The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus got it right when they walked out on the bill requiring voters to show a photo ID at polling places.
The GOPher-controlled state house passed the bill, 65-14, that requires a valid S.C. driver's license, military ID or state-issued photo ID approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles be presented in order to vote.
"About 30 members of the Legislative Black Caucus and other House Democrats staged the walkout as debate moved into its fourth hour and it became clear the bill would pass."
How did the GOPhers respond? Let's look at a statement by House Speaker Bobby Harrell:
"A picture ID is required to do just about anything in our society, except to vote."
What a ridiculous comment to make. I am not required to show a photo ID when I buy groceries or purchase gasoline. I don't have to show a photo ID to walk in a state park. I am not fumbling into my wallet looking for a photo ID to allow my children visit a playground.
How about GOPher state rep. Mike Pitts:
"Then I wouldn’t get so many uneducated questions about what we’re doing down here. I see (the bill) as security, to be able to identify that the person is who they say they are."
GOPher state Rep. Alan Clemmons said just about the same thing. If this a strong worry, then let's recall all of our elections because fraud could have played a part then. So, why allow them to stand if there is suspicion? It has nothing to do with fraud because there was none in the 2008 election. It has something to do with keeping voter turnout down and not seeing any better than the general election.
"Republicans struck down 23 amendments Democrats offered, including ones to allow recent utility bills and work ID cards as identification, and another to exempt the elderly and disabled from the ID requirement."
It really looks like to me these GOPhers are hurt by the general election and can't live with the fact President Barack Obama was elected by a big majority, winning the popular vote as well.
Are we doomed to the past again? Does that saying about the past repeating itself look realistic?
I say yes. Including the actions of GOPher Gov. Mark Sanford, it looks like the Confederacy of anew.
If not, then why would the GOPhers allow this...
"The bill, scheduled to receive final House approval today before heading to the Senate, would cost the state Transportation Department nearly $1 million. Waiving the fee could cost the Transportation Department’s highway fund more than $700,000 a year. That fund pays to resurface state roads."
Democratic state Rep. Bakari Sellers says, "In these times, they’re taking away money from an economic development fund. It doesn't make sense."
I agree 100 percent. They talk about saving money and not taking away from needs, but actions speak louder than words. Do I hold faith that this state will see this?
No.
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