Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) dropped a real gem on CNN’s “The Story Is” Tuesday, claiming voter ID laws are a threat to democracy because folks might “forget their ID or forget to renew it.” Picture that: in a world where you can’t buy a six-pack without flashing ID, pump gas in some states without it, board a plane, or even check into a hotel, Padilla’s worried about grandma’s expired driver’s license derailing her ballot. It’s the kind of logic that makes you wonder if he’s auditioning for a comedy special—after all, if forgetting to renew your ID disenfranchises you from voting, why stop there? Should we scrap background checks for gun purchases too, lest some law-abiding citizen forgets to renew their concealed carry permit and gets disenfranchised from their 2A rights?

This isn’t just rhetorical fluff; it’s a masterclass in selective standards that should have every 2A advocate’s radar pinging. Voter ID requirements exist in 36 states plus D.C., with good reason—studies from the Heritage Foundation and others show they curb the tiny but real fraud risks without suppressing turnout (turnout actually rose post-implementation in places like Georgia). Yet Padilla’s framing echoes the same anti-2A playbook: treat law-abiding citizens as too incompetent to handle basic responsibilities, all while pushing common-sense restrictions that chip away at rights. Imagine applying his forgetfulness excuse to firearms: Universal background checks? Nah, what if you forget your ID at the dealer? Suddenly, the hypocrisy glares—Democrats demand ironclad ID for your AR-15 but wave it away for the ballot box, where one fraudulent vote can swing elections and bury gun rights forever.

For the 2A community, this is a wake-up call: the battle over who gets to participate isn’t confined to polls or gun stores—it’s about trusting everyday Americans with their freedoms. If Padilla’s crew succeeds in normalizing no-ID voting, expect the same lax standards to justify red flag laws without due process or ATF rules bypassing Congress. Push back hard: champion real ID reforms that make voting (and buying guns) secure, not excuses for disenfranchisement. The right to vote and bear arms both hinge on the same principle—competent, responsible citizens don’t need Big Brother’s kid gloves. Stay vigilant, patriots; forgetfulness is no excuse for tyranny.