Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 Source: Des Moines Register (IA) Copyright: 2005 The Des Moines Register. Contact: http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123 Author: Jessica Rundlett EARN THE RIGHT Gov. Tom Vilsack's recent decision to restore the right to vote to convicted felons disgusts me. Throughout history, scores of Americans have fought and died to preserve our right to vote, as well as assisting others throughout the world gain suffrage. The right to vote is not a universal entitlement. It is a privilege that must be earned and maintained. By granting the most revered of all democratic privileges to those who fail to uphold or respect our laws, he devalues the right that so many cherish. Jessica Rundlett Mount Vernon - --- MAP posted-by: Beth