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Interest in Proposition 2 outs other issue
Lamar County voters in unprecedented numbers are turning out for early voting, according to County Clerk Kathy Marlowe. More than 600 residents had cast their ballots at the end of the day Monday, making an average of about 100 people a day filing through the county clerk’s office in the basement of Lamar County Courthouse Annex. I have a problem with Proposition 2 although I believe in the sanctity of marriage and that marriage should be defined as between one man and one woman. What concerns me about this amendment is that it prevents those who have different lifestyles than I the same legal protections, benefits and responsibilities as they would have if Texas allowed civil unions. The Bible clearly says it is not for us to judge others. The way I see it, this amendment is a way of passing judgment on others. Although Proposition 2 is the catalyst for a record turnout, I would also call your attention to Proposition 4 as being a much needed amendment. The other seven amendments offered for public approval are mainly housekeeping proposals.. Proposition 4 could be a life saver. If approved, it would give Texas judges authority to deny bail if defendants violate conditions of their release while awaiting trial. The Associated Press shared the following account. Faye Jewel Bell Harris, of Jacksonville in East Texas, was returning home from church Aug. 3, 2003, with her daughter and mother when her estranged husband opened fire with a shotgun, killing her. The slaying was the culmination of violence against her by her husband, Michael Harris, whom she was divorcing. He already was out on bond on an arson charge for burning down his wife’s house. A writ was filed to reduce the bond, the judge granted it but set conditions of bail, the AP report stated. He was not to contact or communicate with the victim. After that, he assaulted her, tore up her car and continued to harass her. Each time he was arrested, bail was set. Had Proposition 4 been in effect, Harris would not have been out on bail the day he opened fire with that shotgun. Proposition 4 will definitely get my vote Tuesday although some criminal defense attorneys argue the amendment would expand the power of judges to deny bail based on everything from DWIs to theft by check. A judge, opponents say, could claim a first DWI defendant poses a threat to the community and refuse to grant bail. In the same light someone who commits a theft by check offense could be held without bail because they could be considered a threat to the business community. Opponents also point out current rules covering bail have historical significance. They came about after Stephen F. Austin, known as the “Father of Texas,” spent more than a year in prison with no means of getting released, according to the AP report. He was incarcerated while trying to negotiate with the Mexican government for a separate government for Texas. After he was freed in 1835, he was drawn into the Texas Revolution that gained the state its independence. Although opponents may have reasonable arguments, I’ll take my chances with our judicial system and the belief that judges will be fair with the assessment of when bond should and should not be granted. I agree with the amendment’s author state Sen. Todd Staples, R-Palestine, when he said the amendment makes an important statement. “I think this amendment says in Texas it’s high time victims’ rights and safety take precedent over criminals,” he said.
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