Where do we get politicians like those who inhabit the halls of the Washington State Legislature? In a story that was buried in the back pages of the Seattle Times last week, State Senator Curtis King (R-Yakima) and State Representative Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) want to foist a two-tiered driver’s licensing system upon citizens of this state. The reason: Our driver’s license issuance procedures don’t meet the federal standards set forth in the 2005 REAL ID Act. Their solution is to make most of us pay more for an “enhanced driver’s license” and lower the extra expense for this by $18 for a four-year period. They won’t say so, but both of them want to ensure that people who don’t have a legal right to be in this country can obtain a WSDL for the base fee while citizens and legal residents will pay more for superior, acceptable identification. Seems backwards, doesn’t it? Want to take a domestic flight… pay more. Get audited by the IRS… be sure you have expensive, enhanced identification so you can get into the Federal Building. Subpoenaed to be a witness or juror on a federal case… pay more for the privilege. And forget about attending an air show at NAS Whidbey Island or visiting a friend or relative serving at JBLM. No enhanced license or passport and you get to stay outside the fence line. These two stalwarts of state politics think you need to pay extra to fulfill the rights and duties of citizenship or enjoy the benefits thereof. Sadly, most of the politicians who represent this community are of a similar mindset. Be sure to visit the Department of Licensing website at www.dol.wa.gov and look at the laundry list of “documents” they will accept as proof of identity. It doesn’t just make it easier for undocumented people to get a WSDL, but for others to assume another identity with the blessing of this state. With one of our lousy driver’s licenses and one-more lie they are able to register to vote. With a WSDL and one more lie they can buy a firearm. What’s next from Mr. King and Ms. Clibborn; a proposal that non-resident hunting and fishing licenses should cost less than those for state residents?

Bruce A. Haigh, Kirkland