Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Editor, Times-Union:
I was speaking to a family who are originally from Venezuela the other day and we were discussing the differences between Mexican food and Venezuelan food, they were telling me how great the food is in Venezuela, and so I asked them, “Well if the food is good there, why did you move here?” Their response was strong and immediate, because they love their children and want them to have a better life. That their government is so corrupt there, they wanted to get their family out. I asked, “Aren’t things better now that the country voted in a new president after Nicolas Maduro was removed?” He told me that voting doesn’t matter, it’s rigged and corrupt. It doesn’t matter how many people vote for a good leader with integrity, the ruling administration will always win.
We live in a country that is so blessed with many privileges. Voting is one of them and must be protected and honored. Don’t take it for granted. The things we take for granted, we eventually lose. Voting is a fundamental right and a civic responsibility, not every nation is blessed with this opportunity.
Safe guarding our voting is so important. Showing proof of U.S. citizenship and a photo ID to be allowed to vote seems like common sense and should not be too hard to accomplish. You have to have a valid ID to fly, to drive a car and to purchase alcohol. I still have to show my ID, even though I certainly look like age 21 passed me long ago. The bill H.R. 7296 Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act needs to be passed to protect the integrity of our voting freedom, and our country.
As midterm elections will be here soon, check out where the candidates stand on issues, and pray. And then show up to vote.
Our great democracy is a fragile lady, valueable and requiring care, protection and active participation to endure. Let’s not neglect her. President Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.”
Our time is now.
Julie Runnells
Warsaw
