Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
Judge showed courage U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly deserves our gratitude for her recent ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s directive that would have added a documentary proof-of-citizenship requirement to the national voter registration form. Her decision was more than a legal action — it was a defense of the Constitution itself. The framers of our Constitution deliberately gave Congress and the states — not a president — the authority to regulate elections. They had just fought a revolution to free themselves from the rule of a king. They understood the danger of concentrating power in a single person’s hands, especially when it comes to determining who has the ability to vote. Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s ruling reaffirms that separation of powers. It protects the rights of all eligible voters from unnecessary barriers designed to intimidate or exclude. In doing so, she stood up not only for the rule of law, but for every citizen who believes that democracy works best when everyone’s voice counts. At a time when judges are too often attacked for upholding constitutional principles, her courage deserves recognition, not retribution. The current political climate has made it risky for judges to rule against powerful interests, yet she did so with clarity and conviction. Every American who values free and fair elections should thank Judge Kollar-Kotelly. Her decision reminds us that the Constitution — not any one individual — remains the ultimate authority in this nation. ARLENE WEEKS Summerville Address poverty I write in response to the Oct. 20 commentary, “Bereaved children across SC need help accessing Social Security.” While I understand that navigating the Social Security system can be difficult — and that many families may not pursue these benefits — I believe the column overlooks a more pressing question: Why does South Carolina have so many bereaved children in the first place? According to the column, most of these children live in counties marked by “persistent poverty.” That raises deeper issues that deserve attention. Is there a link between high mortality rates and poverty across the state’s counties? Do families in these areas have access to high-quality education and affordable health care? Perhaps the focus should shift toward addressing the root causes of poverty so children have a better chance of growing up healthy and surrounded by their loved ones. I also feel strongly about addressing poverty beyond our state’s borders. I recently began volunteering with The Borgen Project, an organization dedicated to ending global poverty. Through this work, I’ve learned how even small actions can lead to meaningful change. I’ve reached out to U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., to ask for his support of the Global Fragility Reauthorization Act, and I hope he will champion this legislation just as he has supported struggling families here in South Carolina by co-sponsoring bills such as the FAMILY Act. When we work together to reduce poverty and improve access to health care, we create stronger, healthier communities for everyone. FERNANDA NILSON North Charleston Send us your letters What’s on your mind? Join our community conversations and let your voice be heard by writing a letter to the editor. Letters can be a maximum of 250 words, and are subject to editing for clarity, tone and libel. They must include the writer’s name and city for publication, and a daytime telephone number for verification. Email your submissions to letters@postandcourier.com or fill out the form on our online portal.
