If the Idaho Legislators would actually read the bills written for them by the corporations, they would feel duped less often.

When I was young, people called me a gambler.
As the scale of my operations increased I became known as a speculator.
Now I am called a banker.
But I have been doing the same thing all the time.
-Sir Ernest Cassel

It’s ALL gambling, let’s make it all legal.

EDITOR NOTE–Admittedly combining the U.S. and Idaho constitutional issues. We cannot ignore the constitution(s) and observe only those with which we agree. Butch fights “to preserve Idaho’s gay marriage ban,” but won’t join to prevent local governments from going into debt without a vote. Some folks defend the right to bear arms, but want to allow slot machines which are currently unconstitutional. IT’S THE CONSTITUTION! You can’t just claim it helps the economy or creates jobs. We have to live by the rule of law. It takes an amendment of the constitution, not just “thinking outside the box.”

A couple of points Easterner. The ballot initiative process was tried with term limits and our brilliant legislature overturned it (Dave, correct me if I am wrong), And no consequences resulted for them As for amending the Constitution, I totally agree with your last sentence–it would solve a lot of problems.

touche erico49 on the Legislature overturning the will of the people. On that point in 3 other states about the same time-period their state supreme court overturned their term-limit laws- MA, OR, & WA.

So I suppose either the legislative or the judicial branch can wrongfully overturn the will of the people. Let’s add executive to the list as well with executive orders and vetos.

Propping up industries is sometimes necessary and good though. Space exploration, for one, as brought lots of benefits to society. Where we ought to be doing some “propping” is alternative energy and medical.

Horse racing is the “sport of kings”, and we all know that the wealthy can’t be expected to pay their way in life, hence the dire need to prop up their sport through slot machines. I predict a few outraged phone calls, and this will all be taken care of through a new Idaho Legislature bill to correct any issues that might hinder the wealthy from running their ponies.

Since we’re all political wizards here, let’s have some clarification

An initiative (a.k.a. popular or citizens’ initiative) is a means by which a PETITION signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters can force a public vote.
The VOTE may be on a proposed statute, constitutional amendment, charter amendment or local ordinance, or to simply oblige the executive or legislature to consider the subject by submitting it to the order of the day.

EDITOR NOTE–Easterner. You are sort of correct. Unfortunately, Idaho has no mechanism for citizens to initiate a constitutional amendment. The ONLY way to amend is for a 2/3 vote of both house and senate followed by simple majority of voters.

Further, the Idaho Supremes have ruled that a citizen–initiative creating a specific law (statute) has the same force and effect as any law passed by the legislature, so the legislature has the authority to repeal ANY law. That’s what happened with term limits. The catch 22 is that even if we all signed a petition to amend, it would be a futile effort because we have no standing as mere citizens to amend.

The prawns at Murphys were better than the Stagecoach.

The US Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, trumps the Idaho Constitution. That’s what happened on the same-gender marriage issue.

EDITOR NOTE–Debating the quality of food at CLOSED restaurants can happen only at the GUARDIAN!