Think seriously about your
vote
On the proposed seven
amendments
By D. A. Sharpe
We have a series of seven
amendments to the Texas Constitution proposed by the Texas State Legislature,
to be on the ballot in the General Election on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Anybody wanting to see what the State
Legislature says about them, the backgrounds, the pros and the cons, may visit
this 57-page posting on the State LegislatureÕs website:
http://www.lrl.state.tx.us/scanned/Constitutional_Amendments/amendments85_tlc_2017-11-07.pdf
My study of these seven
proposed amendments reveal that they all reflect good intentions, mostly
seeking to specify benefits for some segment of the population perceived as
needing help. What concerns me is
HOW we are asked to go about rendering help to these good causes.
First, letÕs think about what is a
constitution, either for a state or a national government? The definition IÕve found says, ŌA constitution is a body of
basic laws and principles that describes the general organization and operation
of the state and contains fundamental principles and norms that underlie and
guide all government action. Given the fundamental nature of a constitution and
its role in laying a groundwork to shape and support the state, a constitution
is usually expected to be long-standing and somewhat di cult to change or undo.Ķ
The principles are expressed in relatively
simple, basic terms. Whatever
additional specificities that may be needed are expected to be expressed in the
legislative works of the governing body (legislatures or congress). Such specificities may be modified as
needs change as supported by the legislature or the congress. A constitution, on the other hand, if
much more challenging to amend, and that character is intended so that
whimsical swings in the populationÕs thoughts do not make premature changes.
An example of a very controversial United
States ConstitutionÕs provision is the Second Amendment: ŌA well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to
keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.Ķ Most people would agree that further
regulation is needed for the management of such firearm provisions. We have
very detailed laws that the state legislatures have each developed for
themselves.
My
perception is that our current seven proposed amendments to the Texas State
Constitution fall into the category of being expressed more effectively in
legislative actions. These
proposals are introducing a growing degree of details and complications into
our State Constitution that are beginning to clutter the primary constitutional
document.
All
the subjects seeking to be benefited in these proposals are legitimate good
causes. My advice is to vote
against them all. Let the State
Representatives and Senators develop the needed legislation. ThatÕs my view, and it is not from the
standpoint of being an obstructionist!
I hope youÕd think about it before you vote.
Dwight
Albert (D. A.) Sharpe
805
Derting Road East, Aurora, TX 76078
da@dasharpe.com,
817-504-6508, www.dasharpe.com