Letter to the Editor: What does it say? What does it mean?

Perhaps you have heard something about the amendments that are on the ballot in November. You might have taken the time to read them. Maybe you have had discussions with friends and family about what they say.

Recently, a group of women met to discuss these amendments and we could not agree on the meaning of the words as written.

Will amendment #1 enshrine the “right to work” in our state by putting it in our constitution or will it take away the choice of an employer on who they choose to hire?

Will amendment #2 clarify the process of who will take over for a governor if the need arises, or will it give the power to remove a governor to unelected officials? 

Amendment #3 with its indentured servitude clause, has seen challenges in other states which have passed similar amendments. Challenges that inmates should be paid minimum wage. It was dismissed this time, but what about the next challenge?

Amendment #4 simply removes a clause prohibiting a pastor from holding a seat in congress. This has not been enforced as we currently have pastors serving in office. This seems simple, but what changes will occur if this clause is removed? Will it leave an opening that will have unintended consequences or change the meaning of other wording in our constitution?

We the people have the power to change our constitution, but we do not decide what effect they will have. It will be decided in a courtroom with two attorneys arguing their points of view and a judge who will tell us what these amendments really say and what they really mean.

Karen Clayton

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