An Important Reminder

[solara]

It is clear that the election on November 7, 2006 is probably the most important and significant election in our lifetime. There are many reasons for this, and I have no doubt anyone reading this is more than aware of what they are.

Like you, I am horrified that the power-elite have taken it upon themselves to subvert our Constitutional right to vote and yes, I am worried that they will do it again, although I believe that they will not succeed this time. However, there is yet another reason that we must come out in force to vote on Nov. 7. We absolutely cannot lose heart and stay home because we think they might do it again.

Today I stumbled onto something, which I had forgotten, or maybe didn’t ever really know. It is not surprising that this was not at the forefront of my consciousness as I was a kid when it happened. But it made me realize that I have been taking my right to vote for granted ever since. Maybe you already know about this. If you do, then forgive me for my new found concern. It was news to me.

We must go to the polls in numbers far greater than anticipated and work harder than we have ever worked before to get others to do the same. If we do not, we may never have the chance again.

On August 6th, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act grants federal intervention towards any state agencies and/or officials who attempt to prohibit eligible citizens from registering and going to the polls and it removed the right of states to impose restrictions on who could vote in elections.

The Voting Rights Act was implemented on a five-year trial basis. In 1970, it was extended to 1975, then another seven years to 1982, when it was then extended for an additional 25 years.

The Voting Rights Act is not yet permanent, it comes up for repeal in 2007.

Martin Luther King said:

“Even when pressed by the demands of inner truth, men do not easily assume the task of opposing their government's policy, especially in time of war. Nor does the human spirit move without great difficulty against all the apathy of conformist thought within one's own bosom and in the surrounding world. Moreover when the issues at hand seem as perplexed as they often do in the case of this dreadful conflict we are always on the verge of being mesmerized by uncertainty; but we must move on.”

Yes.

[tritsofme]

1. The Voting Rights Act was reauthorized in July

IIRC

[solara]

2. Thank you

I am greatly relieved and feel quite foolish.

[MnFats]

3. happens to everybody here sooner or later. Welcome aboard!

and don't worry about it.