Election act shows lack of integrity

On Sept. 20, the House of Representatives passed H-4844, which the House calls the "Federal Election Integrity Act." I think this House bill can be more appropriately called the "Federal Election lack of Integrity Act." It is a shame that with so many pressing issues facing our country, Congress is so devoid of ideas and solutions to our nation's problems. Our politicians in Washington, DC, are part of the problem in this country. This act requires several items on the part of the citizens of our country. First of all, under this act you have to prove that you are a citizen before you vote. I viewed this action by our spineless Congress as undemocratic and myopic. This is another poll tax to disenfranchise the citizens of our country. The second item required by this worthless measure is that you as a citizen of this country must present a picture identification card before voting in an election. Another brilliant idea by the Republican-controlled Congress. This is un-American! There are 20 millions Americans who don't have any kind of picture identification in our country. This is another ploy by the Republican-controlled Congress to stay in power. This act does not advance the cause of democracy in our country. These are the same people who are talking all the time about spreading democracy and freedom abroad. They are a joke. Our politicians already do enough harm to our democratic way of life, especially politicians who are in office too long. Take for example our own Congressman, the Hon. Frank LoBiondo; do you recall when he supported the idea of term limitations? All of a sudden Mr. LoBiondo is against term limitations. Politicians manipulate the system to stay in power. I hope that the U.S. Senate has some better sense than our Republican leaders in the House. Democracy should reflect the will of the people, not the government. Hipolito Lagares, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, September 30, 2006