Iraqi voters waving purple fingers became instant folk heroes, and rightly so – they showed incredible courage in claiming their rights as free citizens.

But apparently House Republicans feel threatened by those purple fingers when they’re displayed in Boston or Beaumont instead of Baghdad and Basra.

Following the lead of several states, they recently passed a measure requiring all voters in 2008 to present a photo ID; by 2010, that ID would have to prove citizenship. President Bush, to his shame, says he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Proving your identity might sound reasonable, but in practice, obtaining government IDs can be complicated and costly for some voters, mainly the poor, the elderly and the non-white. And even the smallest obstacle can erode a person’s rights.

Take Steve’s Mom, who recently moved from New Jersey to Maryland and has to re-register, a difficult enough process when you’re 87. But she no longer has a driver’s license, and requiring her to get a special ID card would almost certainly stop her from voting at all.