I don’t like bringing you unwelcome news, but somebody must be the voice of reason around here. Here are some of the state level headlines bouncing around the last couple of weeks. “Missourians sign initiative petition to put abortion rights on the ballot,” “Petition Drive succeeds in placing new party on ballot,” “Pro sports teams submit petition signatures to legalize sports betting.”
These are all items that are likely headed to a statewide vote because our representative system is flat out broken. Regardless of how you feel about gambling or abortion or the two- party system, it is just ludicrous that these issues cannot be decided by the legislators that we elect and send to Jefferson City each year.
It is literally their job to bring these issues to a settled compromise and yet they have increasingly shown that they are incapable of reaching such compromises and time after time it is the citizens or special interests that literally throw up their hands and say, “I guess we have to do it ourselves.”
The good news is that you might get an actual say in legislation without donating money to a candidate, which is rare these days.
“Abortion rights” seems like an odd pairing of words. Just hunch over that ballot so no one can see and do what you want.
There is also a casino petition making its way to a future ballot. Planned for the Osage River that feeds the Lake of the Ozarks. I’m not sure if we’re going back to paddle boat casinos or what, somebody will let you know.
Why did gambling on the river seem more acceptable to us back in the day? Seems weird. But then again, the government wrote the rules and they’re the same group that produced COVID rules. Those were the days.
Is COVID over? It’s hard to tell. I traveled west last week and saw some mask wearers but just assumed that was a subtle hint that they were Joe Biden supporters. Maybe I’m wrong.
Speaking of Joe. I assume the Secret Service would have to protect Trump if they get him convicted and incarcerated, but I’m curious if the Secret Service would have to check into a nursing home with Joe when we get to that point in the next couple of months. Anybody know the rule on this? Is it in the constitution or just some handbook somewhere?
Based on Foley’s reporting, I guess the City of Platte City overtime extravaganza for the 4th of July is getting toned down. Pretty disappointed that Interim City Administrator DJ Gehrt didn’t double down on the recent controversy and announce a “Fight the Public Works Director” type event to anchor the celebration. Honestly, that would be kind of fun. Setting up a boxing ring and paying to throw some haymakers is the path back to public confidence. How big a fella is the new public works director anyway? Foley and I voted Kamler to be The Landmark representative in the contest, somebody let him know.
Foley will probably train him like Apollo did for Rocky. Check the local beaches for them in the coming days.
(Guy Speckman can be reached waiting in line for the paddleboat casino to open)