Paper trail on votes comes to sad conclusion in Congress
Long before we enter our voting booth on Nov. 4, we should contemplate as to whether or not our vote will actually be recorded with integrity. Congressman Rush Holt's bill, "Emergency Assistance for Secure Election Act of 2008," was just defeated.

Confident that the legislation would overwhelmingly be approved, the Democratic House of Representatives leaders waived the usual majority vote and sought a two-thirds vote to hype the already anticipated support.

The bill fell short of two-thirds approval despite its healthy majority, thanks to Republicans in the House of Representatives and a veiled veto threat to the Senate by the president. The legislation would have reimbursed states to convert to a follow up paper ballot offering audits by hand counts.

Once again efforts to pass legislation ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our votes were wrecked by many Republicans and the Bush administration.With $3 billion allocated to help states upgrade their voting systems, it still remains a hodgepodge in numerous states.

Horrendous memories of the 2000 presidential contest could loom forth, reminding us of the pressures brought to bear by Republicans and a conservative dominated Supreme Court.

Congressman Holt's bill was defeated, as stated by Republicans, because of its alleged costs.

Indeed, the cost factors are essential to acknowledge, including the costs of $3 trillion already spent for the immeasurable casualties inflicted by the Administration's disastrous pre-emptive Iraq adventure. Surely costs ensuring the integrity of our votes becomes equally important since they send to power individuals making decisions for us which can affect our very lives.

Herbert Resnick

Marlboro