The American Spectator

Shawn Macomber demonstrates once again that a liberal is a conservative who has been arrested. Ever since he was incarcerated while covering the convention this past summer, Macomber’s writings resemble something one would find in The Nation or Village Voice. Although disappointing, it comes as no surprise that he would advocate giving felons the right to vote. In a future column, I expect him to advocate granting the voting franchise to illegal immigrants too.

p>At what point does The American Spectator recognize that Macomber is morphing into another David Brock and sends him on his merry way? I’m sure that there is George Soros’s 527 just waiting to support his efforts to boost Democrat voter turnout in the next election. br> — Mike Young br> Dallas, Texas /p> p> Shawn put into words exactly how I feel about this issue and it’s about time! If our convicted felons are to be rehabilitated and productive citizens of this country they need to be able to participate in the act of voting. It is demoralizing that these people are denied this right and therefore limit their ability to take ownership for their actions. This country needs more voters, not less. The political reasons behind this bill are nowhere near as important as the responsibility of Americans to vote. People can and do change. People can and do make mistakes. If they have completed their incarceration, probation, parole, they will find it difficult enough to find a good job and support themselves. Bravo to those that are able to make the transition. Let’s not continue to punish them further by continuing to deny them the right and, most importantly, the responsibility of voting. br> — Margaret Whelan br> New Durham, New Hampshire /p>

I agree a person shouldn’t have to pay for the rest of their life for something they’ve done their time for. I do not agree that someone on probation or parole should be allowed to vote. I consider that an incomplete cycle. I also don’t what any child molesters voting — I don’t care if they’ve done their time or not and don’t tell me they’re all still in jail. This needs to be looked at carefully and all considerations aired. I do not want a broad sweeping felon voting law.

p>As you said in your article felony now covers a broad area of crimes, some worse than others and this should be taken in to account. I feel this shows how desperate the Dems are to get more votes. As usual their real concern isn’t for the disenfranchisement of felons but the thought of more votes. I’m wondering if the reps went along with this graciously if it might backfire on the Dems. People might view this as a reason to come out in greater numbers for reps. I certainly would.