The Senate Appropriations committee will vote today on SB 1250 -- The heretofore named and so-called "Gay Marriage Ban" Amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution. This proposal, championed by Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster), is the latest attempt to add discrimination to the Constitution of PA. More importantly, this is a clear indication of lost priorities by the governing body of this state. As Pennsylvania wrestles with issues of tolling I-80, lowering unemployment, attracting green employers, taxes and the like; I fail to see how "protecting" marriage from gays is a high priority? This ranks somewhere up there with the late night raise the legislature gave itself a few years back.

Among the millions of Americans frustrated with the refusal by the federal government to forcefully control illegal immigration is South Carolina Senator Glenn McConnell.  As President Pro Tempore of the Senate McConnell has explained why he is calling for the nation's first use of the US Constitution's Article V provision for a convention of state delegates to propose constitutional amendments.

"While this action is unprecedented, I also believe that the danger facing our country is unprecedented.  We need to act now.  ...Congress has refused or is incapable of acting, thereby leaving the states in the position of burning while Congress fiddles.  ...the problem of illegal immigration is one that has reached a boiling point," said McConnell, a Charleston Republican.

American: So you mean that if you Australians don't vote, you get a fine?  
Australian: Yeah, and when you Americans don't vote you get George W. Bush.

As surely as politicians lie, citizen apathy produces democracy atrophy.  Much more than a right - in a democracy voting is an irrevocable civic duty.  No mental gymnastics can help you jump over this ugly reality: Voter turnout over all American elections averages markedly less than half of eligible voters.  This disgrace must be fixed.