The U.S. Senate today is debating the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, a sweeping and, I believe, essential set of proposed changes to the nation’s election systems. This bill is unlikely to pass. As a result, the already frail machinery of our democracy will suffer increased sabotage and possible collapse in several states—adversely affecting the lives of all Americans, even those who don’t live in those states.
Thank you, Larry for writing such a concise explanation of the Freedom to Vote Act. I agree that it would be great to hear why the Republicans oppose the Act.
One of the observations you made is that perhaps there are too many different details to the Bill. I agree with you and your suggestion that making Election Day a national holiday might be an important step to affording more people the ability to vote and something people can get behind. Although, I think this would not be very helpful for people who work at fast food restaurants, retail stores , etc.
Larry, your point about not knowing what Republicans dislike about the FVA reminded me of what President Biden said yesterday in his speech about his first year in office. Why aren’t Republicans willing to say what it is they don’t like about many/all of the proposed Bills by Biden? This is nothing new, Mitch McConnell did the same to Obama, basically making it his mission to prevent anything from being passed, making it appear that the Dems have ineffective presidents.
I’m glad Biden called this out, and I hope he mentions what the Reps are doing to cause gridlock in the State of the Union address. It may not help, but at least calling it out gives citizens something to think about.
Thank you, Larry for writing such a concise explanation of the Freedom to Vote Act. I agree that it would be great to hear why the Republicans oppose the Act.
One of the observations you made is that perhaps there are too many different details to the Bill. I agree with you and your suggestion that making Election Day a national holiday might be an important step to affording more people the ability to vote and something people can get behind. Although, I think this would not be very helpful for people who work at fast food restaurants, retail stores , etc.
Larry, your point about not knowing what Republicans dislike about the FVA reminded me of what President Biden said yesterday in his speech about his first year in office. Why aren’t Republicans willing to say what it is they don’t like about many/all of the proposed Bills by Biden? This is nothing new, Mitch McConnell did the same to Obama, basically making it his mission to prevent anything from being passed, making it appear that the Dems have ineffective presidents.
I’m glad Biden called this out, and I hope he mentions what the Reps are doing to cause gridlock in the State of the Union address. It may not help, but at least calling it out gives citizens something to think about.