Keep Amending it Until We Get it Right

The Florida State Constitution now spells out exactly how pregnant pigs should be tied. (They should be able to freely turn around!)  What should be a serious and rare task, amending the state constitution, has become a somewhat casual affair here in the Sunshine State.

Politicians and other interest groups have sponsored referendums that have amended the Florida State Constitution for what seem to be increasingly trivial matters. Some of these amendments, like light rail, were issues that failed as ordinary legislation

Recent constitutional amendments dictate:

• Development of a high-speed rail system
• Banning smoking in the workplace
• Limiting cruel and inhumane confinement of pigs during pregnancy

Laws requiring parental notification of a minor's abortion were struck down by the state Supreme Court. Now, Florida State House Speaker Johnnie Byrd (R-Plant City) is proposing an amendment that would require parental notification should a minor seek an abortion.

It seems like the only way to get anything done in this state is to simply amend the constitution.