"...Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came ... You wanna be where everybody knows your name..." ("Cheers" theme song "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo)

There once was a time in this country when a man's word was his bond and children were told by their parents not to bring shame upon the family name.

Doors were left unlocked and youngsters played outside freely and unsupervised.

Unfortunately, evil in this world is on the rise, and the days of sealing a deal with a handshake are long gone.

Now, thanks to a few with less-than-honest intentions, photo identification is needed for many commercial transactions, such as cashing a check or buying behind-the-counter nasal decongestants at pharmacies.

Photo identification is also required when boarding an airplane, visiting a physician or buying glue to put together model cars.

On Oct. 2, Commonwealth Court Judge Robert E. Simpson Jr. issued an order saying voters without government-issued photo IDs should be allowed to cast ballots in the Nov. 6 general election.

He did not, however, say photo IDs could not be required in future elections.

I neither support nor am I against requiring photo identification for voting.

Unfortunately, because of a few seeking power and control, the integrity of the voting process is in jeopardy.

My fellow editor quotes Samuel Adams in reference to voting, "... one of the most solemn trusts in human society..."

The ethics of human society has long been on a decline. "Solemn trusts" are now backed by a litany of lawyers waiting in the wings to bring suit.

Illegal aliens, many of whom can easily obtain a driver's license in some of the Western states, are coming over the border in droves.

Whichever candidate promises the most free services, the most free benefits, the most free perks, could easily win an election without some form of verification required to preserve the sanctity of the voting booth.

The unscrupulous in this country have forced the rest of us to live in a world where suspicion has become the norm.

Seniors are more at risk when they answer the phone and a scammer takes their money than they are by asking for a ride from family or friend to PennDOT.

As to the advertising costs of letting citizens know identification for voting will be required at some time, I ask, what will be the cost to this country without requiring it.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press