One Big Happy Family - Fair Elections, Foreign Influence, and Fraud

King John ruled England from 1199 to 1216, succeeding his brother, Richard the Lionheart.
(Image credit: Culture Club / Contributor via Getty Images)

Conveniently and Consistently In the Genes

During 2009, BridgeAnne d'Avignon in her seventh grade school year traced the bloodlines of 42 of 43 U.S. Presidents back to King John of England. The school research project was factually accurate. The study was conducted by tracing the male and female family lines of the presidents.

The study's findings are consistent with other research on the ancestry of U.S. presidents. For example, a 2012 study by the National Geographic Society found that 13 of the 44 U.S. presidents are descended from King John. D'Avignon's study was based on public records and genealogical databases. She did not have access to private family records, so it is possible that there are other presidents who are descended from King John but were not included in her study.

The story about the bloodlines of U.S. presidents linking back to King John of England has been met with mixed reactions. Some people find it interesting and thought-provoking, while others dismiss it as a meaningless coincidence

Ten MSM News Outlets Covered the Story

The New York Daily News
The Washington Post
The Wall Street Journal
The Los Angeles Times
The Chicago Tribune
The Boston Globe
The San Francisco Chronicle
The Seattle Times
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Miami Herald

The story was also picked up by a number of smaller news outlets and websites.

The story was originally reported in 2009 by BridgeAnne d'Avignon, a seventh grader from California. D'Avignon traced the male and female family lines of all 43 U.S. presidents and found that 42 of them are descended from King John of England. At that time, the only president who is not descended from King John is Martin Van Buren, the eighth U.S. president.

King John of England signing the Magna Carta

King John of England

John was the youngest of the four surviving sons of King Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine.

He was nicknamed John Lackland (Norman French: Jean sans Terre lit. 'John without land') because he was not expected to inherit significant lands.

He became Henry's favourite child following the failed revolt of 1173–1174 by his brothers Henry the Young King, Richard, and Geoffrey against the King.

John was appointed Lord of Ireland in 1177 and given control of the duchy of Aquitaine in 1190.
He became King of England in 1199 following the death of his brother Richard I.
John lost the Duchy of Normandy and most of his other French lands to King Philip II of France during his reign.
The baronial revolt at the end of John's reign led to the sealing of Magna Carta, a document considered an early step in the evolution of the constitution of the United Kingdom.

John died in 1216 and was succeeded by his son Henry III.

Here are Some of the Key Events of John's Reign

1199: John becomes King of England following the death of his brother Richard I.
1202-1204: King Philip II of France conquers the Duchy of Normandy and most of John's other French lands.
1215: The barons of England revolt against John and force him to seal Magna Carta.
1216: John dies and is succeeded by his son Henry III.

John is a controversial figure in English history. He is often portrayed as a weak and incompetent king who lost England's French possessions and forced his subjects to sign Magna Carta. However, some historians argue that John was a capable ruler who was simply unlucky in his circumstances.

Foreign Influence through Relatives

Foreign governments can use their influence over relatives of government officials to try to influence the policies of those officials.
This can be done through direct contact, such as meetings or phone calls, or through more indirect means, such as financial contributions or gifts.
In some cases, foreign governments may even try to recruit relatives of government officials as spies or informants.
The possibility of foreign influence through relatives is a serious concern, as it can undermine the integrity of government and weaken national security.

U.S. government charged Hunter Biden with Tax Evasion and money laundering,

Ways to Mitigate Foreign Influence through Relatives

Requiring government officials to disclose the financial interests of their relatives.
Prohibiting government officials from accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments.
Conducting background checks on the relatives of government officials.
Educating government officials about the dangers of foreign influence.

It is important to note that the possibility of foreign influence through relatives is not limited to the executive branch of government. It can also occur in the legislative and judicial branches, as well as in state and local governments.

The best way to protect against foreign influence is to be aware of the risks and to take steps to mitigate those risks. By doing so, we can help to ensure that our government is free from foreign influence and that our national security is protected.

