Alert! There was a coordinated effort to commit voter fraud this week in New Hampshire.

Conservative activist and film maker James O’Keefe, along with his team, were there to document it.

O’Keefe and company were attempting to demonstrate how one could vote using a dead person’s name to cast a ballot undetected. The group was aiming to highlight the need for a voter ID law in order to prevent voter fraud.

But O’Keefe probably wasn’t expecting that the only people committing voter fraud was his crew. Federal law defines voter fraud as:

The procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under the laws of the State in which the election is held,

David Schultz, a professor of law at Hamline University, believes O’Keefe’s operation wasn’t benign:

“In either case, if they were intentionally going in and trying to fraudulently obtain a ballot, they violated the law . . . So right off the bat, what they did violated the law.”

Proponents of voter ID legislation argue that presenting identification is a simple step to prevent people casting votes for dead people.

Detractors point out it disproportionately affects senior citizens and minorities. They further observe that instances of voter fraud are rare and the negative repercussions are far too sever to justify the law.

What are your thoughts on voter ID laws?

Cartoon by Kal

This past week, the U.S. government observed an anniversary that some would rather forget. On Wednesday, Guantanamo Bay is turning the big 1-0!

The controversial detention camp opened 10 years ago to hold captives of the Bush administration’s War on Terror. And it’s been the center of debates on human rights and military imprisonment ever since.

The use of torture is the main reason for the appalling and shocking fact that 10 years after 9/11 the alleged perpetrators of those attacks have not been brought to justice, despite the fact they’ve been held for many years.”

Recently the dispute has focused on President Obama’s failed promise to close Guantanamo over two years ago. A goal his administration is still touting.

The commitment that the president has to closing Guantanamo Bay is as firm today as it was during the campaign … I think this is a process that faces obstacles that we’re all aware of and we will continue to work through them.”

Maybe they are waiting for the right moment to win back all the dissatisfied liberals before the election…

Psalm 103 (NIV)

1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, my soul.

Reflection:

If God’s people were to have a theme song, Psalm 103 would be one of the top choices.  This passage describes the foundational truth of God’s vast forgiveness and love for us- for as far as the east is from the west all our transgressions have been removed!  What a powerful reminder of God’s mercy; but in the midst of life troubles we somehow tend to focus on our problems rather than upon the bigger picture of who God is and His incredible mercy in our lives.  As we travel down life’s path, we can be reminded of an old saying: “Keep your eye upon the doughnut, not upon the hole!”  Yes, rather than being mired in life difficulties, we are to fix our attention once again upon the greatness of God and His numerous blessings: He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and renews us.  Take it from the Psalmist here, God is truly worthy of all our praise and let our praise to Him become our theme song throughout life!

Responding to the Transmission:

Let’s reflect once again on how God has saved us and has shown His great love to us.  Then spend some time lifting up a song of praise along with prayers of thanksgiving.  God is truly worthy of all our praise!

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is now accepting applications for 2012.

The Institute is a two-summer leadership program for high-achieving black male college sophomores. Students receive high-level internships, participate in rigorous academic seminars, and meet influential leaders.

Admitted students join a network of talented leaders.  Please share the news with anyone interested in applying.  The deadline is Friday, February 3, 2012.

Questions?  Contact John Saunders at (202) 659-2831 or jsaunders@i4rc.org

Please visit our website for more info: www.i4rc.org.