In the August 19th edition of the Frederick News-Post, Roscoe Bartlett attempted, feebly, to explain his “no” vote recently on the [w:Voting Rights Act] Reauthorization bill. I wrote the following in response:
Dear Editor,
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett’s attempt to explain his vote on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization published on August 19th is gibberish.
His statement that “institutional racism” no longer exists shows that he is out of touch with reality. There have been real and troubling questions raised during the last several elections regarding the availability of voting machines and purged voter roles. The fact that these problems occur in predominately poor and minority neighborhoods clearly demonstrates that voting rights issues continue to exist.
Bartlett goes on to compare racism with cancer, explaining that chemotherapy treatments stop after the cancer is gone. True enough, but you certainly do not end all treatment or follow-up. Once cancer is in remission, the patient is monitored for years for any reoccurrence. That is why Bartlett’s vote is wrong. While we have made tremendous progress in the area of voting rights, we must continue to monitor and act quickly when we spot problems.
Bartlett’s argument that ballots printed in any language other than English encourage illegal aliens to vote, makes no sense. Only registered voters, who have proven their citizenship, are permitted to vote, no matter the ballot type. Bartlett’s reference to illegal aliens is a crude attempt to confuse two separate issues, and only serves to highlight the fact that Congress has done nothing to enforce existing laws on immigration. But Bartlett’s failure to stem the tide of illegal immigration should not be confused with the right of citizens to vote.All Americans agree only citizens should vote. But we need Congressional oversight to ensure that all citizens are afforded that right. Bartlett’s vote against the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization is just one more example of his failure to protect individual rights. It is time for a change.
Andrew Duck
Iraq War Veteran and
Congressional Candidate
Maryland’s Sixth District
