CLEARLAKE — “Uncounted: The New Math of American Elections” is Second Sunday Cinema (SSC)”s free film for October. “Uncounted” will be screened Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Clearlake United Methodist Church at 14521 Pearl Ave. near Mullen in Clearlake. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for snacks and socializing (and good seat grabbing). The film starts at 6 p.m. More information is available from Shannon at 279-2957.
The United States often presents itself as the “beacon of true democracy” around the world. This film presents proof after proof that our own democracy is under serious attack – from within – as votes are denied, altered and “lost.” Are these alterations random and unimportant? Sadly and scarily, one must say no. Research and basic common sense say these are clearly purposeful, illegal tactics that change the outcomes of U.S. elections. Three million votes have been changed or denied in recent American election years.
To emphasize just how important ? and effective ? “Uncounted” is as a documentary, SSC delayed committing to this film until “Taxi to the Dark Side” was released to DVD on Sept. 30. “Taxi” is extremely important and very well made. But the beautifully-made “Uncounted” is an even better film, one that can inspire us to ensure the fairness of our electoral process in the U.S. Interestingly, both films demonstrate that in critically important areas of current US activity, the rule of law is often circumvented or ignored.
This is not a partisan film. Yet astonishingly, the records show that 100 percent of vote alterations tipped recent election results away from Democrat and toward Republican candidates. (I know, this is painfully difficult to believe. But the data is there.)
“Uncounted” is so well made that despite its grim data, it is ultimately galvanizing rather than discouraging. It inspires us, Democrats and Republicans, to protect and exercise our right to vote as we approach Presidential Election 2008.
