Voter ID and the false narrative of voter suppression

It is an issue that most feel strongly about. It is an issue where the line in the sand is drawn, inexplicably, along party lines. I am talking, of course, about Voter ID. Love the idea or vehemently oppose the idea, there is no denying that it is one of the hottest topics in today's political discussion. In my opinion, it is an idea that seems so simple. Others (read the Left) argue that implementing a Voter ID is morally objectionable. They use buzz words/phrases like"disenfranchise" and "voter suppression." They claim that it is an attempt by Conservatives to deny minorities their constitutional right to vote (never mind the Liberal agenda to deny citizens their Second Amendment rights).

Voter ID is racist!

The argument against Voter ID is well-intentioned at best, misleading in practice, and obtrusive/divisive at it's core. It is an attempt by Democrats to continue a narrative that Conservatives are inherently racist and want to ensure that minorities never get a voice in politics. I have yet to meet a Republican that wants to suppress minority voting. There may be a fringe element out there with that motivation. Just like there is a fringe element on the Left that wants to socialize the United States. To blanket all people in the GOP as race-hating voter-suppressors is an argument with no merit.

The Left would have you believe that there is no evidence of voter fraud. The Right would have you believe it runs rampant. The truth, as often it does, lies somewhere in the middle. Searching for examples on line will yield conflicting reports, depending on the inherent political leaning of the organization/website presenting the "evidence." I submit that none of that matters directly in the need for Voter ID. Requiring an ID to vote should be a principal requirement.

Instances requiring a government issued ID:
-Renting an apartment/home
-Applying for a mortgage
-Flying commercially
-Renting a car
-Buying tobacco/alcohol
-Using a credit card

That list obviously isn't all inclusive. It is meant only to provide a snapshot of the ways ID's are inherent in American life. Why isn't voting one of them? We already have to register to vote, why not issue a government "Voting ID Card" with it? For no cost, of course. That last statement is likely to anger Conservatives, as government spending is already out of control. There are plenty of places to cut funds from other places to pay for this endeavor. For example- the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, which Harry Reid is set to be a huge benefactor, provided the pork laden Immigration Reform Act passes. link

Every state that has passed Voter ID laws has offered free photo-ID to those lacking one. It isn't unreasonable to require photo identification to vote. Let's get over the gloom and doom rhetoric of the likes of Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews, Mellissa Harris-Perry, Eric Holder, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, et. al. If it is disenfranchising to request an ID when someone votes, it is disenfranchising to require and ID when I enjoy a bottle of suds. Use your brains, people.

It really isn't that hard.