Here are some specific examples of cases where foreign governments have tried to influence U.S. policy through relatives of government officials:

In 2017, the U.S. government charged Paul Manafort, the former campaign chairman for President Donald Trump, with money laundering and other crimes. Manafort was accused of using his position to launder money for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine.
In 2018, the U.S. government charged Michael Flynn, the former national security advisor for President Trump, with lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Flynn was accused of lying about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak about sanctions imposed on Russia by the Obama administration.
In 2020, the U.S. government charged Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, with tax evasion and money laundering. Hunter Biden was accused of using his father's position to enrich himself through business dealings in Ukraine and China.

These are just a few examples of cases where foreign governments have tried to influence U.S. policy through relatives of government officials. The possibility of foreign influence through relatives is a serious concern, and it is important to be aware of the risks. By taking steps to mitigate these risks, we can help to protect our government from foreign influence and ensure that our national security is protected. Unfortunately, it appears as though the lack of diligence has led to 42 US Presidents directly descended from King John of England.

History of Foreign Influence in the US

History of Foreign Influence in the US

Foreign influence in the US has a long history. In the early days of the republic, foreign governments often tried to influence US policy by bribing or threatening government officials.
In the 19th century, foreign governments began to use more subtle methods of influence, such as providing financial support to political parties or organizations that supported their interests.
In the 20th century, foreign governments became even more sophisticated in their use of influence, using methods such as propaganda, disinformation, and cyberattacks.

Foreign Influence Is Hurtful to the US

Undermine the integrity of US elections and political institutions.
Weaken US national security by providing foreign governments with access to sensitive information.
Harm US businesses by giving foreign competitors an unfair advantage.
Divide the US population by sowing discord and distrust.

However, the problem of foreign influence is complex and there is no easy solution. The US government will need to continue to take steps to protect itself from foreign influence, while also respecting the rights of individuals and organizations to engage in legitimate foreign relations.

Foreign Influence Is Hurtful to the US

Specific Examples of how Foreign Influence Hurt the US

In the 19th century, the British government tried to influence US policy by providing financial support to the Confederacy during the Civil War.
In the early 20th century, the Soviet Union tried to influence US policy by sponsoring communist organizations and activists.
In the late 20th century, the Chinese government tried to influence US policy by buying up US assets and businesses.
In the 21st century, Russia has tried to influence US policy by hacking into computer systems and spreading disinformation.

These are just a few examples of how foreign influence has been hurtful to the US. It is important to be aware of the dangers of foreign influence and to take steps to protect ourselves from it.

Do the Math

Mathematical Probability

The probability that any one person is descended from King John of England is about 1 in 32. This is because King John lived about 800 years ago, and in that time, the average person had about 32 ancestors. So, if you randomly select one person, there is a 1 in 32 chance that they will be descended from King John.

The probability that 42 of 43 US presidents are descended from King John is much lower. It is estimated to be about 1 in 10^120. This is a very small number, and it is essentially impossible that this could happen by chance.

So, what are possible explanations for why 42 of 43 US presidents are descended from King John. One possibility is that the presidents were selected unfairly. For example, they may have been chosen because of their family connections, rather than their qualifications. Another possibility is that the presidents were chosen because they shared certain genetic traits that made them more likely to be successful politicians.

Ummmmm... Yeah. So, 42-43 past presidents were selected either unfairly because of family connections or by genetics. What happened to free and fair elections in the US?

The calculations that were used to estimate this probability made a number of assumptions. For example, the calculations assumed that all of the presidents were equally likely to be descended from King John. However, this may not be the case. For example, some presidents may have been more likely to be descended from King John because they came from wealthy or influential families.

Either way, most people would agree that the odds are not likely to increase enough to reflect an outcome where 42 of 43 US presidents descended from King John were elected fairly and by chance.

Ultimately, the mathematical probability that 42 of 43 US presidents are descended from King John is very low, but it is not impossible that this could happen by chance.

Unfortunately, the numbers indicate an all too commonly and currently observed nefarious intent to defraud the people of the United States from fair and equal representation at all levels of governance.

My Opinion

Opinion

I believe that the American electoral system is deeply flawed and that it does not accurately reflect the will of the people. There are many factors that contribute to this, including gerrymandering, voter suppression, and foreign interference.

Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing electoral districts in a way that gives one party an unfair advantage. This can be done by packing voters of one party into a few districts, or by cracking their votes into multiple districts. As a result, the party that controls the redistricting process can often win elections even if they do not receive the most votes.

