“Freindly Fire Zone”

Voter ID Bill Would End PA’s Banana Republic Election System

I am not wealthy, but have recently acquired twenty two domiciles throughout Philadelphia.  My real estate prowess has afforded me a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our citizens.

I can vote twenty two times.

You see, I have staked out prime locations, from a cardboard box under the Walt Whitman Bridge to a culvert on Cobbs Creek Parkway to a burnt out shell at 7th and Diamond.   Yes, technically, habitating at these locations makes me “homeless,” but I much prefer the term “voter-enfranchised.”  When you have such a love of democracy, how can anyone have a problem with people who want to vote multiple times, especially the homeless?  (Although, in fairness, dead people should only be able to vote once). 

Incredible as it seems, folks in Pennsylvania don’t have to show any voter identification whatsoever at the polls, with the exception of the first time, in which a non-photo ID, such as a utility bill, is all that is needed. And even that’s a stretch since some politicians ignore the law and permit people, who have never produced identification, to vote.  So in Philadelphia, among other places, voters whose “address” is a park bench or condemned house are regularly pulling the lever.

This system has made multiple-voting quite easy, and affords a vote not only to those who aren’t registered, but those not legally permitted to cast a ballot --- the nation’s 12 million illegal immigrants, since we aren’t checking citizenship status, either.

                                                                      *****

Because former Governor Ed Rendell vetoed legislation requiring voters to show proper identification, election fraud remains rampant.  By definition, allowing people to vote who are not properly registered is disenfranchising those who play by the rules and cast a ballot the right way.  Bottom line: every illegal vote nullifies one made by a law-abiding citizen.
 
And make no mistake. It has gotten so out-of-hand that illegal immigrants are voting in large numbers throughout the country.  Think about that --- citizens from other countries are quite possibly deciding the outcomes of American elections. 

One only has to look to Florida in 2000 to see a real-world example.  President Bush won by a mere 537 votes out of 5.8 million cast.  As Governor of Texas, the Spanish-speaking Bush had always been popular with Hispanics, particularly Florida’s Cubans.  Given that Florida has a large illegal immigration population, it is not unrealistic to think that at least 537 illegals voted for Bush over Al Gore---the difference in determining the Presidency of the United States.  But since we have so many “sanctuary cities”---places where it is prohibited to ask one’s immigration/citizenship status--- there is no way to determine who is an American citizen, let alone who is validly registered.

Rendell’s rationale for vetoing the bill was that it would have created voting problems for the homeless, the poor, displaced victims of natural disasters, and those without access to valid ID.  And now that another Voter ID bill is working its way through the legislature --- this time with a solid shot at becoming law given Gov. Tom Corbett’s support--- we are hearing the same old arguments.

Here’s a question.  How many natural disasters hit the Keystone State?  And even if one does, how does that obviate the need for an ID?

As far as access to an ID, it is really so excruciatingly difficult to produce a passport, driver’s license, or employee, government or student photo identification? Getting past the rhetoric, it has yet to be shown how a voter identification requirement negatively affects students, the disabled, and, as the ACLU puts it, “disproportionately impacts the elderly, the working poor, and racial minorities.”

Since identification requirements would apparently discourage people from voting, thereby “disenfranchising” them, here’s a solution: let’s have no rules at all.  That way, at least no one will be offended….well, except law-abiding Americans.  But hey, what do they matter, since they’re the only major constituency with no rights.

                                                                      *****

Buzzwords like “voter disenfranchisement” aside, the Pennsylvania Voter Identification Protection Act, sponsored by State Representative Daryl Metcalfe, is long overdue legislation with which an overwhelming number of voters agree. What could be easier and more common sense that simply documenting who you claim to be when participating in the most fundamental American right?

The true motivations of those opposed are painfully obvious: the vast majority of non-registered voters have Democratic leanings.  They have become an integral part of the Democratic base, and as such, their voting process must be obstacle-free if the Party is to grow.

Translation: when you can’t legitimately win at the ballot box, go to Plan B --- steal the election.

Welcome to the Banana Republic of Pennsylvania.

