INTHE NEWS:

Michigan AG Charges 16 People for Roles in 2020 Fake Elector Scheme
“They weren’t the duly elected and qualifiedelectors, and each of the defendants knew it.”

Michigan Attorney General DanaNessel announced on Tuesday that charges havebeen filed against 16 residents of the state for their roles in a fake electorscheme following the 2020 election. All 16 have been charged with eight felonycounts, including forgery and election law forgery.
—NoahLanard, Reporter, Mother Jones, July 18, 2023

“The most essential gift for a good writer is abuilt-in, shockproof, shit detector. This is the writer's radar and all great writers have had it.” 

    —ErnestHemingway

 Way back in February 2022 the “False Electors”scheme was floated as a way to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election. Beinga political junky the red flag of my shit detector waved. It was a feeble littleflutter. I didn’t think much of the story and went on with my life.

Fastforward to this July when it was announced that 16 solid citizens of Michiganwho had registered with the federal government as fake electors (subsequently a.k.a.“alternative electors”) were being charged with:

1)   One count ofConspiracy to Commit Forgery,
    a 14-year felony.

2)   Two countsof Forgery, a 14-year felony.

3)   One count ofConspiracy to Commit Uttering and Publishing, a 14-year felony.

4)   One count ofUttering and Publishing,
    a 14-year felony.

5)   Two countsof Election Law Forgery,
    a 5-year felony.

Iwas instantly horrified that sixteen citizens of Michigan were facing 14 yearsin the pokey after falling for a classic marketing scam. They had been conned into signing their names to an official-looking form by a small coterie ofdesperate, duplicitous Republican Party operatives using fear and anger.

Forstarters, Their Lives Are
Already Turned Upside Down.

Idid a deep dive into Google over a three-day period and discovered the firstentries of their listings were reports of the felony indictments and potential14-year sentences. Whether guilty or innocent, these incriminating, negative storieswill follow them to their graves.

Theirplight is akin to that of fine actor Kevin Spacey. Despite his acquittal of allcharges of sexual misconduct, he is still having trouble getting work.

Who AreThese People Accused of Felony?

Ifound eight of these Michigan professionals to be controversial, having beeninvolved as election deniers or having ties to radical right wing organizationsthat invaded the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

Let’slook at this relatively innocuous other eight — unassuming folks quietly leadingproductive lives just like you, me, our families, friends and businessassociates. They are all facing 14 (or more) years in the hoosegow.

KathyBerden, 70, of Snover, Michigan

“Myname is Kathy Berden, and it is my privilege to serve as the RepublicanNational Committeewoman for our great state of Michigan. My husband Dean and Ioperate a family farm in Sanilac County, and we have four children and tengrandchildren. Many years ago, I became involved in my local party because Ibelieved I had a responsibility to ensure that the people we elect to office atall levels share the conservative values of our party’s platform: limitedgovernment, balanced budgets, individual liberty, and a commitment tofamily.  “During my time as a grassroots activist,I have had the honor to serve as a Precinct Delegate, County ExecutiveCommittee Member, County Chair, State Committee Member, National Convention Delegate,and as of May of 2015, Republican National Committeewoman. I have greatlyenjoyed meeting so many committed Republicans and great candidates who are trulydedicated to building our party and winning elections.” — Google

WilliamHank) Choate, 72, of Cement City, Michigan

“Whenthe milk truck turns off the driveway and passes the old bank barn, it’s easyto step back and let the haulers, processors and marketers complete the supplychain. But MMPA Member Hank Choate keeps his eye on the entire milk route,knowing consumer demand for dairy is what truly milks the cow. A dairy farmerwith 47 years of experience, Choate is a fervent promoter of dairy andagriculture.
     “In recognition of his passion for dairy,involvement in the industry and accomplishments on the farm, Choate wasrecently recognized by the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of AnimalScience with the 2016 Dairy Farmer of the Year award.”—Google

CliffordFrost, 75, of Warren, Michigan

“Cliffmade me feel extremely comfortable during the entire process. He is extremely knowledgeableof the area. He kept in constant contact with me during the entire process.There aren't enough good things I can say about Cliff. If I ever need a realtoragain, I will definitely use Cliff. As for the above characteristics, excellentis the only way to describe Cliff. He was by my side during a very stressfulsale every step of the way. I knew I could call him anytime to discuss questionsor concerns. He is an extremely patient man who is willing to go above andbeyond for his client. The staff at Century 21 AAA North were veryaccommodating, from my initial introduction to the staff to the closing processI felt extremely comfortable and confident in their abilities.” —Helen.    

