John--I interpreted Stackley's italics as setting apart the quotations from others. I've always heard that all caps are construed to be shouting.

Kim--That's my understanding, too--the House takes over the process if the Electoral College can't reach a decision.

Alex--Though I too would rather have Gore than Bush, I agree that it might be wiser for him to concede. I wouldn't be surprised if there are irregularities in many, perhaps most, states. If Bush wanted to be a jerk about it, he could petition for recounts in some of them. How picky do we want to get about the vote tallies in every precinct? Gore could start to look unduly picky and ungracious if he pushes too hard here.

I hope my original comments were not offensive to you or your wife, or to anyone for that matter. I was being a bit extreme in making a point. It does seem to me that it would have been very easy to construct a ballot that would not lend itself to this type of confusion.