Constitutional Convention (Reform: home, public schools, income)

[Marilyn Ann]

I always have concerns when politicians try to change something, as they usually change it to benefit themselves!

[prden]

Originally Posted by Marilyn Ann

I always have concerns when politicians try to change something, as they usually change it to benefit themselves!

All the more reason to let the people decide.

[Reactionary]

"It imposes an unfair tax burden on the poor and middle class."

This is why Constitutional Reform gets a cold reception - people (rightly?) see it as an attempt by liberals to raise taxes.

None of the 'racist' language in the 1901 Constitution still applies (having been superceded by Federal and State law), so making an argument for reform based on racism is just playing on ill-informed emotion.

Just saying the Constitution is too long is like telling Mozart his works have 'too many notes'. It's a meaningless complaint.

There are valid points to consider regarding home rule, but the legislature could amend the current Constitution (making it even longer) if the people really wanted home rule.

The only proven Constitutional reforms (as in attempted and succeeded) have been 'Article by article' reforms - for example, revising the judicial articles.

[prden]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

"It imposes an unfair tax burden on the poor and middle class."

This is why Constitutional Reform gets a cold reception - people (rightly?) see it as an attempt by liberals to raise taxes.

None of the 'racist' language in the 1901 Constitution still applies (having been superceded by Federal and State law), so making an argument for reform based on racism is just playing on ill-informed emotion.

Just saying the Constitution is too long is like telling Mozart his works have 'too many notes'. It's a meaningless complaint.

There are valid points to consider regarding home rule, but the legislature could amend the current Constitution (making it even longer) if the people really wanted home rule.

The only proven Constitutional reforms (as in attempted and succeeded) have been 'Article by article' reforms - for example, revising the judicial articles.

If you can label someone or something "liberal" in Alabama, then you can dismiss or demonize it. I consider myself quite conservative, but it is clear to me this has nothing to do with "liberal" or "conservative" politics.

Also, if "Just saying the Constitution is too long is like telling Mozart his works have 'too many notes'. It's a meaningless complaint."

If Mozart's music runs more than 10 hours, I would suggest to him he cut some notes and improve the quality. Usually quantity is a substitute for quality. It would be better for Mozart to start over and do it right.

That is the opportunity Alabama has with Constitution reform.

I would have no complaints reforming it "article by article" but that doesn't seem to be happening. Also--that seems like a very tedious way to deal with a document that does not serve the state well.

What would be wrong with having the citizens of Alabama get the best constitution in the country?

[Reactionary]

What makes you think that a Constitutional Convention will result in the "best constitution in the country"?

I "label" the ACCR bunch as "liberal" because that's who they are - there are very few conservatives involved in the group. There are a couple, including my friend here who attended the ACCR Mock Constitutional Convention:

Day 1 at the Mock Constitutional Convention | flashpoint (http://www.flashpointblog.com/2009/02/14/day-1-at-the-mock-constitutional-convention/ - broken link)

The only acceptable tax article would have to fit the narrative that I feared would be prevalent heading into the mock convention, namely that individuals who have a considerable emotional investment in the constitutional reform effort would want a purist, idealistic document which strips away taxpayer protections that conservatives are afraid a constitutional convention would strip away. Their desired document would be a “framework” (that is the buzzword) which would basically say, “The legislature shall have the authority to tax stuff.”

This mock convention consists strictly of volunteer activists. And I am quite comfortable in characterizing the group as solidly left of center, although I have met a number of fellow conservatives there (I expected to be the only one).

Mock Constitutional Convention: Session 2 | flashpoint (http://www.flashpointblog.com/2009/04/26/mock-constitutional-convention-session-2/ - broken link)

Here's the "Mock Constitution" that the ACCR folks adopted at the "Mock Constitutional Convention":

Preamble | Doc's Political Parlor

State Representative Paul DeMarco (R - Homewood) is the major proponent of 'article-by-article' reform (with the support of the ALGOP).

[RoslynHolcomb]

Actually the racism inherent in the document still applies, that's what it was set up for. Did you miss the part where I said it was designed to disenfranchise blacks and poor whites? What do you think the lack of home rule is about? Racist language aside the document itself is racist.

[Reactionary]

How are blacks and poor whites disenfranchised in Alabama today? Voter fraud by Democrats in the Black Belt?

Home rule can be passed by the legislature without a convention.

Under your logic that "the document itself is racist", so is the US Constitution (3/5 person, importation of slaves). Never mind that the 'racist language' has been superceded by Amendments...

[RoslynHolcomb]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

How are blacks and poor whites disenfranchised in Alabama today? Voter fraud by Democrats in the Black Belt?

Home rule can be passed by the legislature without a convention.

Under your logic that "the document itself is racist", so is the US Constitution (3/5 person, importation of slaves). Never mind that the 'racist language' has been superceded by Amendments...

If 3/5 of a person and the importation of slaves was still being enforced that would be a logical conclusion. If you read the document it is clear that the lack of home rule was deliberately set up as a means to keep power out of the hands of any but wealthy whites. As that provision is still in place, the constitution is by definition racist. The legislature does not have the will to change this. Even Bob Riley, a conservative Christian Republican has weighed in on the matter and he was shot down.

[prden]

Editorial from the Randolph Leader:
Overdue reform
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:17 AM CST

Alabama's constitution was created in 1901 and now has 836 amendments, making it by far the largest such document in the country. Another 25 amendments will be on the ballot this fall, many of them strictly local issues that should not require a constitutional amendment or a statewide vote.

Under our 1901 constitution, we are not allowed to change it unless our legislators allow us to vote on it, which they have been unwilling to do. A majority of them like things the way they are since the constitution puts all the power in their hands.

A resolution that would allow voters to decide whether to allow a constitutional convention to write a new constitution was voted down by the House last week 58-32. And that resolution would only have allowed us to vote on whether or not to convene a convention to discuss changes.

Electronic bingo is the big issue before the legislature now, and for some legislators it provides a welcome distraction from constitutional reform. With proponents and opponents rallying in the streets outside the Alabama Statehouse and with our top elected officials at odds as to electronic bingo's legality, this issue can't be ignored.

It's too bad constitutional reform has never received the same attention. Reforming our constitution could do more in the long run for our future and economy than any decision that is made concerning bingo.

[prden]

Most people in Alabama, when presented with the facts (and not swayed by fear or special interests) would say we need a new constitution. Our legislators are in the House and Senate today, and on Spring Break next week. Please call them today and over the next week to let them know we need a constitutional convention in Alabama. Find your legislators at Welcome to the Alabama State Legislature.

This is something that can be done that would move Alabama in a positive direction for the sake of good governance. Let's do the right thing.