On June 23, state Rep. Mike Turzai said, " ... New voting law would allow Gov. Romney to win the state of PA ..."
This is hardly what I was taught about democracy in school. Civics led me to believe that voting is a privilege and a right for all citizens to express their preferences and principles during elections. Now we are faced with our own state representative pointing out the reason to enact voter suppression "is to allow Gov. Romney a better chance of winning this state in the general election ..." by disenfranchising voters most likely without required photo ID and to vote. People such as minorities, the sick, disabled and elderly plus those that have lost forms of ID over the years due to fire, tragedy, not wanting to drive after a certain age or not allowed due to health or simple loss. PA is a Commonwealth with a high percentage of the elderly and minorities, particularly around the larger cities.
So why don't those people just get the required ID? Good question except trying to do so two months before the election is difficult. Most IDs are driver's licenses or those non-driving IDs issued through the Department of Transportation. The Drivers Centers are not open all week and their times of operation are limiting to those that work or do not have transportation or are unable to leave their hourly wage job. The process gets more complicated if the person does not have their birth certificate.
I am ashamed for the words and actions of State Representative Turzai and Federal Representative McConnell. This is not how I was taught our political system works or how civil people behave. They have no place in American politics if this is representative of their beliefs about their President and position taken for citizens.
Please take time to let your federal and state representatives know if you disagree with these behaviors and beliefs. Protect and stand for your Constitutional rights. Help be a solution to a problem (voter fraud) that doesn't exist in Pennsylvania. The vote you save may be the vote that determines whether your candidate wins the election!
James McCauley
South Williamsport
