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By Tom Scarritt
The Birmingham News
February 4, 2001

   What can I do?

   That's a question we have been asked many times since we began our series of editorials last Sunday about the need for constitutional reform in Alabama. The final installment of that series appears on today's editorial page.

   What you can do, of course, is let the political leaders of this state know you care about our constitution. It will not be a priority for them unless you make it a priority.

   Leadership for the reforms that will give Alabama the government we need to prosper in the 21st century should come from our governor. If you find yourself talking to Don Siegelman, tell him you want a fix for the fundamental flaws of our state government. He says he is waiting for a groundswell; you can be part of that wave. If you've been a donor to Siegelman's campaigns, your voice could be especially effective.

   You can also send a message through your legislators. If they think you care about replacing our rotten constitution, they will start to care. A list of legislators and their addresses is on page 5C of today's paper. A letter is one good way to communicate with them. You should also voice your concern in person, when you see legislators at community forums or civic clubs or in church.

   There are a number of natural constituencies for constitutional reform in this state. All citizens who care about justice, especially those who have suffered injustice, should be interested in getting rid of a constitution that is rooted in racism and exclusion. Although the courts have nullified most of the most objectionable features of that blueprint for discrimination, we have not replaced them with any meaningful statement of our citizens' rights.

   All citizens who care about their neighbors, especially those who struggle to make ends meet, should be interested in replacing a constitution that locks in an unfair and inadequate tax system. Those taxes are most unfair to those who can least afford to pay, and they are so limited that the state cannot afford to protect the health and safety of its citizens.

   All citizens who care about education and economic development, the building blocks of our children's future, should be interested in removing the constitutional handcuffs that restrict our spending choices. Our constitution earmarks far more of our funds than any other state, crippling our ability to spend our limited resources where they are needed most.

   And as citizens of local governments, we should push for home rule, so the government that is closest to the people can govern without begging the Legislature for permission to make the slightest improvements in the way it serves us.

   With all these citizens standing to benefit from constitutional reform, it is surprising that so few legislators will stand up for them. It will take some prodding from voters to turn them around.

   You can also help the cause by joining with like-minded citizens to educate yourself and others about the constitution. A good place to start is by contacting Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, P.O. Box 11026, Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35486-0007, or on the Web at www.constitutionalreform.org. The more you know, the better you will be able to talk to your neighbors and your leaders about this important issue.

Tom Scarritt is editor of The News. His e-mail address is tscarritt@bhamnews.com.

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