Careful with those pictures
Dear Editor: On the topic of headlines, have you ever noticed how some people look at a photo, note a couple words, then flip the page?
A front page headline with photo, “Police catch alleged robber” brought my response: “He doesn’t look like a robber.” And he wasn’t. He was the hostage who survived.
Guilt by association? Hardly fair to the hero who subdued the guilty one.
On Wednesday, June 26, the top right photo on the front page prompted my remark: “That isn’t Schweiker!” And it wasn’t. Story and identification were on Page 4, but not everyone reads the fine print.
Thanks for listening.
Lois Carson
Perryopolis
Check for voter fraud
Dear Editor:
Surely, I am not the only person appalled by the mindless accusations made by Mr. DeWeese and Mr. Veon. In what time warp are they living?
It appears to me the purpose of the amendment requiring proper identification at the polls is to ensure only eligible voters are voting. Election day is months away – allowing ample time for everyone to apply for and receive proper identification. Requiring proper identification is not a trick – it is responsible government.
The “elderly woman” cited in their letter will not be turned away because she does not drive. A drivers’ license is not a requirement to vote. She could be turned away if she does not have proper I.D. Who you know or who knows you does not count as proper I.D.
Explain to me Mr. DeWeese and Mr. Veon just exactly how does this amendment unfairly impact the elderly, low-income and minority citizens. If they are “your” voting majority, as you claim, one must assume they are registered voters with voter registration cards. So where is the problem? I am sure a replacement card is available if one is lost.
This amendment does not, as you claim, disenfranchise anyone. It legitimizes the election of the winning candidates – that certainly ought to be an honorable goal.
The U.S. Justice Department with its I-9 form requires at least two pieces of verifiable identification before you can legally be hired for any job.
Voting is a precious privilege and the responsibility to exercise that privilege is one of our most important duties as Americans.
Tell me, Mr. DeWeese and Mr. Veon, why you did not mention the terrible burden of proving identity and age when buying booze or cigarettes? Exactly where are your priorities?
If I had supported you in the past, I would be insulted by your childish whining. You should value an informed and responsible electorate or are you afraid of that scenario? You two certainly have made my choices easier.
Folks, check around. Identification at the polls is not unusual. For that elderly woman, if going to the polls is a hardship, she can always request an absentee ballot.
Lynda Speelman Long
Uniontown