Recognize voting for what it really is: a desired privilege

Regarding the upcoming elections, state Rep. Sue Burmeister, R-Augusta, has been belittled in the press for making a politically incorrect memo that "blacks in her district typically vote only when paid to do so." What has not been addressed is the following question: Is it true that some of our past or present elected officials are paying or have paid people (black, white, Asian or anyone else) to vote?

If it's true, is it legal? If it's illegal, what is our justice system doing about it?

Besides, what is all the fuss about requiring a voter ID law in Georgia? Anyone with common sense (Democrat, Republican or independent) should agree to it. This past Sunday, major elections took place in Honduras (central America), Chechnya (the former Soviet Union) and Gabon (western Africa). Every voter of these small, poor countries had to present proof of identity before voting. What makes Georgia voters so special that ID presentation is unnecessary?

Like every civilized country, we, in Georgia, U.S.A., should be asked to present at the voting booth our voter registration card - not just a driver's license, electric or water bill. Maybe making such a requirement would show our population that voting is not only a duty or a right, but a privilege, and would boost participation.

Edouard J. Servy, M.D., Augusta