Voter ID a logical way to combat fraud

Congratulations on the two essays addressing opposite sides to the voter ID question (Review-Journal, Sunday Opinion section). It is rare these days that a news organization presents both sides, without editorializing, so the readers can decide for themselves.

I have voted in every election beginning in 1956 and plan to continue as long as possible. It is my duty as a citizen, but it is also a privilege. It becomes my “right” when I take the necessary steps to do it “legally.”

There are a lot of privileges we enjoy every day. For example, if I want to deposit money into my bank account, I have to show a picture ID. If I want to pay with my credit card, I have to show a picture ID. If I want to get medical care, I have to show a picture ID. If I want to buy a six pack of beer, I need to show a picture ID.

All of these things are “privileges.” If I want to do them, I must show people that I am who I say I am. The act of voting should be no different.

Unless and until our government can assure that the only people who vote are those who are entitled to vote legally, every election stands a chance of being stolen. The only logical way to ensure this is for all states to require that everyone who wants to vote must show a legal voter ID card. Without such a requirement, the election process is opened to fraud.

And sometimes those who argue the loudest against it are the ones who are planning illegal activities. Just think about it.

B. Wilderman

Las Vegas

No ID?

To the editor:

From Eric Holder on down, the Democrats are telling us that a large number of potential voters have no photo IDs and thus would be disenfranchised by a voter ID requirement. My intuition tells me that a substantial percentage of those same people are likely to be on some form of government handout – food stamps, Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, etc.

Can they qualify for those programs without an ID?

Owen Nelson

Las Vegas

Man up

To the editor:

On Sunday, I took my wife to the movies at a local theater. The ticket taker requested to go through my wife’s purse. I asked why. He said because of what happened in Colorado. I pointed out there was no example in recorded history of a 78-year-old female serial killer. He replied, “I’m just doing my job.” We refused and left.

What happened to, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”? When did my country become Wimpistan?

It should be obvious to any thinking person that had even a small percentage of the audience in that Colorado cinema been armed, the gunman would have been dead in less than two minutes.

For God’s sake, America, man up. Truly, we have met the enemy and he is us.

Gordon Hopkins

Las Vegas

Exotic species

To the editor:

There is a need for strong regulations and enforcement to control exotic species, especially dangerous ones, in our neighborhoods.

Only trained and regulated organizations offering shelter to rescued animals should be allowed to operate. The recent escape in Las Vegas of the two chimps is an example of the potential threat to citizens, but it should also be kept in mind that much harm has come to the environment in many areas when exotics are released into the ecosystem.

They can have a devastating effect on native flora and fauna.

Roger D Christensen

Las Vegas