Legislators need to respect law, Constitution

Where are the playground monitors when we need them?

It seems we have some Utah legislators who think the people's house is their playground. Some act as bullies, doing what they want without regard for others. They ignore rules, make their own as they go along and do what they want. They seem to pay no heed to the serious problems individuals and families face such as trying to find jobs, keep the ones they have, feed their kids, get them to school, all the while praying they won't get sick because they could end up homeless.

In the meantime, we have lawmakers who claim to be fighting Big Government. They champion individual liberties, rule of law, accountability, free speech and respect for the Constitution. Some of these lawmakers are the worst offenders when it comes to imposing their power on local governments and school districts. Some call it hypocrisy.

Rather than thinking objectively about the problems our state faces, such as jobs, education, health and the economy, they seem more concerned with flaunting their power, picking and choosing the rules they want to follow.

Worse yet, they seem eager to consolidate their power by pushing a bill to have the governor select the chief justice of the Supreme Court instead of leaving the responsibility in the hands of the justices.

Last week, Rep. Curtis Oda, R-Clearfield, surprised his colleagues by introducing HJR24, a resolution to amend the state constitution to prohibit discrimination and preferential treatment (affirmative action) by government entities. This resolution reflects the arrogance of some in power by proposing new policies without understanding what is already in place or caring about the consequences of passing this legislation. This resolution shows a lack of respect not only for the Constitution but also lack of involving citizens in matters affecting their lives. Had Oda taken the time, he would have found the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, executive orders, subsequent court decisions, and Utah's anti-discrimination laws already protect citizens from discrimination.