                                                                      *****

It’s a shame there hasn’t been a meaningful debate on this. But rather than discuss the Voter ID bill on its merits, the Left has chosen to throw out inflammatory accusations of “voter disenfranchisement.” 

At one point in our history, Americans were subjected to discriminatory treatment which truly disenfranchised them, such as being required to pay poll taxes and take literacy tests.  Thankfully, such practices have been rescinded, and comparing an ID bill to what our ancestors experienced is a downright insult to those who fought for the right to vote.

And as long as we’re on the subject of voting reforms, maybe an amendment to the Voter ID bill could be offered that would eliminate the option of single-lever voting. Pulling just one lever is far too easy, and takes the thinking out of voting --- which is, obviously, never a good thing.

Americans have become far too complacent when it comes to voting and, as a result, we are reaping the consequences of our corrupted system.  Good policy should never come down to just a “Democrat” or “Republican” one-second pull of a lever.  Instead, making citizens vote for individual over Party may yet inspire them to take a more avid interest in who will be their representatives.

The American voting system isn’t perfect, and Voter ID laws (which have been ruled constitutional) will go a long way to restoring the integrity so crucial in the power to choose one’s own destiny.

Having no voter identification requirement is a disgraceful blow to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that Americans could enjoy free and fair elections. 

In a society where one must show ID to enter office buildings, airplanes, trains or even buy antihistamine at the pharmacy, it is time to give the same level of importance to voting.  The current practice --- a truly disenfranchising one --- must end in order to preserve our hard-earned freedom.

Chris Friend is an independent columnist, television commentator, and investigativereporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com

Readers of his column, “Freindly Fire,” hail from six continents, thirty countries
and all fifty states. His work has been referenced in numerous publications including
The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, foreign newspapers, and in Dick
Morris' recent bestseller "Catastrophe."

Freind, whose column appears regularly in Philadelphia Magazine and nationally in
Newsmax, also serves as a frequent guest commentator on talk radio and state/national
television, most notably on FOX Philadelphia.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It's that time of year again when Freindly Fire heaps praise upon those most deserving. You probably aren't going to find these winners on the lists of typical media outlets, most of which bow at the altar of political correctness.

The Biggest Winner of 2010, as is the case every year, goes to none other than illegal invaders, all 20 million of them. Year after year, they continue to win everything. They are handed driver's licenses, free education - in some cases all the way to college - and free first-rate health care. Most appallingly, their freedom exists because of our government's non-existent efforts to deport them. Their presence has forced the closure of hospitals, taken jobs from American workers, depressed wages and caused taxes to sharply increase. And let's not forget that many illegals are voting in our elections. How's that for irony: foreigners deciding American elections. And every time the illegals win, there is an even bigger loser. Us.

Michael Vick and the Canine Community

As quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick has played spectacularly well, good enough to hide the team’s considerable shortcomings and earn the Birds the Division crown.  He is often mentioned as a leading MVP candidate, and many experts predict he will lead his team to the Super Bowl.

Which is all an unexpected pleasure, given that Vick was in jail not that long ago for executing losing canines in his dog-fighting operation. Given a reprieve by the League, he was the Eagle’s third-string QB last season, and he started this one as the backup.  He got his shot though, and, made the most of it.  Perhaps most noteworthy, he never used his numerous injuries as a crutch when the team lost, and has demonstrated more leadership in one season than former-quarterback Donovan McNabb showed in his entire, lackluster career.

Is Vick truly remorseful about the dog killing, or sorry only that he got caught? Tough to say, but second chances are what America is all about, and, for the most part, he has kept himself out of trouble.  With dogs everywhere breathing easier (actually, breathing at all), and Vick on the right track, he is definitely the most unexpected winner this year.

Governor Ed Rendell

Ok, not really.  Rendell’s eight-year tax-and-spend agenda, combined with widespread conflicts of interest throughout his Administration (some say pay-to-play) has driven Pennsylvania off the financial cliff, leaving a $5 billion deficit debacle for incoming Governor Tom Corbett to fix. And it’s been three years and counting since his promised interview with “Freindly Fire” --- making that the only media entity with which he refuses to speak.  I wonder why.

