Racism Charged in Battle Over Amendment 2

It had to happen, didn't it?

Spiver Gordon, an SCLC board member from Eutaw, says, "In 2004 it's a disgrace we still have vestiges of segregation in our Constitution." I agree wholeheartedly. The remaining parts of the Alabama constitution that enshrine segregation should be removed as soon as possible. They are immoral and a lingering source of racial strife in a state that has made great strides in conquering its old demons.

But, it's just not accurate to say that opposition to Amendment 2 is a "'smoke screen' to hide a racist agenda for political gain." As one of the drafters of the original version has said, "The issue of whether the state can create a right to public education and all questions of equity funding, separation of powers and philosophy of governance is a debate beyond and apart from the original intent of what we had drafted."

Amendment 2 should be rejected in its current form, and the original version should be submitted to voters at the soonest possible date.