# I Pit the ID-demanding GOP vote-suppressors (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 12, 2012, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943 "2012-06-12T19:15:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 397
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7921 "2014-11-28T16:50:15Z")
Well, isn’t it? If we are expected and obligated to roll about on the floor tearing our hair and shrieking over the dreadfully sordid Massachusetts Massacre, how is it that you get a pass? Because it isn’t, precisely, “_liberal_ hypocrisy” but the milder and much more agreeable version? Perhaps it isn’t “morally reprehensible” to twist and pervert the law to ensure undeserved political power, but it isn’t very nice, now, is it? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7922 "2014-11-28T17:00:39Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Well, isn’t it? If we are expected and obligated to roll about on the floor tearing our hair and shrieking over the dreadfully sordid Massachusetts Massacre, how is it that you get a pass? Because it isn’t, precisely, “_liberal_ hypocrisy” but the milder and much more agreeable version? I get “a pass,” because I am perfectly consistent. I don’t tear my hair out in either circumstance. You profess horror at seeing government power used to advance the political power of one party only (when it’s Voter ID) but smile happily or issue tepid condemnations when the party that benefits is yours. > [@](#): > > Perhaps it isn’t “morally reprehensible” to twist and pervert the law to ensure undeserved political power, but it isn’t very nice, now, is it? It’s what people in power do. The Witch from _Into the Woods_ knew what it meant to be “nice.” ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7923 "2014-11-28T17:26:55Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > …You profess horror at seeing government power used to advance the political power of one party only (when it’s Voter ID) but smile happily or issue tepid condemnations when the party that benefits is yours… You need at least two cites to affirm, and one of them must be me “smiling happily”. As “tepid condemnation” is entirely subjective, you cannot confirm that one at all, but are perfectly happy to offer insinuation and innuendo where facts are not at hand. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7924 "2014-11-28T17:42:34Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Because it would be a pretense. > > Your question tries to suggest that you have no idea why it would a pretense. Because you “forgot,” or pretended not to have seen: I get that you’re trying to distill some formulation that’ll let you poke holes in the arguments, but this attempt was just too convoluted for me. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7925 "2014-11-28T17:46:28Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > I get “a pass,” because I am perfectly consistent. Bullshit. If you were consistent, you wouldn’t be criticizing the actions of the Massachusetts legislature, since what they did is a perfectly legitimate application of their plenary powers. Unless, of course, you wanted to impose your moral will on them. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7926 "2014-11-28T17:51:49Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Bullshit. If you were consistent, you wouldn’t be criticizing the actions of the Massachusetts legislature, since what they did is a perfectly legitimate application of their plenary powers. Sure. I’m not criticizing them. I’m pointing out that your standards are inconsistent because you approve of their actions – although I admit that you don’t love their actions, unlike Lobohan. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7927 "2014-11-28T18:14:30Z")
Who says I approve of their actions? I recognize it was within their _power_ to change the laws the way they did, just as it was in the power of the various legislators to pass the voter ID laws now under contention. Truth be told, it’s a weak connection because there’s no specific rule that I’m aware of that Senate vacancies _have_ to be filled by governors, whereas I’m confident that preventing people from voting is a specifically bad thing. Anyway, if you want to assume that I just _luuuuurve_ the Mass. legislature, go ahead. It won’t make the views you’re expressed in this thread any more rational. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7928 "2014-11-28T18:15:11Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Sure. > > I’m not criticizing them. > > I’m pointing out that your standards are inconsistent because you approve of their actions – although I admit that you don’t love their actions, unlike Lobohan. Bricker, why do you have to lie about my position in order to argue against my points? I don’t lie about your positions. Although, I don’t have to, since you have failed to make an argument that doesn’t shake apart at the slightest inspection. Also, Bone, this is an example of Bricker being a lying prick. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7929 "2014-11-28T18:18:53Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > Bricker, why do you have to lie about my position in order to argue against my points? > > I don’t lie about your positions. Although, I don’t have to, since you have failed to make an argument that doesn’t shake apart at the slightest inspection. > > Also, Bone, this is an example of Bricker being a lying prick. This is me mocking you, you Massachusetts-legislature-lovin’ fool. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7930 "2014-11-28T18:19:06Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > I don’t flatter myself in the slightest. I am smarter than the majority of people on this board, that is a given. I’m certainly smarter than you - considering that I don’t listen to Hannity, you must have been thinking of someone else and posted this to me by mistake. You’re a simple dupe. And you certainly aren’t smart, at least when it comes to being able to learn. You’re an automation, just clucking out the stuff you heard on the tee vee and unable to change what he believes in light of new facts. Like I said, you’re probably a nice guy, because I don’t think you lie like Bricker does, but you’re driven to act like an asshole because of the stupid things you believe. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7931 "2014-11-28T19:57:12Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I know you’ve never had to decide which bill not to pay in order to get a voter ID. But you have no qualms about putting other people in that situation. I have given your suggestion all the consideration that it deserves. Another bullshit statement. There is no cost to get a voter id in Texas. [QUOTE=Texas DPS] If you do not have any of the following acceptable forms of ID, beginning June 26, 2013, you may apply for an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) **at no charge**. [/QUOTE] Give it up, Bob. Your strawman arguments just aren’t going to stand up to reality. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7932 "2014-11-28T19:59:39Z")
