“The 23rd Amendment”
When this Amendment was first proposed in 1960, after strong bi-partisan support from both IKE and JFK during the early Civil Rights era, it was promptly ratified about 19 months later in 1961.
I do not believe that the 23rd Amendment could ever be added to the Constitution in today’s political climate.
The Twenty-Third Amendment allowed the only entity besides a state, the federal District of Columbia, to be permitted to have residential electors in the Electoral College, but not to exceed the number of electors of the smallest state (3). Of course, there has since been an unsuccessful push to add two additional amendments concerning the District of Columbia.
First, mainly the Democratic Party, would like for D.C. to have voting representation in the House (1) and in the Senate (2), like any smaller state such as Rhode Island, Delaware and Vermont. The same people would like to allow D.C. to have a voice in voting future Amendments up and down. The 23rd Amendment does not permit this however.
At the current time, Washington, D.C. has a population of around 650,000 people (the same as Louisville, Ky.). Wyoming, the least populous state has a population of approximately 675,000 people and 3 members in Congress.
Finally, the local civic leaders of D.C. would like to have Home Rule, instead of everything being micro-managed by Congress. This Amendment is supported by the Democrats but generally opposed by most Republicans. As I always say, “there will be no additional amendments to the Constitution in the foreseeable future.”
If you are floating, be aware that the low-water time of the Ozark streams usually runs from late July to early September.
There are no deaths of friends to report on this week. Although I understand that an elderly lady of a local family passed away recently in Douglas County. This was Douglas County’s apparent first corona virus caused death.
And by the time that this column is printed in the Herald, I imagine that the August primary results will be known. Of course, there will be a few shouts of joy, but a whole lot more tears of defeat.
Brown’s Cave will likely be a lively spot. Permission should be sought from the Abbey prior to visiting the large mouthed but muddy historic cave.
For a good discussion of picnics and family gatherings at the historic cave located on Bryant Creek, about 2/3 of a mile above (river left) the Monastery bridge, please search out Sonita Brown’s wonderful book on the local history of her family in Douglas County.
When I last checked, there were copies available at the Douglas County Historical Society and the Douglas County Library.
Now, get up and go enjoy our beautiful Ozarks outdoors!
