Published: May 04, 2008 06:42 pm            

Weekly Wrap - Monday, May 5, 2008

On voter ID ruling:

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Indiana’s voter ID law is a step forward in protecting the integrity of the voting process. It’s also a victory for good sense.

In a 6-3 decision, the court noted that the plaintiffs failed to show that it’s an undue burden to require voters to produce a state-issued photo ID before filling out a ballot.

Providing an ID is a common requirement of modern life, from cashing a check at a grocery store to picking up prescription drugs at a pharmacy. Asking a voter to flash an ID before participating in one of the most important responsibilities befalling a citizen is a reasonable safeguard against those who would violate the public’s trust through voter fraud.

Indiana’s law gives ample accommodation to potential voters who are unable to obtain an ID, including the indigent, those who object on religious grounds, and residents of state-licensed facilities.

It’s also hard to argue that the law has discouraged people from voting; voter registration in Indiana has surged in the past two years. More people than ever are participating in the process.

With public interest in politics at an intense level in the run up to the May 6 primary, it’s encouraging to know that voters can continue to count on an easy-to-use but secure system for casting a ballot. The court made the right call.

– The Indianapolis Star

On natural disasters:

If you’re in your mid-50s or older and are a lifelong Hoosier, you’ll probably remember the Palm Sunday tornadoes of April 11, 1965. Eleven tornadoes across 20 counties killed 137 Hoosiers. More recently — Nov. 7, 2005 — tornadoes killed 22 in Vanderburgh and Warren counties.

Yes, it is unlikely that a tornado will ever hit the home where you live. But a sure way to tempt the fates is to remain unprepared. Setting up a plan to save yourself and your family in the event of a tornado is well worth the time investment as a hedge against disaster.

• Know where you can take shelter in seconds, away from windows and others areas of dangerous debris.

• Practice a family tornado drill at home.

• Have a predetermined place to meet after the tornado.

• Store protective coverings in or near the place where you will take shelter to protect you from flying debris.

• Seek shelter under a heavy table or another sturdy piece of furniture.

• Turn on the TV and radio for updates on weather conditions.

• If you take shelter in a basement, stay away from areas where heavy items — refrigerators, pianos, etc. — from above could crash through the floor on top of you.

– The Herald Bulletin, Anderson

On gas prices:

Buried in a story about record gasoline prices was an interesting tidbit: Data from the U.S. Department of Energy show that gasoline consumption actually fell by more than 1 percent during the four weeks ended April 11.

That’s not a drastic change, but it is a sign that higher gasoline prices will force people to think about driving less. And driving less is one of the few things motorists can really do to fight back against the rising cost of fuel.

Combine three errands into one trip. Ride your bicycle to work one day a week. Trade that big SUV in on a hybrid.

Steps like that really will make a difference in this nation’s demand for fuel. Even if it’s only a percentage point at a time.

– Pharos-Tribune, Logansport

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.