Voter picture ID is not racist

Get real. Why should anyone who's registered to vote get upset when asked to show a picture identification card at the polling place?

All military veterans and active duty personnel, plus their dependents, are required to show a picture before getting medical treatment. The same is true before they're allowed to buy items in the PX or commissary. Picture IDs are also necessary for anybody seeking access to many military or government facilities.

Numerous employers require their employees to produce picture IDs before gaining access to the workplace. Picking up medical prescriptions or buying tobacco or alcohol often require picture IDs. I've had to produce a picture of myself before being allowed to board an aircraft or make a charge on my credit card. I've been banking at the same place since the 1970s, but the tellers still often ask me to show a photo ID before they'll cash my check. Law-enforcement officers always ask for proof of identification when they stop you.

I guess you get the point by now. The requirement for having a photo ID goes on and on. My question is why and how does this infringe on anyone's civil liberties when they go to vote? How does discrimination come into play when every voter is called upon to show picture identification? For those who can't afford to have a photo ID card made, arrangements should be made to have it done for free.

I served proudly for 25 years in the military during which time I lost more friends and comrades-in-arms than I care to remember. This was done to make sure our nation stays free and that every U.S. citizen has the right to vote and choose who'll lead them.

Let's not disrespect or dishonor the men and women of all races, colors, religions and ethnic origins who have served this nation so proudly and honorably by calling the requirement to show a picture ID before voting discriminatory or racially motivated.

Tom Cobb, Augusta