Weighing in
A weekly look at reader comments and reactions to the news
The legal battle over keeping secret the names of those who supposedly signed petitions that forced an unsuccessful statewide vote to repeal the Washington Legislature’s “anything but marriage” law drew skeptical comments last week from the nation’s highest court, which is considering whether it thwarts government accountability. Readers waged their own rigorous debate at www.spokesman.com, where in addition to the full comments you’ll find complete coverage of this and other issues of interest to the Inland Northwest.
Another_Perspective: A government of, by and for the people … and we should know whom “them” people is that wants to enable our laws.
Gramma: Just because I sign to put something on the ballot doesn’t mean I will vote in favor of the bill when the time comes. I think it is appropriate to let people choose if they want or don’t want a law passed. I don’t think it is appropriate to have the names posted for all to see that signed the petition to put the issue on the ballot. If that happens, then people will stop signing petitions to put items up for a vote.
Chefxh: Oh, boo hoo, call the waaahmbulance. Signers fear “potential harassment.” Again I have to stress the difference between the secret ballot, which no one wants to change, and the need for transparency in the legislative process.
Empyrius: If anybody has a belief they are too cowardly to openly declare then they do not even deserve a vote! Anonymity is for cowards! So declares Empyrius (Spokane native Craig Jones, that is)!
Mr. Natural: So let me get this straight (OK poor choice of words): This is being debated to keep gay haters in the closet (ha) or to say “I’ll sign it but don’t tell anyone I did.”
JayNW: I wonder how this argument would turn out if it were the signers of the legalize marijuana petition whose names were to be disclosed. Their argument to remain anonymous would be that if the cops had access to their names, then they would be harassed/arrested. As long as there is a process to validate the names on the initiative petition, which there is, then there is no real reason to have the names published.
Megan_B: Because straight people are so often harassed by the homosexuals … riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. I hate to break it to you kiddos, but we’ve got a long history of it being the other way around. The gays and their straight supporters just want equality and freedom for every American citizen. Their opposers want to (secretly) block the way with their medieval thinking for as long as possible.