EXCLUDED EXPATRIOTS

EXCLUDED EXPATRIOTS: The Associated Press reports Americans abroad " are
being denied access
(http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-09-21-voterreg-block_x.htm)
to a U.S. Department of Defense Web site designed to make it easier for
them to cast absentee ballots." While the overall program ignores
legitimate ballot security issues
(http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/31/opinion/31tues1.html?ex=1095912000&en=8e35bde3f44ee06f&ei=5070)
-- including unprotected e-mailing and faxing of overseas ballots --
the Pentagon is now shutting down access to the program's website
(http://www.fvap.gov/) to Americans living in selected countries. The
Pentagon cites unspecified threats from hackers.