Thursday, July 27, 2006

How Does Extending Current Law Make Republicans Heroes in Eyes of Minorities?

The news reported President Bush signed the 25 year extension of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965. It suggested the Republican dominated Congress pushed the bill through to improve its standing with minorities as the November elections approach.

My questions include why are minorities upset with Republicans and what does this extension do about those fundamental concerns? From here, it seems they just continued a long standing law by preventing its expiration next year. How does this address minorities concerns of access to health care, education, safe and affordable housing, employment and a living wage? It doesn’t.

All the Republican Congress and President Bush did was not allow existing law to expire by extending it 25 years. While this may seem momentous given key Southern leaders desire to gut parts of the Voting Rights Act, it amounts to not harming minorities vs. actively addressing their concerns. At least that’s the view from here. Does anyone else find it sad when we celebrate the government's not taking away another right?

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