A Penny For Your Thoughts

The Constitution is under attack again! A quick look at some of the bills in the Virginia General Assembly session reveals that the Bill of Rights, so carefully crafted by Fairfax County resident George Mason, is not being honored in the very state that gave it birth.

The assaults range from the serious to the silly. A bill by Delegate Dave Albo (R-42) would deny eligibility for state or local public benefits for anyone who is not an American citizen or legally present in the United States. Barred benefits may include pregnancy testing and family planning, non-emergency primary health care, and mental health/ mental retardation/substance abuse services provided by the Community Services Board. There are many sides to the argument, but the bill goes on to require applicants for such assistance to provide proof of being in the United States legally. Can’t you just imagine trying to get help for a family member, and being asked to produce your passport each time? By the way, the bill allows a Virginia driver’s license as proof, but only if it was issued after January 1, 2004. That leaves me out! What about you?

House Joint Resolution 586, introduced by Delegate John Cosgrove (R-78), would amend the Virginia Constitution, and its Bill of Rights, to re-define marriage and would not recognize lawful civil arrangements from other states. One of the historical hallmarks of our Republic has been that each state recognizes legal contracts from other states. The proposed amendment would terminate that time-honored respectful approach while, at the same time, conferring special rights on only some people. Funny, I thought the Constitution was supposed to protect the rights of all.

The fashion police were out in force when Delegate Algie Howell (D-90) introduced House Bill 1981, which would have imposed a fine on people wearing pants that showed their underwear. I’m sure Delegate Howell was expressing every parent’s frustration about teenage dress but, fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and the bill was defeated.

Another bill, just introduced, would impose a $250 fine on drivers who subject passengers and other drivers to pornography shown on vehicle DVD players. If other drivers are close enough to see what is playing on your car DVD, you’ve probably got a different problem!

Back in 1789, George Mason had a falling out with George Washington over the Bill of Rights. Washington thought the Constitution was fine without amendments; Mason insisted that the first 10 amendments were necessary, a position that has been reinforced time after time. I wonder what the Georges would think today. Supervisor Penny Gross may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov

Supervisor Penny Gross may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov