SPECIAL UPDATE - 18 December 2007 -Explanation from the SHOW
As a follow up to my conversation with Tim Asher of the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative, and my interview with Ward Connerly from back in October, here is a little explanation of the lawsuit that is going on between the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative and the Missouri Secretary of State's office.
The Missouri Civil Rights Initiative wants a vote of the PEOPLE of the STATE of MISSOURI regarding the status of affirmitive action laws. They want an uncluttered statement to be presented to the PEOPLE and let the PEOPLE decide how to move foward on this.
This is what MCRI proposed:
The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.
Robin Carnahan's office came up with this interpretation:
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ban: affirmative action programs designed to eliminate discrimination against, and improve opportunities for women, and minorities in public contracting, employment and education; and allow preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin to meet federal program funds eligibility standards as well as preferential treatment for bona fide qualifications based on sex?
Seriously?
A 37 word sentence into a 60+ word bastardization? This is fair to the PEOPLE?
As I said on the air, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan OWES the PEOPLE OF MISSOURI AN APOLOGY. I would only ask that she do the right thing and present this opening clause followed by the 37 words presented by the MCRI. "Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to read:"
THAT puts it in the hands of the people. That allows discussion and debate. That is unbiased. That is the right thing to do.
THAT IS THE LAST THING I EXPECT FROM MS. CARNAHAN.
Surprise me, Ms. Carnahan. Give me that for a Christmas Present. Take it away from Judge Callahan, and do the right thing.
I dare you.
This is an article from The Weekly Standard that will provide more background.
