Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
This week I choose to give over my column to Bishop Taylor and a plea from him with regard to a petition that he wants us to consider signing that will promote a change in law that will permit undocumented residents in Arkansas to be issued driver's licenses.  The bishop speaks from Catholic social teaching which insists that people have a basic human right to the necessities of life, including the ability to provie for one's family.  In our state, the common good is better served by ensuring that all who drive automobiles in Arkansas have licenses for the following reason.
  • It will ensure that all who drive are qualified to get behind the wheel as competent to drive a car.
  • It will allow all drivers to have automobile insurance, currently impossible for those who do not have a license.  Having a system that forces people to be uninsured drivers does no one any good.
  • It will remove an incentive for people to flee the scene of an accident because they do not have a driver's license.
  • It would provide people with a valid identity document, helpful not only for law enforcement but also for general participation in the life of the community.
  • It will allow people to rent more suitable lodging because more landlords require a valid driver's license to verify the identity of the renter.
  • It will also make it easier for them to receive credit when they want to buy cars from car dealers on credit.
  • As an identification document, it will help avoid confusion.  In situations where there are many people with the same names, problems frequently arise.  For instance, there are many Maria Garcias in the healthcare computer systems, and there are instances when persons have received the wrong medical care because there was confusion about which Maria Garacia they are treating.  The driver's license will help avoid this confusion.
Please think and pray about this and if so moved, please sign the petition that is on the table in the narthex when you come to Mass or anytime you drop by church.  I hope the lessons we have learned from this Jubilee Year of Mercy, as well as the points the bishop makes, will lead all of us to take time to sign the petition which will be presented with signatures gathered at all Catholic Churches in Arkansas to our legislature.