Texas may be easier than other backward states, but there are plenty others that will require you to expend considerable time and effort to get those documents before spending considerable time and effort to get the ID. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7933 "2014-11-28T20:28:18Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Texas may be easier than other backward states, but there are plenty others that will require you to expend considerable time and effort to get those documents before spending considerable time and effort to get the ID. Classic liberal. Confronted with evidence of his lies, he neither admits or apologizes, just sidesteps. How about returning to that moment where you lied and explaining it? ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7934 "2014-11-28T20:36:54Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Classic liberal. Confronted with evidence of his lies, he neither admits or apologizes, just sidesteps. > > How about returning to that moment where you lied and explaining it? Unlike yourself, I have no need to admit nor apologize for lying. Texas may be easier than other backward states, but one must still make the effort to go somewhere to get that free ID, possibly having to take a day off without pay and jeopardizing one’s job or having to decide which bills not to pay in order to take the time to get the ID, all for solving a problem that does not exist and whose solution is meant to discourage Democratic-leaning voters. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7935 "2014-11-28T20:48:31Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Classic liberal. Confronted with evidence of his lies, he neither admits or apologizes, just sidesteps. > > How about returning to that moment where you lied and explaining it? Running Tally of Bricker’s use of “liberal” as a pejorative: Occurrences :1 Thread page numbers with at least one occurrence: 159. As to the specifics, just because Texas law _says_ the ID is free of charge, this does not mean (or even imply) there are no costs to the voter in acquisition. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7936 "2014-11-28T21:20:53Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > Another bullshit statement. There is no cost to get a voter id in Texas. > > Give it up, Bob. Your strawman arguments just aren’t going to stand up to reality. Ah! Then we can be assured, on your authority, that Texas Republicans are eager to expand to voting rolls to be more inclusive of the brown and the poor, and is bending every effort to remove needless barriers to their voting? Is there a beautiful princess in this fairy tale? I prefer those. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7937 "2014-11-28T22:23:56Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Unlike yourself, I have no need to admit nor apologize for lying. Texas may be easier than other backward states, but one must still make the effort to go somewhere to get that free ID, possibly having to take a day off without pay and jeopardizing one’s job or having to decide which bills not to pay in order to take the time to get the ID, all for solving a problem that does not exist and whose solution is meant to discourage Democratic-leaning voters. Because every single person works seven days a week? Week in, and week out, over the course of months and months? No, that’s a lie too. Isn’t it? This is why you guys are great when it comes to guessing that thousands of people can’t get IDs and abysmal when it comes to producing an actual case. The best you’re able to trot out is the poor guy who refuses to get an ID in his legal name and instead wants one in the fake name he’s been using. When it comes to actual people, there isn’t anyone in Texas who has to take a day off without pay to get the requisite ID. Is there? But as you say, you have no real need to admit it when you’re caught lying. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7938 "2014-11-28T22:25:41Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Ah! Then we can be assured, on your authority, that Texas Republicans are eager to expand to voting rolls to be more inclusive of the brown and the poor, and is bending every effort to remove needless barriers to their voting? > > Is there a beautiful princess in this fairy tale? I prefer those. Texas Republicans are eager to have everyone who wants to vote, and is a citizen, and not a felon, vote. Texas Liberals are outraged at this callous disregard of their key demographics. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7939 "2014-11-28T22:33:11Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Classic liberal. Confronted with evidence of his lies, he neither admits or apologizes, just sidesteps. > > How about returning to that moment where you lied and explaining it? Classic conservative. Being a whining, childish jerk. Actually, that’s bullshit. I served with tons of conservatives (and liberals) in the Navy, and most of both groups were brave, intelligent, and had plenty of integrity. In fact, in the Navy I learned that it was futile and unwise to judge someone’s character based on their political preferences and philosophy. Boo, **Bricker**. Boo. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943/7940 "2014-11-28T22:57:26Z")
I’m okay with Bricker being a lousy human being without having to extend that perception to those with similar politics. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943.md?page=396) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-id-demanding-gop-vote-suppressors-part-1/624943.md?page=398)