I am not in favor of Ohio’s current system of amending our Constitution. I hate it when proposed Amendments are on the ballot that I oppose. I even hate it when there are measures that I support.

Popular vote just doesn’t cut it with something so important. We just end up with a special interest with enough money to gather signatures to put their pet project on the ballot. That’s how we got Casinos (which in principle I do not oppose, but I voted against because (1) it was a monopolistic Amendment and (2) I HATE AMENDING OUR CONSTITUTION THIS WAY). That’s how we got the defense of marriage thing passed a few years back. It’s basically Amendment by FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt).

So I’ll do what I do best, and throw an idea out and see if anyone will join me.

Let’s propose an amendment to abolish amending our Constitution by popular vote. In it’s place, let’s create a Constitutional Convention style process (forgive me if I’m not using this in it’s proper context, I’m just thinking out loud). If people really see a need to amend the Constitution, then have them start at the grass roots level with conventions so that all voices can be heard and a proposal can be crafted with those voices in mind. Then, like amending the US Constitution, each individual County must decide whether to put the proposal up for a vote. To pass on the County level, the proposal must pass by super majority, e.g., 2/3 of the voters. Then, in order to be an Amendment, 2/3 of the County must approve it.

Sounds hard to Amend the Constitution this way? You bet. It shouldn’t be easy to amend a Constitution. Real thought and debate must go into it. Not deep pockets, FUD and sleazy marketing campaigns.

cc: Photo by buschap