Ohio Votes "No" To Making Democracy Harder

There is a line that you can't prosecute during an election campaign, but we are basically in a continual campaign these days.

Ohio followed the Progressive Era theme and gave more power to the people, through direct democracy.  This allows a simple majority to amend the state constitution.  But, what about when there is an abortion rights measure on deck and a gerrymandered anti-choice Republican legislature?  

Well, after already recently doing away with mid-summer elections as low turnout misguided affairs, you try to increase the threshold needed.  And, since the people like having the power to amend and continuously have shown an interest in protecting abortion rights, it was strongly rejected. 

We live in a democratic republic.  The people have a lot of power but there is a general move toward representative government.  But, this includes certain basic rights that should not be lost in simple elections. Things like basic liberty and equality.  So, no, this is not really a lesson on why abortion rights should be up to popular vote.   Sorry, Alito.  

A woman's control of their body is a basic requirement for true equality.  This was recognized in early abortion disputes.  And, protecting things that further sexism does have 19th Amendment implications.  Either way, reproductive liberty covers a lot of ground, essential for multiple rights. 

Onward to November in Ohio. 

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Meanwhile, after extending the time a few more days, the Supreme Court today voted 5-4 (Barrett with the majority) to for now reinstate a "ghost guns" regulation.  We can guess why, including why this time Gorsuch and Thomas aren't concerned with a national injunction, but it would be guesswork.