Reply #53: Good news for ALL who have put energy into this. Finding the opening

[ConsAreLiars]

in the Qui Tam laws (so that filing does NOT require giving up the right to speak freely and continue working as an activist) was a real blessing, since it helps put more talent and money behind the suit and calls for real damages being paid. As a contrast between this and a simple civil suit, look at the NAACP settlement with FL regarding the unlawful purging of voters, and how weak a deterrent that has been, apart from the fact that the guilty were never held to account.

And as I see it, ALL who have participated in BBV work deserve credit and should take some pride in this accomplishment. The fact that many activists prioritized different paths is natural and a real plus overall, since no one attack alone will ever win the whole war. The fact that some stresses resulted is natural also, and is just the way things are. Without an overview local perspectives on resources and goals may seem to be at odds, so the desire to concentrate limited resources on achievable goals can turn into a quest to define the "best" single attack plan, with inevitably irreconcilable differences. Still, in all but the worst cases the discussions yield light as well as heat. Fortunately, although their are one or maybe two individuals who have sought to sabotage the whole endeavor, the vast majority of people posting here have contributed greatly, and deserve our thanks.

Strength comes through diversity and clarity through a full and open discussion of differences. DU has been a helpful forum for understanding and confronting this threat to democracy.