—Google

Stanley Grot, 71, of Shelby Township

Clerk, Stanley Board of Trustees

“DearTownship Residents,

     “It is my great honor and privilege toserve you in the position of clerk. I am confident I can provide leadership andhelp to guide the township government through these difficult economic timeswhile properly addressing important issues affecting our daily lives.
      “I will use my vast knowledge andexperience to provide the best services for the taxpayers of Shelby Township. Iwill honorably serve their needs. I will lead by example.
“While serving the residents of ShelbyTownship, the old fashion values will be my guide: hard work, high ethicalstandards, honesty, integrity, and complete dedication to those I serve.”
Sincerely,
Stanley T. Grot"
—Google

"Michigan clerk stripped of election duties after he was charged with acting as fake elector in 2020 election." —CBS News

JohnHaggard, 82, of Charlevoix, Michigan

“AtHaggard's [Plumbing & Heating], we have been providing quality service in the HVAC, plumbing, sheetmetal and service industry in Charlevoix and surrounding areas since 1968. Wespecialize in commercial work as well as residential service and installation.We also have a full service sheet metal fabrication shop for all yourcustomized needs.Ourmission is to provide quality and dependable service to our customers ataffordable prices. Our team of qualified employees take pride in their work toinsure you, our customer, get the quality you deserve."

MayraRodriguez, 64, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 

Memberat Law Offices of
Mayra A. Rodriguez                       

“BostonCollege B.A. 1980; University of Michigan, J.D. 1982
Admission:1984, Michigan; 1984 New York; 1998, District of Columbia. Areas of Practice:Latin American Bar Activities, Probate & Estate, Probate & Estate Planning.”—Martindale.com
“Rodriguez, an attorney, has been active in the community. She’sa former president of the Junior League of Detroit and former at-large boardmember of the Eastside Republican Club. In 2020, Rodriguez was the 14thCongressional District chair in Michigan and a Republican National Convention delegate.”—Grosse Pointe Times

RoseRook, 81, of Paw Paw, Michigan

Memberof the Executive Committee of the Van Buren County Republicans.

“Current occupation is listedas Real Estate/Realtor. Rose will celebrate 81st birthday on November 28.”—ClustrMaps

“Servedon Boards of the Ethics committee and PRcommittees. She is presently serving on three boards. Charter member of Paw PawArea Rotary, Paw Paw Service League.”—CNN

KentVanderwood, 69, of Wyoming, Michigan

Current Mayor ofWyoming, Michigan

“Vanderwood,who served on the Wyoming City Council for 16 years, won a three-way primaryrace last August to replace retiring, longtime Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. Vanderwoodis vice president of the Timothy Group  which serves faith-based nonprofits.” —mLive

HowDid They Get Liable to
Serve 14 Years in the Slammer?

Apparently, Republican party operatives conned them into believing the election was rigged.It was their sacred duty to make things right by being loyal to country andConstitution and immediately sign up as fake/alternate electors if they wereneeded.

From Jack Smith's Indictment, 1 August 2023

     (NOTE: "The Defendant" is  Donald J. Trump

 Manner & Means

   10.      The Defendant's conspiracy to impair, obstruct, and defeat the  federal government function through dishonesty, fraud, and deceit included the following manner and means:

a.      'The Defendant and co-conspirators used knowingly false claims of election fraud to get state legislators and election officials to subvert the legitimate election results and change electoral votes for the Defendant's opponent, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to electoral votes for the Defendant. That is, on the pretext of baseless fraud claims, the Defendant pushed officials in certain states to ignore the popular vote; disenfranchise millions of voters; dismiss legitimate electors; and ultimately, cause the ascertainment of and voting by illegitimate electors in favor of the Defendant.

b.      The Defendant and co-conspirators organized fraudulent slates of electors in seven targeted states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), attempting to mimic the procedures that the legitimate electors were supposed to follow under the Constitution and other federal and state laws. This included causing the fraudulent electors to meet on the day appointed by federal law on which legitimate electors were to gather and cast their votes; cast fraudulent votes for the Defendant; and sign certificates falsely representing that they were legitimate electors. Some fraudulent electors were tricked into participating based on the understanding that their votes would be used only if the Defendant succeeded in outcome-determinative lawsuits within their state, which the Defendant never did. The Defendant and co-conspirators then caused these fraudulent electors to transmit their false certificates to the Vice President and other government officials to be counted at the certification proceeding on January 6.