But fair is fair, and Rendell could not have been more correct when he hammered the NFL for canceling the Sunday night football game in Philadelphia because of a snowstorm.  Not a two-foot storm of the century, mind you, but an 8 inch “weather event” that would have made an outdoor football game one to remember. The roads were drivable, subway trains were operational, and the fans would have shown up in force --- loving every minute of it.  They do it in other places just fine --- Green Bay, Chicago and New England, to name a few.  But now, Philadelphians are officially considered pansies.

The reality is that the League saw an opportunity to test market Tuesday Night Football.  As with most things, the decision was rooted in money.  But it was done so at the expense of the last real sport in America, where players gut it out with broken bones instead of running to the disabled list because of a hangnail.  In many ways, the game’s cancellation reflects what America has become: soft and wimpy, offended by everything and decisive in nothing. It’s how we run business, operate government, wage war, and yes, play football. The pioneering, tough-as-nails spirit that made us unique is all but gone.

Rendell labeled the NFL’s action the “wussification” of America.  Wrong first letter, Guv.

Congressman Joe Sestak

True, Sestak lost his bid for United States Senate, but he was unique among politicians. Here’s a guy who gave up the job security of a 100 per cent safe congressional seat to take on 30-year incumbent and Goliath of the Senate, Arlen Specter, in a long-shot bid. The entire Democratic Party power structure was against him, from Rendell to President Obama, thus ensuring very limited campaign money.  Yet he persisted in his mission, even turning down a reported job offer from the White House. And a funny thing happened along the way: he won the primary election.

But the more admirable trait of Sestak was that he never backed down from his core convictions.  Whether or not one agreed with him, he should be respected for standing his ground and not playing both sides or “moving to the middle” to appease the pundits. 

For any pol to do that is unusual, but it’s even more amazing in a year that saw a political wave running in the polar opposite direction of his beliefs.  To Sestak’s credit, in the best Republican year since 1946, he ran to the left of Barack Obama, favoring bigger government, higher taxes, more stimulus and expanded national healthcare.  And with the courage of his convictions, he ran towards those ideas, not away, as the vast majority of Democrats did.

Voters are craving more leaders committed to their ideals, whether Right or Left.  They may not always agree with those people, but they respect knowing where such leaders stand.  Unfortunately, such courage is in short supply.

China

The global recession is wreaking havoc on America, but China continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.  Why?  Because they put themselves in a position to win no matter what transpires, assuming that political will in America doesn’t raise its head.  And since there’s a fat chance of that happening, China’s push toward domination continues.

Taking advantage of its favorable trade deals with the U.S. (READ: bad for us), and benefitting from America’s business-killing tax rates (highest in the world), China is advancing itself with state of the art infrastructure --- such as the world’s fastest train, biggest hydro-electric dam, and 25 nuclear power plants under construction ---, and a first-rate military that not only boasts quantity but quality.

If the dollar stays (relatively) strong, China’s boom will continue as its manufacturing expands.  And if the dollar plummets, China, while taking a slight hit in the value of the considerable U.S. debt it holds, could well find itself a kingmaker by controlling the world’s reserve currency.

Blaming China for our woes makes for effective campaign commercials, but unless we start taking a hard look in the mirror very, very soon, we might as well invest in Rosetta Stone for one last financial hurrah, as its “How To Speak Chinese” will be the hottest seller in the USA since Rubik’s Cube.
 
Chris Christie and the Republican Party --- Sort Of

New Jersey’s Christie has accomplished more in one year than damn near all the other 49 governors combined.  And all it took was that elusive trait called “political will.” The Republican Chief Executive has successfully taken on all sacred cows, from public education to unions, bureaucrats to the entrenched political culture.  So effective has his brand of in-your-face reform been --- achieved with both legislative chambers being solidly Democratic ---, Christie’s star power is so bright that he is routinely mentioned as a presidential contender, and serves as a model for politicians nationwide, including Pennsylvania’s Tom Corbett.  With Corbett and Christie as bookends in two powerhouse states, these law-and-order leaders may yet pave the way for how America gets itself back on track.

