Democrats need to get out vote
All Democrats’ votes are needed to stop the insane ideas the Republicans want pushed on the voters. Here is how to overcome some of the measures that Republicans have put into law to stop you from voting.
Indiana’s voter ID requirement was passed in 2005. To meet the requirements of this law, there are four criteria that must be met. The ID must:
1. Display your photo.
2. Display your name, which must conform to your voter registration record. Conform does not mean identical.
3. Display an expiration date and either be current or have expired sometime since the date of the last general election (Nov. 2, 2010).
4. Be issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. government.
If you are unable or unwilling to present ID meeting these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county election board and either provide the necessary documentation or affirm that one of the law’s exemptions applies to you.
Here’s what you need to get a state-issued ID.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles must issue you a photo ID. It is free. You can go to IN.Gov/BMV for the list of documents needed.
If you need a ride to the BMV, check with a local Democrat. Please, become an informed voter.
DONALD CROOK Decatur
Repeal the 16th Amendment, too
After reading Laura McCann’s letter published Sept. 18 (“Tea party extremism threatens Constitution”), I felt I must reply to clarify some points.
She was concerned that Richard Mourdock’s position on repealing the 17th Amendment would take away our right to vote, hurt the Constitution and somehow improve the government. First, repealing the 17th Amendment would not take away anyone’s right to vote. You still vote for president, House, state and local government, school boards, sheriff, even coroners.
Second, repealing the 17th Amendment would shift the selection of senators back to the individual State Legislatures. The state legislatures are elected by the citizens of the individual states. This is how the Founding Fathers ensured that the individual states were represented in Congress and that the people of the individual states had a say in the choice of senators.
Finally, ratification of the 17th and 16th Amendments allowed for the dramatic, huge expansion of the federal government under President Woodrow Wilson. Before Wilson’s two terms, federal spending seldom exceeded 3 percent of gross domestic product. Only during the War of 1812 and the Civil War did federal spending exceed 3 percent of GDP. During Wilson’s two terms federal spending rose to more than 20 percent of GDP.!
The tea party is in favor of smaller, less-intrusive government. Repealing the 17th Amendment would go a long way to achieving that goal. Repealing the 16th Amendment would ensure it.
WILLIAM FIENGO Fort Wayne
Spend on ‘gateway’ neighborhoods
The $75 million Legacy Fund should not be used to balance the budget. If it were intended to be used as operating funds, the original $39 million would have been gone years ago.
The Legacy Task Force and Champion Teams spent many hours reviewing proposals for economic development and sports venues. These are risky investments that may or may not have a lasting legacy.
Fort Wayne can be proud of the improvements that have been made to revitalize downtown. It is time to step back and look at the core neighborhoods that act as gateways to downtown. Core neighborhoods are those that were the City Light customers. These neighborhoods need streets, sidewalks, alleys and lighting. What kind of impression is left if a traveler first goes through a deteriorating neighborhood before reaching downtown?
Each year only the earnings should be drawn from the Legacy Fund and designated for infrastructure repairs in the core neighborhoods that are portals to the city. There isn’t any risk to that type of investment. In fact, it would create vibrant neighborhoods to match a vibrant downtown and provide a quality of life that would be a lasting legacy for future generations.
LINDA J. KIRBY Fort Wayne
