Voter ID law would have ‘impact’ on voting amid DMV lines

On the ballots this November, there will be a constitutional amendment requiring voters to produce a photo ID to vote. A recent experience at the DMV showed me what an impediment this restriction will be to our democratic process.

In July, I waited in line for four-and-a-half hours at the DMV. The elderly couple behind me struggled in the heat as we stood in a shopping center without benches; at one point, a man with a cane took a seat on a motorized cart borrowed from a nearby grocery store. Recent news reports show that my experience was not uncommon.

Waiting in line in the heat did not feel like a privilege, but privilege was baked into the process. I was able to afford to take a half day off from work; to pay someone to look after my child while I waited; and to have convenient transportation to the DMV.

These options are not available to everyone, particularly elderly and low-income individuals and people with disabilities. As voters consider making the photo ID requirement part of our state’s Constitution, I urge them to consider the impact this restriction will have on all of our citizens.

‘Uncomfortable’

“Genetic Links to Success Explored” (Aug. 16) reported on a recent study from Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and other universities, that was published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.” The article further reported that the study “confirmed” that a “genetic score” could predict among other things, the level of education, career success and wealth one would attain.

The particulars that make up this “score” were not discussed; the reader is not given this very important information, but is lead into a discussion of using “genetic association” to push for equality.

The lead author of the study, Dan Belsky of Duke University, went on to say the work in genetics “could change the debate around inequality and promote the idea that achieving success in life depends on a lot of things, many of which are beyond your control.” I am very uncomfortable with the implication being made here. It is not a new one; in fact it has been around for hundreds of years and is used to justify exploitation of the worst kind.

Kathleen Mullan Harris, another author of the study, states “the genes explain less than 5 percent of the variation in social mobility” and “of course genes matter, but guess what, the environment probably matters more.”

There is no question that both play a part in good and bad outcomes and that they are deeply intertwined. Neither this study nor the reporting on the study has added anything new or useful to this ongoing discussion.

‘Barrage’

Regarding “President Trump, end your war on our free press” (Aug. 16): It is consistently astonishing to me how the vast majority of the print as well as the broadcast media contend that they are being unfairly attacked by the president, especially after they have let loose a constant barrage of opinions about how horrible he is as a person and/or how poorly he is governing, as well as many, many “news” items which all in some way disparage an aspect of his administration.

Almost nothing is ever said about his significant accomplishments (of which I believe there to be many). My question then would be, why it is his duty to end a war which he did not begin and which is being waged against him daily in a most derogatory manner?

‘Freedoms’

Regarding “President Trump, end your war on our free press” (Aug. 16): The Bill of Rights of the American Constitution was designed to ensure that citizens retain basic freedoms, including the right to speak freely, associate freely, hold religious beliefs (or not) of our choosing, and more.

The current president, judging by his words and actions, does not share these beliefs; not in the same way most citizens do. He believes that opinions contrary to his are subject to censure, and he uses his office to see that happen.

This is not politics as usual. I hope the people who support his actions will think clearly about the effects on our country. Are all men created equal as the Constitution states? He practices a different ethic: All men are created equal, but some are created more equal than others. I have observed that some do believe that in this country.

The American experiment in democracy is being tested right now. For the first time in my life I am not sure how it will come out. My hope is that elected people, especially Republicans who support the president, will stand up for the rule of law and freedoms we have enjoyed thus far.