Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Rick Perry, a prominent American politician who served as the 47th governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015. In this quote, Perry is expressing his support for the institution of a photo ID requirement for voting, arguing that it is necessary to prevent illegal votes from canceling out legitimate ones. He also makes a comparison to the standards required to obtain a library card or to board an airplane, suggesting that it is fair to apply a similar standard to the voting process.

The issue of voter identification requirements has been a topic of significant debate and controversy in the United States. Proponents of voter ID laws, like Rick Perry, argue that such requirements are necessary to prevent voter fraud and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. They assert that requiring voters to present a government-issued photo ID helps to ensure that only eligible citizens are casting ballots and that their votes are not being diluted by fraudulent or illegal votes.

On the other hand, opponents of voter ID laws argue that such requirements disproportionately impact certain groups, including racial minorities, low-income individuals, and the elderly, who may face challenges in obtaining the necessary identification. They contend that voter ID laws can disenfranchise these marginalized communities and suppress their participation in the democratic process. Critics also argue that instances of in-person voter fraud, which photo ID laws are designed to prevent, are extremely rare, and that the potential disenfranchisement caused by these laws outweighs the purported benefits.

Perry's comparison of the voter ID requirement to the standards for obtaining a library card or boarding an airplane is intended to highlight the perceived fairness and reasonableness of such a requirement. In the United States, obtaining a library card typically requires the presentation of identification and proof of address, while boarding an airplane requires a government-issued photo ID. Perry's argument is that if these everyday activities require identification, it is not unreasonable to expect voters to present ID when casting their ballots.

The comparison to obtaining a library card or boarding an airplane is also intended to emphasize the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Proponents of voter ID laws argue that just as identification is necessary for various routine activities, it should also be required for something as critical as participating in the democratic process and determining the leadership of the country.

In recent years, the debate over voter ID laws has played out in the courts and state legislatures across the United States. Some states have implemented strict photo ID requirements for voting, while others have sought to expand access to voting by removing or loosening such requirements. The issue remains highly contentious, with ongoing legal battles and political disputes shaping the landscape of voting rights and access in the country.

In conclusion, Rick Perry's quote reflects the ongoing debate over voter ID laws in the United States. The issue raises fundamental questions about the balance between preventing voter fraud and ensuring access to the ballot box for all eligible citizens. The comparison to obtaining a library card or boarding an airplane underscores the argument for the fairness and reasonableness of voter ID requirements, while critics continue to raise concerns about potential disenfranchisement and the impact on voter participation. As the debate continues, the issue of voter ID laws remains a central and contentious aspect of the broader conversation about voting rights and democracy in the United States.