The Republican Party as a whole is a different story. 

The GOP would be wise to understand that the election was NOT a mandate for Republicans, as much as it was a protest…a shot across the bow of both Parties. Voters have grown increasingly irritated with the Business As Usual approach in Washington, Harrisburg and Trenton, and are demanding their elected officials focus on what the people want, not what some leaders think they need.

If they become the Party of No, expect the pendulum to swing back yet again.  People don’t want more of the status quo.

And with America more vulnerable than ever before, from its reliance on foreign oil to its economy --- with the dollar based on absolutely nothing of value --- the stakes have never been higher.  Will the GOP work with the President on his promises to expand nuclear energy and offshore drilling, enact further tax cuts and demand more teacher accountability?

The next year will tell, and if the Republicans --- and the President --- don’t play their cards right, they will end up on the nations’s Biggest Losers list.  And most definitely, neither can afford to be on such a list. 

Look for Freindly Fire’s Biggest Losers of 2010 column next week...

Chris Freind is an independent columnist, television commentator, and investigative reporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com
Readers of his column, “Freindly Fire,” hail from six continents, thirty countries and all fifty states. His work has been referenced in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, foreign newspapers, and in Dick Morris' recent bestseller "Catastrophe."
Freind, whose column appears nationally in Newsmax, also serves as a guest commentator on Philadelphia-area talk radio shows, and makes numerous other television and radio appearances, most notably on FOX.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There’s an old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Seems logical. 

After all, if you find yourself living in a foreign country, common sense tells you that you should be aware of that nation’s laws and customs and yes, quickly familiarize yourself with its language.

Deliberate ignorance of these things defies rationality, and, of course, should never be rewarded.

Just imagine how an Italian moving to France, for example, would be viewed if he found official French government documents written in… French, and French workers who spoke…French.

What if, in disgust, he wrote to his friends back home, asking, “What is this?  These application forms are in FRENCH!  Who do these people think they are to have official government documents printed only in their own language?  I am entitled --- it is my right --- to be able to read everything in MY language!  What is the world coming to when racist governments ignore my individual wants and needs?”

And do you know what response he would --- and should --- receive?

“Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi.”  Translation: “In Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you are elsewhere, live as they do elsewhere.”

So why is it that the whole world abides by that rule --- except the United States?

The latest example occurred in Forty Fort last week.  The borough council in that northeastern Pennsylvania town voted down a proposal to make English the official language for government business.

                                              *****

Not to be outdone as the center of attention, another northeast PA town also made news when Hazelton’s immigration ordinances requiring landlords to check renters' immigration status were struck down by a federal appeals court.  The misguided judges also decreed that Hazelton could not require businesses to use an electronic database to verify whether potential employees are authorized to work.

The court’s rationale? That the town was infringing on the federal government’s right to control immigration rules.

There’s only one small problem:  The federal government hasn’t controlled the now-widespread illegal invader problem in decades, and cities such as Hazelton, reeling and on the verge of bankruptcy because of the fed’s abdication on this issue, are fighting back.

The court’s ruling is like telling citizens they can’t have guns to protect themselves because that’s the job of the police --- where no police force exists.

It just doesn’t work.

                                             *****

As long as we’re on the topic of Rome, it’s important to remember why the Empire disintegrated.  It wasn’t because of outside invasion, but from internal decay. Rome lost its way after abandoning its values; when that occurred, it was only a matter of time.  Rome was doomed to fall.

Why then, after the benefit of seeing the mistakes of others, would we choose a path of self-destruction?

                                             *****

Ronald Reagan said it best when he stated, “A nation without borders isn’t a nation.”  He didn’t know how right he was, nor could he have seen how much his country inexplicably would run in the opposite direction of that philosophy.

When a nation voluntarily relinquishes its culture and language, bowing to the altar of appeasement in order not to “offend,” it loses the very essence which makes it unique, and surrenders its identity.

