"Black Box" framing poll.

[yebrent]

Poll question: "Black Box" framing poll.

Prior to the use of the phrase "Black Box" to describe our current election system, what would come to mind when you heard "Black Box"?

After you vote, check out another thread I started for my reasons for creating this poll:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1633002

[Hugin]

1. It was a term used by Physicists...

... to describe a unit of energy in an unknown space.

or something like that.

Before computers.

[Warpy]

2. A "black box" is any gizmo of largely unknown mechanism

that you plug together with other such gizmos to make a whole unit that actually does something. A computer is a series of "black boxes" if you have ever had a bit of hardware conk out and have replaced it. All the separate components, like the drives, are not particularly repairable and most people have no clue how they work, but they can string them together so they'll get the job done.

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Depends on context.

Just the words 'black box' brings to mind the flight recorders. But the first time I heard of 'black box voting' I immediatly thought of a magician's prop -- something to fool the innocent. Later, I heard it was a computer term, but being only semi-computer literate, it doesn't mean anything in particular -- I have no context for it in connection with computers.

Edit -- In keeping with context, black box voting has the opposite connotation to black box recorders, so it never occurred to me.

[mattclearing]

4. I'm sure there are other terms that will resonate better.

"Corporate" voting machines.

"Partisan" voting machines.

"Republican-made" voting machines.

"unaccountable" voting machines.

"blind-faith" voting machines. I kinda like this one.

[yebrent]

6. In my other thread I suggest either...

privatized voting or privatized elections.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1633002#1633316

[rman]

5. you've got a point,

"black box" may not be the most effective term to frame the issue of non-transparent election system.

[Discord]

7. phone theft devices...

My dad used to make devices that were called black boxes that piggy backed a phone line to give unlimited free calling anywhere in the world. He was arrested by the FBI, but released because they didn't have the proper warrants when they raided his home. About 3 months after his release, the FBI tried to contract him to work with private researchers on a program to develop better bugging and monitering devices. He promptly declined thier offer and started work on less dangerous projects.