In reference to Dr. Spohn-Gross's letter to the editor in last week's edition, I also am extremely concerned about the fraud associated with the elections that we had on Nov. 2, 2004. Last Wednesday there were Congressional hearings to investigate widespread election fraud issues in the state of Ohio. My questions are: how many people in this country even know that this took place? and why there has been a media lockdown on an issue as large as the integrity of our nation's electoral process?

It does not matter who you voted for or what your party affiliation is at this point because this is not a partisan issue. This is not about sore losers or good winners. This is about our electoral process in grave danger. If the results of the election can be manipulated by one political party then they can also be manipulated by another. This is not right nor is it fair or honest. If we allow voter disenfranchisement to occur it seems that we are stepping back in time to the days of Jim Crow. Thank goodness that as a nation we have moved beyond that horror.

If you care about fair and honest elections and an electoral process that represents the "role model democracy" which the U.S. espouses worldwide then the time to speak out is now. If you care about a country that will represent yourself and your children and your grandchildren then you owe it to them to speak up now. Back in the day, someone spoke up for us which is why we have elections where women and men of all races and ethnicities are allowed to express our opinions by voting (as we all know this is a 'freedom' not to be taken for granted). Speaking up to defend fair and honest elections is patriotic. It says that you care about the future of your country. Democracy requires participation from us all. If you too are concerned, here are concrete ways to make your voice heard: 1) Call Congressional district Rep. Bill Thomas and Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein TODAY to tell them that you are concerned about the issues of voter fraud and as their constituents that you request that they followup on this with great urgency (ASAP and prior to when congress reconvenes in January). Phone numbers are: Bill Thomas (202)-225-2915, Dianne Feinstein (202)-224-3841 and Barbara Boxer 1-(202)-224-3553;

2) Contact Congressman John Conyers from Michigan to express your support of his heading up detailed congressional examinations into voting irregularities and possible fraud. Phone number: 1-734-285-5624 Email: john.conyers@mail.house.gov;

3) Ask your preferred national news source by telephone or a letter to the editor about why they have not covered this issue up until now when this data gathering has been going on since Nov. 2 . Remind them that you depend on them to provide detailed news for you and ask them why they are only just now beginning to cover this;

4) Become better informed. If you have not heard about this on a major news network, seek alternative news at home or at the library on the internet. Try going to the website http://www.google.com and typing in "election fraud + information". You will see many links to websites with further information.

5) Contact the political party who you are registered with and tell them that in order to keep your vote they need to support this investigation of the 2004 election and push for legislation demanding a paper trail on all election machines as well as non-partisan election officials. Republican National Committee: (202) 863-8500 Democratic National Committee: (202) 863-8000. Concerned in Wofford Heights.

Jen Hamar

Wofford Heights