A January 13 article in the Tobacco Valley News described how a box of ballots was left behind on November 3 and counted days later. The Western News in Libby brought the matter to light on January 5. The kudos and praise belong to our local press – blunders such as this need to be brought to the light of day. The article described how the ballots were counted late – and the TV News quoted Robin Benson, county clerk and recorder: “I still think that the election staff, Chris, did an impeccable and amazing job . . .”
The Cambridge English Dictionary shares the definition of impeccable: perfect, with no problems or bad parts. What was it the guy in the Princess Bride said? “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Of course, she may have thought impeccable was a relative term, and been using Georgia standards. Transparency doesn’t call for the media announcing the error and the correction.
Another TV News quote from Josh Letcher described the former election administrator. “He did great things. He put his heart into it.” It is good to know that Nelson‘s heart is in the right place – but it would be more reassuring had his head been in the right place. It’s a bit harder to sneer at Georgia when this happens here. Again, high praise to the media for bringing this to light.
Trego's Mountain Ear 