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!

So from my reading source:

“Citizens of Idaho may only initiate legislation as a state statute. Idahoans may also repeal legislation via veto referendum, but cannot place a constitutional amendment on the ballot via initiative.
The Idaho State Legislature, on the other hand, may place measures on the ballot as legislatively-referred constitutional amendments.”
(Also noted in that reading, is not all state operate the same on this topic).

Guardian, would it be possible for a citizens initiate to make a directive to the legislature to put a gambling “amendment” on the ballot… not that they would, but if it is ever possible from the citizens that would have to be the route taken? that would just add an additional step in the process…
Correct, or is there something missing?

EDITOR NOTE–Doubtful at best. A “directive” would have no power. It goes back to “we deserve what we get because the majority voted for them.”

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.

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.

Just the same as the gay community (and everyone) should have proceeded with a ballot initiate to reverse the previous initiate instead of pursuing a legal case IMO.

The point of this quote is ‘gambling’ is really a relative term.
Gambling- paying for tuition hoping to get a job to pay back the tuition, that’s chancy.
Start a business. Considering 50%+ of businesses fail, that’s a gamble.
Investing your money in Albertson’s stock = legal gambling.
Driving down the road at 80Mph,,,, you’re kind of gambling that things go well. Lose and you could lose “everything”.

Sitting around a table playing poker with friends- big deal!
Let’s legalize gambling – and concealed carry, marijuana, prostitution, and money laundering too. 🙂