked...yep a man was watching me vote.
I said "excuse me please...but my vote is supposed to be private". He smiled and then back off. I should have complained but I did not. But I was wondering if because of those greasy fingerprints....would the counter machine screw up my vote?
Posted by oldhog (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Since Ms. Berry already works for the Pike County Board of Education, why don't we utilize her talents and place her in charge of recruiting for our local highschool football teams. First order of business Ms. Berry is to find big offensive lineman for Henderson. Please (wink wink You know what to do) don't travel outside of Pike County.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds good to me oldhog <s>
Posted by insideinfo (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FOX.....I'm laughing at the fact that you are sitting there trying to figure ut who I am. But let's examine your theory. You think I am Ashley Berry. If that is true, then I do have first hand knowledge of all of this and every comment I have made is most likely true. After all, what do I have to gain from making comments that I know to be false? That would set me up for being proven a liar and thus negate the testimony I gave in court. So that theory you have is probably wrong. But you can think I am whoever you please. I like seeing justice served. It tickles me inside when someone who has commited a crime gets what is coming to them. Karen Berry still hasn't received her consequences yet. I smile when I think of liars being exposed and their credibility crumbling like the Berlin Wall. I receive joy from knowing that one less scumbag is being taken seriously. Now some of you here know who I am so you know I am not Ashley Berry. If you know, then it is because I intended it that way. If not, don't worry. Just keep guessing.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Insert "Jeopardy" theme song. <s>
Posted by BadMoonRising (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fox: you are quoting yourself, but that should surprise no one who reads your disdain for others, their rights and their opinions. It IS extremely important to me, perhaps because my actions to support those principles include wearing the uniform of my country in combat and burying my relatives to the sound of taps. Apparently, crooked politics and forum jackassery are your contributions to our nation. Thanks.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Unreal.
Posted by my2cents (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BamaBunny, you are so right about the polling places in this county! It is truly unreal what I've witnessed there also & I have also had to "excuse" myself twice to people that apparently think that MY vote is THEIR business. Why are people so nosey around here! I don't want to know their business & apparently, you don't either. Are you a transplant like me?
I'd also like to tell you that I think your comments like "insert jeopardy theme" are just hilarious & I appreciate you giving me a smile.
BadMoonRising, I'd just like for you to be aware that, amazing as it may be to you, you are not the only person posting here that has served honorably in the U.S. military, buried friends we fought beside as well as family members that weren't as lucky as we were. I would appreciate it if you, and anyone else for that matter, would not try to buy sympathy for your opinions using them as "bait". In my opinion, that cheapens the ultimate sacrifice they gave for our country.
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my2cents
My pleasure giving you "a smile"...and thank you for your kind words.
Yes I too am a transplant. My husband was career Military so we were here and there and around the states and world. Mostly he was. He now honorably rests at Arlington. But prior to his passing we did relocate from California to here.
A suggestion my2cents. I am registered as a Republican. I am going to change that status soon and register as an "Independent". One reason is that my vote and to whom I vote for is only my business. When one goes to vote....they are asked "what party?" and given your party's ballot which lists only Republicans. I want to have a choice if I decided that there is a person I would like to see in office that happens to be a Democrat. I'm sure it will drive the poll workers nuts <s>
Another thing I have found too. When I grocery shop I always pay by check. More times than none....the next person in line (usually a man) has gone behind me while I complete my check. One man was so close I could actually feel him breathing on the back of my neck. I usually fill out the check before I leave without my signature to save some time in line and for others too.
The last time there was someone behind me...I turned and said "excuse me but you're breathing down my neck and I do not like that. Please move." He did.
Anyway thanks again for your post <s>
Posted by BadMoonRising (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
fox: you continue to quote yourself and you now demonstrate that you think the people i listed are simpletons. is the messenger also sleazy for its insistence on criminal investigations?
2cents: my citation was for the purpose of putting into context the severity of the matter. i share your repulsion for those who would demean our service members. that you felt compelled to remark upon it leads me to conclude that my remarks were not made as clearly as they should have been. for both my failure to do that and for the sullied inference, i do take responsibility and apologize.
the issue in this case is voter fraud. the vote is the building block of democracy. when such an affront to the voters (remember them? the "simpletons"?) is so recklessly engaged, it demeans both the laws and the simplest explanation of why it matters. to raise that issue does not cheapen nor diminish in any way the history of our nation and those who have brought us to this point; but quite appositely it does serve to put into context the severity of the offense.
to all of you who have engaged me in this forum, i greatly appreciate your comments. the person who confronts others is forced to form their opinions and values in a manner that will always prevail over the reticent thoughts of their more tepid brethren. i wish you great health and good fortune.
Posted by my2cents (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bamabunny, I think I will follow suit & become an independent too! I knew you had to be a transplant because we just don't think the same way as most around here, can you imagine what would happen, let's say in Chicago, if someone was breathing down your neck while you are trying to check out of anywhere...LOL
BadMoonRising, I appreciate & accept your apology. You didn't have to take the time to do that but you did & I sincerely appreciate it.
This will probably be my last post regarding this article as it seems that we are all just repeating ourselves at this point.
Good day, & enjoy the rain :)
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
my2cents
I think in a small way re registering is in a sense a "statement". I remember one time where I would have liked to have voted outside of my party and could not because the name was not even on my ballot. So this will insure me that if the situation arises (which in this time period is about zilch) I can exercise my rights and vote for whom I wish. I think the ballots should include everyone's name that is running for office....no matter what party they are from.
If I were in Chicago and someone was breathing down my neck while I was writing out a check...common sense would be to hand over the flippin checkbook period! I might even offer to do the shopping for them and even deliver it!
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