THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 2, 1997 TAG: 9701310010
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 44 lines
Election years bring out the worst in the General Assembly. How else to explain the blizzard of odd and superfluous bills blowing its way through both houses in the state capitol?
Stranger still are several proposed constitutional amendments.
We urge lawmakers to refrain from tinkering with the state's constitution unless there are compelling reasons to do so. The constitution sets forth the fundamental principles of governmental powers. It is not appropriate for lawmakers to use it as a vehicle for their pet peeves and personal beliefs.
Constitutional amendments, while politically popular with legislators, ought to transcend the politics of the day and be used only when absolutely necessary.
Case in point: Chesapeake state Sen. Mark Earley, a vociferous opponent of gambling, has proposed an amendment to the Virginia Constitution that would make it unconstitutional for the General Assembly to pass any laws legalizing casino-style gambling.
Good idea, senator. Wrong way to do it.
There is absolutely no need to amend the Virginia Constitution to enshrine anti-gambling ideals. A law would be sufficient. Same goes for parental rights - and even victims' rights, the constitutional amendment that was approved last year.
Not only is a constitutional amendment not needed to prohibit casino-style gambling, but there is some question about whether a law or an amendment could stop the Lottery Commission from adding games like keno if it so desired.
As a matter of principle, we agree with Earley's opposition to expanding gambling in Virginia beyond the present lottery and pari-mutuel betting. Casino-style gambling is a nonproductive enterprise that creates no money and siphons cash from other segments of the economy. It appeals to the get-rich-quick instincts of the population, and studies confirm that it is popular with those who can least afford to lose.
Casino gambling is a destructive enterprise, and Virginia should do everything - short of fiddling with the constitution - to stop it.
If Earley had simply proposed legislation to ensure that casino-style gambling would not enter Virginia through the back door of the horse-racing industry or the existing lottery, we would enthusiastically endorse his bill.
But Earley's proposed constitutional amendment is a bad bet.