ID idiocy

Maybe 'idiocy' is too strong a word, but the continuing rumpus about photo identification of voters is wearing on my nerves.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Requiring voters to show government-issued photo identity cards would be an intrusive, expensive and needless barrier in our grand old election system.
The supposed threat of widespread "voter fraud" is a fiction being propagated by largely sane and intelligent people who simply want to keep as many Democrats as possible away from voting booths.
These ID boosters are Republicans. They think that most of those who would be discouraged and disenfranchised by a photo ID law are the poor, the young, the homeless and minorities.
Historic pools of Democratic voters.
Other states have adopted the photo ID plan, and it seems to have strong support here.The Denver Post has endorsed it, saying:
"Presenting a photo ID is routine in many parts of our lives, such as when we cash a check or get on a plane....There's no good reason it can't be the norm when we cast ballots."
Think about that.
When you cash a check you're taking something of intrinsic value from someone else, and that someone else has at least some right to know who you are.
As for getting on a plane, history shows that any traveler might be a threat to life and limb of many others. Proper identity is important.
But when you cast a ballot, the worst that can be said of you is that you're giving some nincompoop a vote. At best, you're making democracy live.

bo

I've been selectively honored by the White House and Democratic National Committee to get a slightly blurred but colorful print of an original piece of artwork -- the "2012 Presidential Commemorative Print." It comes with a special Certificate of Authenticity.
I am, of course, duly grateful.
How exclusive is this limited edition? Well, the accompanying message from the DNC does not say exactly, except that only top leaders and supporters of the DNC are getting a copy.
That must mean something, don't you think?
Perhaps you're wondering what is pictured in the print. Well, basically, there is an expanse of lawn, some trees, the presidential Rose Garden and a corner of the White House itself.
Not, however, a single Obama. Not one.
There is, however, a certain lonely figure in sight, an unidentified, four-legged, black-and-white mutt which might just be there standing guard. Or which might merely be preparing to make some other use of the lovely lawn.
I assume that this is Bo, the Portugese water dog the Obamas adopted three years ago.
Hey, Bo!
Anyway, some big-shot Washington Democrats are so anxious that I receive my copy of the special print in good condition that they want me to let them know right away that I have.
Oh, something else. They also want money.
It needn't be colorful or original, but they suggest it be at least as many dollars as the amount printed on those U.S.bills that have Ben Franklin's picture on them. Preferably several Benjamins.