I propose that suffrage in

this country should be limited to non-felons who have demonstrated a working

knowledge of our constitutionally based government and especially its

limitations. Just as you take a written test to get a driver's license,

you should have to pass a 20-question multiple-choice test on the basic

nonpartisan principles of our constitution.

For example: What are the three

branches of the federal government?

Which of the following is not

a check and balance between the federal branches of government?

To whom are all the rights

and powers not specifically granted to government in the constitution

granted?

Only people, regardless of

their race, gender, property, etc., who understand the limitations of

our form of government should have the opportunity and right to vote.

The type of people with the commitment to study the constitution and take

a periodic test to prove it are the same type of people who would be thoughtful,

deliberate voters.

The problem with campaign money,

soft or hard, is that it can buy the vote of those of us who are to lazy

or ignorant to study the issues, but choose to vote anyway because it

is their civic duty. Campaign money buys the votes of people who vote

for the name on the last sign they say on the way to the polls. Why do

you think that politicians rent giant billboards and then only put their

face, name, and desired office on the sign. Because too many people vote

on name recognition alone.

If we limit the vote to anyone

who is willing to put in the time and effort to periodically prove that

they are an informed voter, then campaign money would no longer matter.

The signs and sound bites would go away. Politicians would campaign on

the op-ed pages, in debates, and in other public forums just like in the

good ol' days.

Additionally limiting suffrage

in this way in absolutely not discriminatory. I am not an elitist, but

I truly believe that in order to stop the creeping socialism and totalitarianism

that is gradually taking hold in our country, we must limit participation

in the political process to those who care enough to understand our form

of government. Otherwise politicians will continue to manipulate the vote

of the uninformed and lazy among us, and they will continue trading favors

in exchange for the money they need to effect the manipulation. It is

that simple.

Bill Gilmer

[email protected]

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