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| Governor's stem cell petition, lawsuit are just politics |
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Governor's stem cell petition, lawsuit are just politics
A Lansing State Journal editorial
There is a line between appropriate and inappropriate use of public resources, such as state government Web sites.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm's online petition to push repeal of the state's research ban on embryonic stem cells doesn't cross it, though.
Nevertheless, the Thomas More Law Center in Ann Arbor has filed a federal lawsuit for pro-life groups against Granholm's petition. They argue that because the governor denies them equal space on the site for their views against such research, their free-speech and equal protection rights are violated.
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That logic doesn't track.
Granholm has twice been elected to the state's highest executive post. Her views on embryonic stem-cell research are well-known. Now, plenty of Michigan citizens don't agree with the governor on this point, but such a disagreement does not constitute a constitutional violation.
So, exactly how does the use of a Web site to rally public support for her position block opponents' free speech?
The lawsuit's "solution" is to require Granholm to post another petition, this one for citizens to sign urging lawmakers to uphold the research ban. That would put Granholm in the position of using her office to advocate against itself; that's not how Michigan's system of government works.
If citizens want, for example, a governor who works to keep embryonic research barred, they should elect one. Citizens cannot be on the losing side of an election and then expect the winner to bow to their views.
And is it a violation of Democrats' equal protection rights when a Republican legislator votes Republican, or vice versa?
It is expected and long accepted that political officials will use their offices to advance their views on public issues. To the victor go the spoils, after all.
There are plenty of issues about access and fairness in Michigan government right now. Finding out who elected officials talk to is one. Allowing lawmakers to receive free meals and gifts is another.
This Web petition, though, falls squarely into the category of the advocacy required of politicians - and citizens - that makes democracy work. |
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Our mission is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men. NOW seeks to eliminate the roots of sexism in society by actions, including lobbying, educating and mobilizing the community on women's rights issues. |
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Our dear friend, Claire Colman lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, Dec 10th 2009. Claire wore many hats in her work with Oakland County NOW. She designed the Oakland County NOW website and in the past created our newsletters. Claire also served as a past President and Treasurer for Oakland NOW. Not only did Oakland NOW lose an activist but we lost a good friend. Claire, you will miss you and will never forget you.
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