And that’s exactly what’s happening here.

Rather than celebrate what makes our country the most desirable on Earth, the marshals of political correctness are relentlessly pushing to homogenize America, making it all things to all people. 

The irony, of course, is that for hundreds of years, immigrants have risked their lives to come to this nation, for the simple reason that America was…America. There has never been a country like it before, and there never will be again. Those that made it kissed the ground in thanks, for they knew they were the lucky few.

And those people were, and are, the backbone of America.

But now, in an attempt to coddle minorities and illegal immigrants --- for less than noble reasons --- some government officials are hellbent on erasing all that made America great, choosing to turn our land into one without respect for the rule of law. 

                                           *****

Is it any wonder why so many second and third generation Americans do not speak the native tongue of their ancestors? Because those who left everything behind to start a new life in America were happy to be here, and wanted their children to reap the rewards that this magnificent land had to offer.  They instinctively knew that, at the risk of losing some of their Old World culture, their children could only achieve greatness if they viewed themselves as American.  It was a branding they wanted to have.

What a pity that we have devolved so much.

Now, our government conveniently ignores the law --- and the will of the people --- to appease an obnoxiously loud but extremely small minority.  But the bigger problem is that a majority of Americans are unwilling to take a stand, afraid of being labeled insensitive, reactionary --- and, of course, racist.

Build a wall?  That’s racist.  And how dare you take away the dreams of people who just want the same opportunity as you --- no matter that they break the law to get here.

Demand proper documentation when applying for a job? No  way--- that would be insulting and disenfranchising to those here illegally.  And offending people is tantamount to harassment.

Affirm English as the official language? How bigoted and exclusionary!  That would be like putting up a sign saying, “You’re not welcome!”

And of course, those who speak out against local, state and federal governments that aid and abet criminals --- which is, by definition, the status of all illegal immigrants --- are swiftly labeled as bigots who hate immigrants.

But don’t look to Washington for answers, since the politicians are as much to blame as anyone.

Under their watch, illegals receive official drivers licenses, jobs, free education and healthcare (for which we foot the bill), and documents in their own language, all while our wide-open border beckons more illegals.

Republicans and Democrats are equally at fault, since both have no motivation to change.  Some in the GOP don’t want to offend the Hispanic vote (which doesn’t vote for them anyway) while others are in bed with Big Business wanting cheap labor. Too many Democrats put politics ahead of national security because they see illegals voting their way --- which they do, and in ever-growing numbers, to the point where they are affecting congressional and even presidential elections.

America’s downward spiral can only be reversed if the majority of people take their head out of the sand.

If the battle for America’s heart and soul is to be won, rank-and-file citizens have to voice the ideas that made America great --- and which have absolutely nothing to do with race---: protection of borders, protection of customs, protection of the English language.

If not, America will continue its plummet into obscurity, ceasing to be the Shining City on a hill.

And all of us --- American and immigrant alike --- will be far the worse for it.

Chris Freind is an independent columnist and investigative reporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com
Readers of his column, “Freindly Fire,” hail from six continents, thirty countries and all fifty states. His work has been referenced in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, foreign newspapers, and in Dick Morris' recent bestseller "Catastrophe."
Freind also serves as a weekly guest commentator on the Philadelphia-area talk radio show, Political Talk (WCHE 1520), and makes numerous other television and radio appearances, most notably on FOX 29.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

Oh the hypocrisy.

Ever since Arizona passed its controversial law allowing police to check a suspect’s immigration status, the federal government had been intimating that it would file suit to stop the measure. 

Which it finally did.  (Although, in a moment of utter embarrassment, Attorney General Eric Holder testified of his intention to file suit despite his admission that he’d NEVER READ the ten page Arizona law!) 

And the results of the lawsuit?  Wholly predictable.

The Right is furious, the Left satiated, and, as always, common sense people are still out in the cold.

Fact is, the Arizona law, signed by a Republican Governor and a red-meat issue to the GOP base, is 100% meaningless.  Beyond providing fiery agenda-driven rhetoric --- for both sides ---, it’s just the latest futile attempt to solve America’s out-of-control illegal invader problem.

