Vote no on "Marsy's Law"

Doyle Heffley’s latest newsletter mentions that he is working to eliminate property taxes.  Just like in previous years.  The man is truly relentless.

He also writes about “Marcy’s law,” a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution concerning victims’ rights.  It would let victims know about proceedings in courts and allow them to be heard in pleas and sentencing procedures.  It passed with no dissenting votes in the legislature.

We now get to vote on whether we want it in the Constitution.  While I have no objection to the law, it does not belong in the Constitution.  This is not a constitutional issue.  It is a matter for legislation.  If the bill contains something we would like to fix down the road, a simple legislative act won’t be enough.  We would again need to amend the Constitution.  Did you ever read the Pennsylvania Constitution?  Neither did I.  It’s a chock full of stuff like this.

The Constitution should be reserved for the institutional rules of government.  It is not for simple bills.  Legislators know that.  So why was it passed unanimously?  Because no one wants to appear to be against victims’ rights.  An opponent might use that no vote in the next campaign. 

Do the right thing.  Vote no in November.