Quote:
Originally posted by Lew:
You know, over 200 years ago the Framers understand the crap that's associated with direct democracy, that's why they wisely instituted a republic. This business over Issue 3 (and others) exemplifies this to a T.
With all due respect, John Q. Public has no idea what the ramifications of this law are, one way or another. I don't mean that in an arrogant way. But it's not like the public would vote on how doctors are to perform surgeries. It's not like the public votes on how to design and build bridges. Why is the public suddenly qualified to pass/repeal/enact/withdraw/rescind/supercede a law that affects or may affect someone's constitutional rights?
Reason, I've said it before and I stand by it- no court has the right to arbitrarily make a law out of thin air. That's what the Massachusetts Supreme Court did, and that's why the Ohio General Assembly passed its Defense of Marriage Act. I applaud the General Assembly for so doing. But my reasoning is grounded not in Phil Burress as it is Thomas Jefferson.
But that said...allowing issues like this on the ballot...it's almost as bad, if not worse, than the Massachusetts Supreme Court suddenly declaring gay marriage constitutional. We elect representatives and they pass the laws. I don't care if XYZ School District wants a levy, fine (I don't like that, either, but it doesn't necessarily entail a constitutional right).
But Issue 3 is confusing and the public has no idea what it's voting on and perhaps the day will come when the General Assembly steps in and drops the hammer on it.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Issue three was created by Phil Burress and Citizens for Community Values, and he made it intentionally confusing. We are trying to repeal it.