Why the hypocrisy? Because instead of focusing on the real issues, like building a border wall and cracking down on employers who hire illegals, the Administration is trying to score political points by hoping the Republican position alienates Latino voters.

If Obama and the Congress were really concerned about reigning in a state for doing its own thing --- against the wishes of the federal government ---perhaps a better lawsuit would be one against those who are in flagrant violation of federation immigration law. After all, these states are the biggest obstacle to sound immigration policy.

New Mexico would be a good start.

*****

After we get through the white noise of Arizona’s law being one that harasses the good illegals who have broken America’s laws to get here, or conversely, that such a measure is mandatory to protect our citizens from the invaders, it would be nice to stop and actually ask the most basic question:

How, exactly, are the police supposed to check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally? What document proving citizenship will they be seeking?

There is no national ID card, and probably about six people nationwide even know where their Social Security card is, so, for the most part, that leaves the driver’s license.

Granted, not everyone drives, but it would be a good starting place. 

Well, except for one small thing.

Several states still issue drivers licenses to illegal invaders.  States like….New Mexico, which just so happens to border Arizona.

(This practice does not comply with Federal Real ID Act requirements.  The Act mandates that, in order for a license to be recognized by the U.S. Government, states may issue licenses only after determining “proof of identity and lawful status of an applicant” and “verification of the source documents provided by an applicant.”)

So when Juan Valdez is pulled over for a traffic stop, on suspicion that he is an illegal, he will be required to prove his status as a citizen or legal immigrant.

As he whips out his license from New Mexico, Utah or Washington, or any of the eight other states that until recently issued licenses to known illegals, along with car insurance (because you can’t get car insurance without a license), a sly smile will creep across his face. There will be no deportation this night.  God Bless America!\

Of course, it doesn’t stop with licenses.  What about school identification cards, since American taxpayers are educating known illegals to the tune of billions a year?  And not just high school, but college, since many states offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students?

Or the work ID cards issued by unscrupulous businessmen looking for cheap labor?  The list goes on…

Bottom line: Arizona’s law sounds good, and gives people a (false) sense of security, but in reality, it changes nothing.

Why the foot dragging on real reform?  It’s simple.

Too many Republicans are in bed with Big Business, which wants cheap labor, and too many Democrats put politics ahead of national security because they see illegals voting their way.  And make no mistake: illegal invaders are voting in ever-growing numbers.  The problem of illegals’ voting has become so acute that they could, in fact, be determining congressional and even presidential elections, especially in those states with razor thin electoral margins ---like Arizona and New Mexico.

So what is the answer?

That too, is simple, but it’s just not easy.  It all comes down to political will. As always, a small dose of common sense goes a long way:

1) Here’s a novel idea: Actually build the border wall. If built correctly, it will stop darn near all invaders ---who number over 500,000 per year --- yet the southern border remains as vulnerable as ever.  And not just to illegals, but terrorists who could be harboring nuclear and biological weapons---- or just a pilot’s license.  (Kind of like that guy Mohammad Atta and 12 other September 11 highjackers who had state-issued licenses.)

In 2006, legislation was signed into law for a special double-layer fence along 700 miles of the most heavily violated border.  Four years later, 34 miles have been built.  Given the millions out of work and trillions spent on government stimulus, how is this possible?  I’d say make the illegals build the wall before kicking them out, but since they’re already stealing jobs from Americans, that just wouldn’t be right.

2) Put employers who knowingly hire illegals out of business ---and in jail. Deliberately accommodating illegals is a national security risk, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.  And here’s an added bonus: tough enforcement will reduce demand for cheap (slave) labor, thereby decreasing supply ---i.e., illegals --- at the border.

3) Since the rate of criminal recidivism among illegals is seven ---that is, the government is knowingly placing illegals back on the street who have committed an average of seven crimes --- let’s try something called deportation. Instead, we are being dictated to by third-world rat-hole countries that don’t want their own criminals back and refuse to take them.  And they still receive foreign aid.  There was a Senate bill introduced to stop this insane practice, but it died. Go figure.