What Does ThisSad Saga Have 

To Do with Direct Marketing?

Iturn 88 in two weeks. I spent 60 years as a mail order book club manager,copywriter and designer in the business of professional persuasion—direct mail,off-the-page-advertising and, in recent years, eMarketing.

Plus,I’ve written seven (well-received) books on direct mail and direct marketing. Aswell as 20 years as founder and editor of the WHO’S MAILING WHAT! newsletter/archiveservice, five years as editor and publisher of “Target Marketing” magazine,and 193 posts of the cranky blog you are now reading.

Itwas the great guru, Dick. Benson, who proclaimed, “Direct Mail [directmarketing] should be scrupulously honest.”

Benson’sdictum is in my head and heart every time I sit down in front of a keyboard

Takeaways toConsider

• “The most essential gift for a good writer is abuilt-in, shockproof, shit detector. This is the writer's radar and all great writers have had it.” —ErnestHemingway

• According to the most recent Monmouth Poll, 59% of Americansbelieve Joe Biden won the presidency fair and square.

• If you are part of the other 41% that believes it was“rigged” and “stolen”, stop reading right here.

= = = = = = = = = = = =

• I have been personally horrified — wounded to my deepheart’s core — by what has happened to the millions of Americans caught up inthis ghastly misunderstanding and brouhaha that has split the country 60/40.

• For Example:

“After more than two years since the Jan. 6riot at the Capitol, the sentences are piling up — and last week saw thelongest prison sentence yet. Morethan 1,033 of the rioters have beenarrested, with approximately 485 federal defendants receiving sentences. About277 defendants have been sentenced to time behind bars, and roughly 113defendants have been sentenced to a period of home detention… Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the far-right OathKeepers, last week — the longestsentence imposed on a Jan. 6 defendant to date.” [18 years plus 3 years of supervised release]—Kierra Frazier, Politico

• For Example:
Carlos De Oliveira, now out on $100,000 bailand property manager of the Mara-Lago country club, along with Waltine Nauta, DonaldTrump’s personal gofer — both low-level, hard-working loyal, anonymous employees— are suddenly in the ugly spotlight as part of a criminal ring under indictment withthe former president of the United States. Or dedicated, patriotic political operativesin seven states who, as party loyalists were suckered into signing on as “fakeelectors” in a scheme to reverse the results of a presidential election. Or thetwo beautiful, lovely, dedicated Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman andShay Moss being reviled, belittled, insulted and libeled — by a formerpresident of the United States and the former mayor of New York City —resulting in death threats and being forced into hiding.

• This is a cautionary tale from a very oldwriter to always, always, always have verifiable facts at your fingertipsbefore making pronouncements.

• For Example: At the end of the WHO’SMAILING WHAT! road is our archive of 1660 direct mail packages in 18 categoriesthat are guaranteed to contain winning copy, design, offers and pricing. Howcan they be guaranteed winners? Each was received in the mail fromcorrespondents across the country over a minimum of three consecutive years.This was not e-mail, which is basically free to send. These were actual mailingsthat cost big bucks to send out — list rental, paper, printing, addressing, inserting, andthe biggest expense) USPS postage. Some were sent over many many more than 3 consecutiveyears. Example: The Wall Street Journal “Two young men…” mailing written by freelancer Martin Conroy, firstmailed in 1974 and for 18 consecutive years and responsible for $2 billion dollarsin revenue for Dow Jones. It is the most successful advertisement in the history of the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ww8a-8hyio&t=476s

• “You cannot judge good advertising. It judgesyou.” —DH

• And always remember the 14 fake electors inMichigan have to hire lawyers and are facing up to 14 years jail. Their lives are ruined forever.

• Yuck. 

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Word count: 2358

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