Shame on you, Florida

Florida would be a nice place to live if it wasn't for all these people -- especially retirees and minorities -- who insist on voting every time an election rolls around. Well, state leaders have had just about all of it they can stand so they are going to do their best to make sure these folks don't foul up their elections any more. Why, if it weren't for these troublemakers, the world might never have been introduced to the term "hanging chad."

So here's what Florida Republicans are going to do. First they are going to pass a law that will make it illegal for anyone to get within 100 feet of a line of voters. That means those volunteers who make themselves available on election day to help explain the voting process to potential voters will suddenly become criminals. That's right -- criminals.

Also, all voter registration forms must be turned into election officials within 48 hours, thus putting an end to all those voter registration drives that work to sign up minorities.

Elderly voters will no longer be allowed to use the photo IDs issued by retirement centers or neighborhood associations. What, you say you are 95 years old and no longer need a driver's license? Tough luck, old timer. No license, no vote.

Fortunately, we still do have courts in this land to protect many of those that will be disenfranchised by these laws. I'm betting the provision that prohibits anyone from giving legal advice to a potential voter standing in line will never survive a court challenge. But, dammit, Florida legislators -- you shouldn't force the courts to tell you that what you are trying to do is blatantly unconstitutional.