What’s in a name?
When it comes to politics, not so much. Especially when it’s time to name proposed legislation .
There are endless examples of this chicanery. The USA PATRIOT Act legitimized spying on American citizens, which doesn’t seem very patriotic.
The most significant climate change-related bill in U.S. history was called the Inflation Reduction Act. I mean, who could oppose reducing inflation?
The latest deceptively named proposal is the Make Elections Fair Arizona Act , also known as Proposition 140. If passed, four sections of the state constitution will be amended, and a brand-new section will be added.
It will encourage voters to interfere with the selection of other parties’ candidates. Finally, it will empower the Legislature to decide how many candidates can advance to the general election.
Which doesn’t seem very fair.
Once in the constitution, it’s locked in
The measure’s well-funded proponents promise their radical changes will increase voter participation and help elect moderates instead of far-right Republicans and far-left Democrats. As an independent, I agree that’s an excellent goal.