A couple weeks ago, I wrote an editor’s column about the new bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly that requires a state-issued photo ID card in order to vote in Tennessee. I wrote that it was part of a nation-wide movement among GOP-controlled states to make it more difficult for poor people to vote.
Some commentors took great offense at this notion, saying the law was not intended to do any such thing, but was merely a strategy to fight “voter fraud.” To those people, I say, “Have you met ALEC?”
ALEC stands for the American Legislative Exchange Council. It was founded by right-winger Paul Weyrich and other conservative activists specifically to shape legislation designed to favor corporations and reduce accountability for big-money political shenanigans.
The Nation has just published a searing expose of ALEC’s agenda — and that organization’s remarkable success in getting restrictive voter laws put in place in GOP-controlled states since the 2010 elections.
The voting bill in Tennessee reflects ALEC’s policies precisely. (ALEC helpfully writes the laws for the legislatures.) ALEC bills to make it more difficult for poor people, students, and seniors to vote have passed in 8 states, and have been introduced in 33 states.
Go here to see The Nation‘s introduction to its series of five stories on ALEC, with links to each. They are: “Business Domination Inc.,” “Sabotaging Healthcare,” “The Koch Connection,” “Starving Public Schools” (sound familiar?), and “Rigging Elections.”
To read “Rigging Elections,” go here. And remember, it’s not paranoia if they really are after you.
