After watching hundreds of students rally at the Capitol for a rewrite of the state’s century-plus constitution, it could be concluded that out of the mouths of young people come some pretty wise words.They were in Montgomery to tell their representatives that a constitution ratified 106 years ago lacks the relevance it needs in today’s world.
They know because they’ve studied it. They see the racial implications in it. They see the concentration of power in Montgomery rather than back home where it belongs.
And they’ve seen just how backward the most amended constitution in the country really is.
That’s why they rallied, and that’s why lawmakers ought to take heed from tomorrow’s leaders. It is time for a change in Alabama that will finally bring the state into the 21st century in terms of the document that governs it.
No longer should racist language be allowed to linger within its pages. No longer should lawmakers in Montgomery decide whether the people back home can decide an issue that is purely local, or voters across the state be allowed to decide the fate of an issue that applies to a single county or community.
It is as absurd as continuing to amend a constitution that already has almost 800 such changes to it, proving time and again that it is indeed broken, and it needs fixing once and for all.
This week, a bill by state Rep. Demetrius Newton, D-Birmingham, is expected to be heard. In that measure, Newton asks what seems to be a simple question: Do the people of Alabama want to call a constitutional convention next year?
But rather than taking that question directly to the people, lawmakers get to answer first. For years, they’ve said no, and the issue dies. And for years, dedicated representatives like Newton have resurrected it for a vote again.
This time around, we hope Newton will be successful in his quest. It is holding this state back in education, in economic development and in everyday life issues that need to be decided at home.
Lawmakers need to let the people of Alabama decide their future.
Those young people rallying in Montgomery see the need and are pushing for change. Let’s hope lawmakers see it, too.