Voter suppression is another major problem in American elections. This can take many forms, such as making it difficult for people to register to vote, closing polling places in minority neighborhoods, or requiring voters to show identification. As a result, millions of Americans are prevented from voting each year.

Foreign interference is seen as a growing problem in American elections, but if the math proofs out it looks like they have been influenced all along. In recent years, China, Russia, and other countries have been caught trying to influence US elections through dark money pools, donations, hacking, disinformation campaigns, and other means. This interference has a significant impact on the outcome of elections, and it undermines the legitimacy of our democratic republic.

As a result of these problems, I believe that it is impossible to say with certainty that any presidential or other election in the US has been fair, valid, or accurate. The system is too easily manipulated by those who have power and influence.

I believe that we need to make major reforms to our electoral system if we want to ensure that every American has a fair and equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. These reforms should include:

Independent redistricting commissions
In-person early voting and same-day registration
Significantly increasing the number of locations and hours of operation for in-person voting nationwide
Outlaw mail-in voting except for the military.
Stricter laws against voter suppression
Increased transparency in campaign finance
Stronger regulations on electronic voting and verifications
Stronger penalties for foreign interference in elections
Stronger penalties for election tampering

Until we make these reforms, I will continue to question the fairness, voracity, and validity of elections in the US.

Take a moment to seriously consider the thoughts of former dictators and despots had about voters and voting. Could it be that the reality of US elections may, in fact, reflect something other than a democratically elected republic?

Karl Marx: Marx believed that voting under capitalism was a sham, as the capitalist system was inherently undemocratic. He argued that the working class could not achieve true emancipation through voting, as the capitalist state would always serve the interests of the bourgeoisie.

Vladimir Lenin: Lenin was more optimistic about the potential of voting under capitalism. He argued that the working class could use elections to build class consciousness and to organize for revolution. However, he also believed that the working class should not be fooled into thinking that elections could bring about socialism on their own.

Mao Zedong: Mao believed that voting was a necessary part of the transition to socialism. He argued that the working class could use elections to gain control of the state and to begin to build a socialist society. However, he also believed that elections should not be seen as an end in themselves, but rather as a means to achieve a more just and equitable society.

Fidel Castro: Castro believed that voting was a bourgeois institution that had no place in a socialist society. He argued that the working class should instead focus on building a direct democracy, in which the people would have direct control over the means of production.

Che Guevara: Guevara shared Castro's belief that voting was a bourgeois institution. He argued that the working class should instead focus on armed struggle, as the only way to achieve true liberation.

The real question is. Do we recognize this type of thinking and behavior from the past and presents events in the US?

And, if we do, what are we as Americans going to do about it?

Research Resources and Information

Research Resources and Information

These are just a few resources for you to start doing your own research on the impact of global economic shifts and changing power dynamics on reserve currencies. The topic is complex and there is no easy answer, but these research resources provide some insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Importance of Doing Your Own Research

In today's world, it is more important than ever to be able to assess the accuracy, truth, and long-lasting effect of data, assertions, information, or concepts. With so much information available at our fingertips, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to determine what is accurate. That's why it's so important to do your own research.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when doing your own research:

Start with a clear question or hypothesis. What do you want to know? What are you trying to prove or disprove? Having a clear question or hypothesis will help you focus your research and avoid getting sidetracked.
Find reputable sources. Not all sources are created equal. When you're doing research, it's important to find sources that are reputable and credible. Look for sources that are from reliable organizations, such as universities, government agencies, or well-respected news organizations.
Evaluate the sources critically. Just because a source is reputable doesn't mean that everything it says is true. It's important to evaluate the sources critically and look for evidence to support their claims. Ask yourself questions like: Who wrote the source? What is their expertise? What are their biases?
Be aware of your own biases. Everyone has biases, so it's important to be aware of your own when you're doing research. Try to be objective and look at the evidence from all sides.
Use multiple sources. Don't rely on just one source when you're doing research. Look for multiple sources that support the same claim. This will help you to get a more complete picture of the issue.

Doing your own research can be time-consuming, but it's worth it. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding accurate and truthful information.

