Selling Suppression

[kster]

by Devilstower

Thu Mar 15, 2007 at 06:35:18 PM PDT

When someone lies habitually, you come to expect more of the same. So when the Republicans gibber about concerns over "voter fraud" as the primary reason the eight US attorneys were dismissed, it's easy to laugh. Since when has this administration, or Republicans in general, been interested in stopping voter fraud? It's as if the pope had come out against silly hats.

Only in this case, the Republicans are quite serious. Voter fraud really is at the heart of the matter. But this is a different kind of voter fraud story. It has nothing to do with anything you might recognize by that name. What first stirred Karl Rove to wake up Bush, and then drove Bush to grouse to Gonzo, and finally ended up earning the attorneys steaming brown phone calls from Republican senators, congressmen, and staffers, is something that goes right to the core of both parties.

Democrats share more than just the first seven letters of their name with the word "democracy." They've worked to see equal access to polling stations. They've supported civil rights legislation, and everything from the Voting Rights Act to "Motor Voter" that makes it easier for people to have their voices heard. Democrats have fought against instances of people being unfairly stricken from voter rolls, and struggled against all manner of obstacles placed between minorities and the ballot. Though Republicans want to paint Democrats as "elitists," it's the Democratic Party that is comfortable listening to the voice of all the people.

Republicans have always been at the other end of this fight. Republicans fear that, if Americans find it too easy to vote, Americans might... vote. They're especially concerned that minorities might vote. Having unequal access to polling stations is good for Republicans. Forcing people to make multiple trips and obtain new IDs to vote is good for Republicans. Anything that restricts voting in areas that lean toward Democrats is good for Republicans. In fact, with a Republican Party that's built around a collection of issues meant to appeal to the most radical on the right, every obstacle is a good thing. If Republicans could, they'd surround every polling station with a moat. And alligators.



http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/3/15/133452/646

[juno jones]

1. Too true...

Thay are invested in suppressing those who have reasons to oppose them. I used to live in some slums that would raise the hair on many here. I have known so many, mostly young men, some black, some not, who are not allowed to vote because they fucked up as teenagers and got sentenced as adults. These were not huge crimes, for the most part, breaking and entering or vandalism was probably the worst of it, and they grew out of it long ago. They are off probation and supporting themselves best as they can...but they have no voice. You know, I don't care anymore; the worst murderer in the US has a lower body count than than Reagan or either Bush. Maybe we should let all citizens vote, you know, it really can't hurt, and it would put a stop to this crap.