Irregularities not from voter fraud
We usually enact laws to prevent egregious offenses against individuals or society, right? In a recent study the Republican National Lawyers Association reported “revealing evidence of nation-wide voter fraud … 46 states have charged individuals with voter fraud in the last decade.” But the RNLA website reports only 311 total cases nationwide during this period. Considering the 122,295,345 votes cast in 2004 and the 131,313,820 in 2008, 311 total cases hardly constitute an epidemic or a clear and present danger to our democratic republic.
Recent laws requiring photo IDs to vote are clearly designed to make it difficult for low-income and elderly citizens to vote. They, incidentally, tend to vote Democratic. Almost every state pushing such laws has a Republican-dominated legislature.
In the past there have been cases of blatant voter fraud in big-city machine environments and in Southern rural county judge and sheriff races. But today, as the irregularities in Chicago in 1960 and Miami in 2000 attest, cheating comes mostly from rigged ballot box reporting, not individual voter fraud.
Anyway, if we really want clean, fair and equitable representation, why have we tolerated filibustering and gerrymandering almost ever since our beginnings as a nation?
GEORGE B. REED JR.
Rossville, Ga.
Moon was fair and honorable
I was so saddened to hear of the demise of Judge Bob Moon. He was such a fair and honorable judge, a great asset to our judicial system.
I have been in his court many times and watched as he tried to deal with the perpetrators in a fair and positive way. He would often impose a strict sentence to persuade them to straighten up and not repeat the crime.
We have lost three of my favorite and most outstanding judges in the last 12 years. Judge Bob Millican, Judge Michael Carter (resigned) and now Judge Moon.
My sincere condolences go out to Debbie and his family. RIP, Judge Moon.
DIANNE BROCK
Former DUI Victim’s Advocate Volunteer
Mosaic, Fathom are there for all
At age 13, I first walked into Fathom. I did go to church, but felt I was just being taught the rules and regulations. I searched for God, but found myself doubting.
It was at Fathom that I experienced God. It was through Tim Reid’s teachings that I gained a better understanding of God’s grace and love.
Tim Reid is my father figure. I grew up never knowing my father. I give him the credit for the woman I am today.
I’ve been apart of Mosaic for over 10 years now. I’ve served at Fathom for many years. It’s there that I met my husband.
I’ve spent many nights serving Cokes and talking to young people who need Jesus. Our youth are suffering. I’ve put stamps on wrists of the youth and seen their scars of where they cut themselves.
I was there the night of the shootings with my husband and daughter and I am pregnant. We were there to attend the Candlelight Service. We at Mosaic care deeply for the hearts of the youth and not just the ones who aren’t at risk. God has called us to love them. If we don’t love them, who else will?
HEATHER DOPERALSKI
Harrison
Lower jobless rate with jobs at DMV
“Three speeds: slow, slower, stop.” On Friday, Jan. 13, I had the pleasure of renewing my driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Being a disabled man with rods and screws in my back, I found it very painful to stand in line for over 21/2 hours, without any consideration from the staff.
I was blessed enough to be standing in line with a sweet lady in front of me and a nice gentleman behind me, who noticed the pain I was in and told me to sit down and they would save my place in line. So I did for a while, wondering what those in line would say or do. The mood was not very pleasant due to the length of time it has taken out of these people’s day, or for that matter, mine. My concern is not the service you receive at the counter.
It was pleasant once you made it to the counter. It was getting to the counter.
My main question is why does it take so long to be serviced? Why have so many counters and only three windows open?
Help the unemployment level and hire some people to work at the DMV. Our time matters too.
JEFF WOLCOTT
Focus enforcement on car headlights
“Clickit or Ticket.” I click it, but if I didn’t who gets hurt? Me.
Driving without your headlights and taillights on during inclement weather, who gets hurt? This could result in a mass casualty, as seen in accidents during foggy/inclement weather.
It’s my opinion that traffic enforcement and media ads should focus on the latter.
Automatic headlights don’t always come on during inclement weather, and taillights do not come on with daytime running lights. Take the time to make sure your lights are on during inclement weather.
WAYNE MAILLIARD
Soddy-Daisy