Join us on radio every Sunday, 5-8pm on 710 KNUS, DenverTo listen online from anywhere, click 710knus.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The consent of the governed in a republic, said Abraham Lincoln, means resolving public issues with ballots rather than bullets. Lacking that, even if actual violence doesn't break out, the sense of injustice grows, faith in democracy fades, and "government for the people" loses credibility. The ballot is that important!
I was reminded of Lincoln's insight on recent TABOR campaign trips to Maine and Kansas. Maine allows citizens to petition for changes in their laws and constitution, and they've done so this year to put a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights on the ballot. Conservatives are heartened and liberals are panicked. But Kansas lacks the initiative process, and TABOR is stalled legislatively despite Republican control of both houses. Our neighbors envy Colorado's petition rights -- and the prosperity TABOR has helped us build.
Ballot issues of 2006 will be our theme this Sunday on "Backbone Radio with John Andrews." Jessica Corry of the Independence Institute, my former mike partner on the show, will host the program as I take a travel day.
Eminent domain, classroom spending, traditional marriage, marijuana legalization, pension reform, domestic partnerships, judicial term limits, and illegal immigration -- all may be on the ballot this year, and Jessica will scan the spectrum for you. I'll check in by phone to talk about the last two, illegals and judges, as well as petition rights -- which is already confirmed on the ballot.
Please join Jessica Corry and me from 5-8pm this Sunday, April 2, on 710 KNUS in Denver and 710knus.com around the world. Call in with your two-cents at 303-696-1971. Or comment by email, during the show or right now, at backboneradio@aol.com.
There's nothing else quite like Backbone Radio, the most principled, most patriotic, most faith-based, most Colorado-proud spot on the dial. I invite you to join us for another lively Sunday evening of fact, opinion, and insight.
Yours for self-government, JOHN ANDREWS