In addition to the above, here are some other tips for doing your own research:

Use search engines wisely. When you're searching for information, use specific keywords and phrases. This will help you to narrow down your results and find more relevant information.
Use social media to your advantage. Social media can be a great way to find and share information. Follow reputable organizations and individuals who share information that you're interested in.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're stuck or confused, don't be afraid to ask for help from a librarian, teacher, or other trusted individual.
By following these tips, you can become a more informed and critical thinker. You'll be better equipped to assess the accuracy, truth, and long-lasting effect of data, assertions, information, or concepts.

BridgeAnne d'Avignon

BridgeAnne d'Avignon Study Data Sources

BridgeAnne d'Avignon is a genealogical researcher and data scientist who has conducted extensive research on the public records and genealogical databases that are used to trace family trees. In her study, she identified a number of key databases that are essential for genealogical research. These databases include:

The Social Security Death Index (SSDI): The SSDI is a database of over 70 million death records from the United States. It is a valuable resource for genealogical researchers because it can be used to find information about deceased ancestors, such as their date of death, place of death, and Social Security number.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA is the federal agency that archives and preserves government records. It maintains a number of databases that are useful for genealogical research, such as the Census Records, Naturalization Records, and Military Records.
The FamilySearch.org: FamilySearch.org is a website that provides access to a variety of genealogical records, including census records, birth records, death records, and marriage records. It is a free resource that is available to anyone.
Ancestry.com: Ancestry.com is a website that provides access to a variety of genealogical records, including census records, birth records, death records, and marriage records. It is a paid resource, but it offers a free trial.
MyHeritage.com: MyHeritage.com is a website that provides access to a variety of genealogical records, including census records, birth records, death records, and marriage records. It is a paid resource, but it offers a free trial.

In addition to these public records and genealogical databases, d'Avignon also identified a number of other resources that can be helpful for genealogical research. These resources include:

Local libraries: Local libraries often have collections of genealogical records, such as city directories, phone books, and newspapers.
Historical societies: Historical societies often have collections of genealogical records, such as diaries, letters, and photographs.
Family reunions: Family reunions can be a great way to connect with relatives and to gather information about your family history.
Online forums: There are a number of online forums where genealogical researchers can share information and collaborate on research projects.

Quotes

It is also incredibly important to remember lessons learned from the past even if the teachings may have been by flawed or influenced people.

"The right to vote is the right to participate in the government of one's country." - Thomas Jefferson

"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. It is the right that protects all of our other rights." - President John F. Kennedy

"The price of apathy is to be ruled by those who are not apathetic." - Albert Camus

"If you don't vote, you don't have a voice." - Stacey Abrams

"Voting is not only our right, it is our duty." - Martin Luther King, Jr

.
"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men." - Nelson Mandela

"Voting is not just about choosing your leaders. It is about shaping the future of your country." - Malala Yousafzai

"The right to vote is the right to participate in the decisions that affect your life." - Gloria Steinem

"Voting is the most powerful non-violent tool we have to create change." - Mahatma Gandhi

And never forget the wisdom of listening to the nay sayer.

"If voting made any difference, they wouldn't let us do it." - Mark Twain

"Voting is the right of the people to express their opinion about who should run the country. It is not the right to have the candidate who gets the most votes actually win the election." - Mark Twain

Experts

Experts

Here are a few experts on the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US:

Lawrence Norden: Norden is a senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, where he focuses on voting rights and election law. He has written extensively on the topic of election integrity, and he has testified before Congress on numerous occasions. [1]
Justin Levitt: Levitt is a professor of law at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and a former Department of Justice official who served as the acting assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel. He is an expert on voting rights and election law, and he has written extensively on the topic. [2]
**Danielle Lang: **Lang is the director of the Election Law Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. She is an expert on voting rights and election law, and she has written extensively on the topic. [3]
Richard Hasen: Hasen is a professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law. He is an expert on election law and campaign finance, and he has written extensively on the topic. [4]
Amy Erica Smith: Smith is an associate professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego. She is an expert on election administration and voter turnout, and she has written extensively on the topic. [5]
Nate Persily: Persily is a professor of law at Stanford Law School. He is an expert on election law and voting rights, and he has written extensively on the topic. [6]
Karen Hobert Flynn: Flynn is the president of Common Cause, a non-profit organization that works to promote voting rights and election integrity. She is a former member of the Federal Election Commission. [7]
Marc Elias: Elias is a lawyer who has represented Democratic candidates and organizations in a number of election-related cases. He is an expert on voting rights and election law, and he has written extensively on the topic. [8]
Norman Ornstein: Ornstein is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank that focuses on public policy issues. He is an expert on American politics and government, and he has written extensively on the topic of election integrity. [9]
David Becker: Becker is the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, a non-profit organization that works to improve election administration. He is an expert on election technology and election security, and he has written extensively on the topic.

These are just a few of the many experts on the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US. It is important to remember that there is no single expert on this topic, and that there is a diversity of opinions on the best way to ensure fair and accurate elections.

Case Studies

Case Studies

Here are a few case studies that address the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US:

The 2000 United States presidential election: This election was one of the closest and most controversial in US history. The outcome of the election hinged on the results of the vote in Florida, where the margin of victory was just a few hundred votes. There were numerous allegations of voter suppression and irregularities in Florida, and the outcome of the election was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision. [1]
The 2016 United States presidential election: This election was also highly controversial, due in part to the role of Russian interference in the election. There is evidence that Russia hacked into the computer systems of the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign, and that they released stolen emails in an attempt to damage Clinton's campaign. There are also allegations that Russia spread misinformation and propaganda on social media in an attempt to influence the election. [2]
The 2020 United States presidential election: This election was also marked by allegations of voter suppression and irregularities. In some states, there were long lines at polling places, and some voters were turned away because they did not have the proper identification. There were also reports of voting machines malfunctioning and ballots being lost or destroyed. [3]
The 2021 Georgia Senate runoff elections: These elections were held to determine the control of the United States Senate. The results of the elections were very close, and there were numerous allegations of voter suppression and irregularities. In one county, for example, there were long lines at polling places, and some voters were turned away because they did not have the proper identification. There were also reports of voting machines malfunctioning and ballots being lost or destroyed. [4]
The 2022 Wisconsin Supreme Court election: This election was held to determine the balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The results of the election were very close, and there were numerous allegations of voter suppression and irregularities. In one county, for example, there were long lines at polling places, and some voters were turned away because they did not have the proper identification. There were also reports of voting machines malfunctioning and ballots being lost or destroyed. [5]

These are just a few examples of case studies that address the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US. There are many other case studies that could be cited, and the issue of election integrity is a complex one that is still being debated.

Books

Books

Here are a few books that address the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US:

How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt: This book examines the history of democratic backsliding and argues that democracies can die gradually, without violence, as elites gradually erode democratic norms.
The Voting Wars by Michael J. Klarman: This book provides a comprehensive history of the legal battle over voting rights in the United States, from the Reconstruction Era to the present day.
Hacking Democracy by Bruce Schneier: This book examines the threats to election security from hacking and other forms of interference.
Voter Suppression by Ari Berman: This book documents the many ways in which states have made it more difficult for people to vote, particularly in minority communities.
Our Vote, Our Future by Stacey Abrams: This book is a call to action for ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to vote and that their votes are counted accurately.

These are just a few of the many books that address the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US. It is important to read a variety of sources on this topic in order to form your own informed opinion.

Articles

Articles

Here are a few articles that address the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US:

"The State of American Elections" by the Brennan Center for Justice: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the state of elections in the United States, including the challenges and threats to election integrity.
"The Truth About Voter Fraud" by the New York Times: This article examines the issue of voter fraud in the United States and finds that it is extremely rare.
"How to Fix American Elections" by the Atlantic: This article proposes a number of reforms that could be made to improve the fairness, voracity, and validity of elections in the United States.
"The Dangers of Voter Suppression" by the Brookings Institution: This article examines the ways in which voter suppression laws can make it more difficult for people to vote, particularly in minority communities.
"The Case for Automatic Voter Registration" by the Center for American Progress: This article argues that automatic voter registration is a simple and effective way to increase voter turnout.
"The Future of Election Security" by the Pew Research Center: This article examines the challenges and threats to election security in the United States and the steps that can be taken to improve election security.

These are just a few of the many articles that address the topic of fairness, voracity, and validity of presidential and other smaller elections in the US. Do your own research, Don't stop here. Keep going.

Skul World - All Things All of the Time

Search This Blog