All of us relish giving unsolicited advice to our elected representatives. Some of us do it with a cup of coffee in our hand as we read the day’s headlines. Others offer it with a ballot on Election Day. Still others offer advice on the pages of this newspaper.
Here is my advice to members of the Indiana General Assembly, and it is simple: Please remember your oath of office.
The Indiana Constitution requires every elected official to take an oath “to support the Constitution of this State, and of the United States.”
That oath applies to every law that a member of the General Assembly proposes, debates and votes upon.
The U.S. Constitution is a document of genius. The U.S. Constitution has guided us to be a nation of liberty and prosperity. All the more reason that our elected officials heed its words. Granted, some of those words can be a bit unclear. But the United States Supreme Court interprets and clarifies ambiguities. That is the role of the courts in America’s system of checks and balances. The ACLU of Indiana can help, too. In fact, holding government accountable to the ideals of the Constitution is the only thing we do.
So, it is not all right to draft and submit a bill that you know to be unconstitutional. It is a violation of your oath of office. The U.S. Supreme Court has been quite clear, for example, that public schools may not direct that the school day begin with the Lord’s Prayer. Legislators can do many things to foster and encourage a peaceful and prosperous society without violating the Constitution. Our laws may not prefer one religion over another, or discriminate against our neighbors, or infringe on our freedom of expression or deprive us of our right to fair and due process.
What can legislators do within the confines of the Constitution to prevent, for example, acts of violence such as the tragedy in Newtown? State Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) offered a suggestion on his website. “Our country must do more to address the topic of mental illness. … Could similar instances be prevented if we take the right steps to ensuring those with mental health issues have the support and resources they need?” The ACLU of Indiana couldn’t agree more with Sen. Delph in this instance.
The ACLU of Indiana began this new year winning a case on behalf of mentally ill prisoners in the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections. The U.S. District Court found that the isolation and lack of treatment of mentally ill prisoners violated the Eighth Amendment prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. Further, these prisoners will be released someday into our communities. Better for them — and us — if we improve their mental health.
So, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, keep the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions before you. Your oath to support the Constitution applies to the laws you draft and pass and to the resources you appropriate and allocate. Voters are watching. The ACLU of Indiana is watching, too. We stand ready, as stewards of constitutional rights and responsibilities, to offer advice and, when necessary, to fight for those rights on behalf of all Hoosiers.
— Jane Henegar
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana
Indianapolis
Opinion
FLASHPOINT: We ask state legislators to abide by their oath of office
- Opinion
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EDITORIAL: It’s happening, and it’s here
There’s nothing to do in Terre Haute or in Vigo County.
Or Marshall, Ill. Or Brazil. Or Paris. -
EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
- More Opinion Headlines
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Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
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Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
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Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
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Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
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Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Paula Deen Admits to Using N Word
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Men's Wearhouse Founder Fired
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Miss Utah Explains Rambling Response
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
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Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
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Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
