Jon Wolf
2008-11-04 16:24:38 UTC
Rachel Maddow Slams the New 'Poll Tax'
Posted by Steve Benen, Washington Monthly at 2:24 PM on November 3,
2008.
Voting problems in this country have reached the point at which they
cannot be ignored.
A friend of mine in Miami, M.G., waited in line for five hours the
other day to vote. Her elderly mother wasn't physically able to wait
that long, but fortunately, M.G. was permitted to hold her place in
line. Some senior citizens don't have anyone willing or able to help
in that capacity, and they're forced to choose -- endure
extraordinarily long lines, which is a challenge even for young
voters, or just go home, and not participate in the most important
election in generations.
I've seen plenty of reports over the last week or so about how
inspiring all of this is. And these reports are not without merit --
for a country that is allegedly cynical and apathetic, there are
untold thousands willing to endure painfully (literally) long lines
just to cast a ballot.
But Rachel Maddow seems to be the only media figure calling this out
for what it is: a poll tax.
A video and more here: http://tinyurl.com/6efdkv
Posted by Steve Benen, Washington Monthly at 2:24 PM on November 3,
2008.
Voting problems in this country have reached the point at which they
cannot be ignored.
A friend of mine in Miami, M.G., waited in line for five hours the
other day to vote. Her elderly mother wasn't physically able to wait
that long, but fortunately, M.G. was permitted to hold her place in
line. Some senior citizens don't have anyone willing or able to help
in that capacity, and they're forced to choose -- endure
extraordinarily long lines, which is a challenge even for young
voters, or just go home, and not participate in the most important
election in generations.
I've seen plenty of reports over the last week or so about how
inspiring all of this is. And these reports are not without merit --
for a country that is allegedly cynical and apathetic, there are
untold thousands willing to endure painfully (literally) long lines
just to cast a ballot.
But Rachel Maddow seems to be the only media figure calling this out
for what it is: a poll tax.
A video and more here: http://tinyurl.com/6efdkv