In a paper I gave last month on blogging I mentioned, almost as an aside, how the mainstream press was not giving enough coverage - based on its importance to the democratic process - to the implementation of electronic voting, and the fact that requirements imposed on the owners of the proprietary technology were not stringent enough.

In at least part redress, there's a good piece by John Schwartz in today's New York Times.

Particularly interesting are the quotes from the Diebold company towards the end.

Your two cents?

Bush is currently on TV talking about how the capture of Saddam showed that the US learned 'the lessons of September 11' in fighting terrorism.

How so, Mr President?

The main 'lesson' was that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis but that we couldn't do anything against that country because of your daddy's cosy relationship with the Royal Family.

Check out Greg Palast's terrific film "Bush Family Fortunes" which aired on the BBC last week...

and, indeed, read Palast's blog specifically about how the younger Bush avoided service in Vietnam.


Your Two Cents?

Interesting piece in the Guardian today about how the BBC is planning to tighten up its rules on reporting stories using single anonymous sources.

Nice read, also in the Boston Globe on how the media made instant history yesterday in the coverage of the Saddam story.

"Ladies and Gentlemen - We Got Him!......."

Dramatic day.

Bremer's announcement to the press conference was greeted by cheers and applause - mostly from the Iraqi journalists present.

The networks' stand-up folks certainly earned their paychecks today, particularly the ones out in the rain and snow in front of the White House.

Days like today show you how great your colleagues can be. We produced a fantastic paper tonight - even to the extent where seeing it on the web dosen't do it justice. Great analysis and opinion. Particularly good use of ilustrations and graphics. Even though I only contributed a small wrap on the Dems' reaction it was wonderful to be part of such a collective effort.