4) Consult the dictionary.  Last time I checked, “illegal” means “breaking the law.” So when the government ---local, state or federal --- knowingly accommodates illegal invaders for any reason, they are, by definition, breaking the law!

That means no more licenses, jobs, college education, school tuition, or legal rights.  And no amnesty.  Rewarding people who break the law --- and slapping the face of those who have toiled so hard doing it the right way --- is the epitome of un-Americanism.

It’s time Americans band together to demand sensible immigration policy.  We are the most generous nation on Earth, but will only be able to continue that good work if our economic and physical security is no longer jeopardized. 

Stopping the invading hordes ---just like Mexico does on its southern border --- while maintaining our national identity  as the most welcoming country in the world, needs to be our first priority.

I am not a wealthy man, but I have recently acquired 22 "domiciles" throughout Philadelphia. My real estate prowess has afforded me a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of our citizens.

I can vote 22 times.

You see, I have staked out prime locations, from under the Walt Whitman Bridge to a culvert on Cobbs Creek Parkway to a burnt out shell at 7th and Diamond. Yes, technically, habitating at these locations makes me "homeless," but I much prefer the term "voter enfranchised." When you have such a love of democracy, how can anyone have a problem with people who want to vote more than just once? (Of course, I do have standards. Despite being commonplace for decades, dead people should not be able to vote. At least not more than once.)

Let's be honest, though. The system is rigged to discourage our illegals immigrants from widespread participation, and that simply has to change. We could greatly increase their involvement in the democratic process if the ballot were printed in Spanish, with at least one bi-lingual poll worker at every voting booth. Failure to do so results in the continued disenfranchisement of America's fastest growing demographic class. How American is that?

Thanks to Gov.Rendell, who vetoed legislation requiring voters to show proper identification, election fraud is rampant. By definition, allowing people to vote who are not properly registered is disenfranchising those who play by the rules and cast a ballot the right way. Every vote that is illegally cast nullifies the vote of a law-abiding citizen. We even have illegal immigrants voting throughout the country. Think about that! Citizens from other countries are very possibly deciding the outcomes of American elections.

One only has to look to Florida in 2000 to see a real-world example. Pres. Bush won by a mere 537 votes out of 5.8 million cast. As governor of Texas, the Spanish-speaking Bush has always been popular with Hispanics, particularly Florida's Cubans. Given that Florida has a large illegal immigration population, it is not unrealistic to think that at least 537 illegals voted for Bush over Al Gore - the difference in determining the Presidency of the United States that year. But since we have so many "sanctuary cities" - places where it is prohibited to ask one's immigration/citizenship status - there is no way to determine who is an American citizen, let alone who is validly registered.

Mr. Rendell's rationale for vetoing the bill? It would create voting problems for the homeless, the poor, displaced victims of natural disasters, and those without access to valid ID.

Good thing, because as everyone knows, the Keystone State experiences so many natural disasters. Such is life when your state is located right in the middle of Hurricane Alley. And as far as "easy access" to an ID, it must be extremely difficult to produce a passport, a valid driver's license, a utility bill, an employee ID, or even a paycheck or government check. The governor's spokesman at the time stated that Mr. Rendell was concerned that "...identification requirements [might have] discouraged people from voting and eventually disenfranchised people."

Under that rationale, why have rules at all? Why do the right thing?

Why do we put up with such garbage, and where is the Republican legislature? Why isn't anyone taking the show on the road, making Mr. Rendell defend his position on an issue where an overwhelming number of voters are in disagreement with him? It is painfully obvious what the true motivation is: the vast majority of non-registered voters who actually vote do so with Democratic leanings. They are part of the Democratic base, and as such, voting for them must be obstacle-free if the party is win statewide elections.

Having no identification requirement for voters, let alone citizenship verification, is one of the most disgraceful blows to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that Americans could enjoy the confidence of voting in free and fair elections.

It is a racist and disenfranchising practice that must end in order to preserve our freedom.