Editorial
01-18-2002
It is like a tale of two lands
one is grounded in reality; the other, of course, in fantasy land.
But that's
exactly what is unfolding in Montgomery this week as the Legislature
attempts again to rewrite the state's 101-year-old constitution article
by article.If you haven't already guessed it, that is the land of
fantasy.
The Legislature has a hard time passing the six articles
under consideration for rewrite, and they're not even controversial.
It is a feigned attempt to make people believe the Legislature actually
is taking action to rectify a century old problem. It's laughable
at best. Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, aptly summed up the legislative
rewrite as a waste of time.
After several frustrating attempts to rewrite certain
sections of the constitution, including the poll tax that disenfranchised
black and poor voters in this state, he apparently is giving up. "If
you can't repeal the poll tax, what chance do you have of passing
a new constitution?"
The rewritten articles passing Tuesday in the House now
go to the Senate, which has been the traditional burial ground for
such action in the past. That brings us back to the land of reality.
Gov. Don Siegelman is pushing for a constitutional convention a bringing
together of the people to rewrite the constitution and this state's
future.
Siegelman is calling for the convention to be on the
November ballot, allowing voters statewide to have a say in whether
they want to continue the farce of a legislative rewrite or let the
rank and file people of this state determine Alabama's best course.
We certainly favor the latter, having seen how state
officials have squandered every opportunity over the past century
to make a change for the better. Because of their inaction, they have
allowed Alabama government to fall victim to special interests, resulting
in an unfair tax system and a woefully underfunded education system.
They have taken the power from the people and centered it in Montgomery,
and they have earmarked so much of what does come out of Montgomery
that local governments are helpless to make a difference.
Secretary of State Jim Bennett is right. Alabama has
been waiting more than 100 years for a new constitution, which is
so riddled with holes that it has been amended more than 700 times.
It cannot wait another 10 years or another generation.
The time is now. Don't let lawmakers fool Alabamians
into thinking they have the right answer. It's just another fantasy
one that's lasted 100 years too long.
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