The worst legislative acts generally come from an infrequently-formed coalition of religious conservatives and ultra-liberals. Since the only thing these groups have in common is a desire to get re-elected, the bills produced by their coalition can generally be counted on to protect the incumbency, to demagogue an issue pertaining to women and children, or to feather the bed of a special interest who contributes to both. The latest example is a bill allowing casino-owning Indian tribes to block development bordering their property. Here’s a story from the San Diego Union Trib: Sacred-sites bill passes Assembly
SACRAMENTO — In a decisive vote that appears to assure final passage, the Assembly yesterday approved a measure to give Indian tribes broad new discretion over sacred sites anywhere in the state.
The contentious legislation was amended substantially on Monday to address what most agreed was express tribal veto power over projects that threatened sites considered spiritually or religiously significant.
Whether the state’s more than 100 tribes retained an indirect veto spurred a fiery debate before the Assembly passed the bill on a 53-12 vote that split party ranks and reflected tribes’ growing political clout.
The only opposition to this bill came from the small number of moderate Republicans in the Assembly, folks like Charlene Zettel and Jay La Seur. The impact of the bill comes from the fact that “sacred site” is undefined.
The governor is reported not to like the bill, and he may veto it. I doubt Simon would have the balls to oppose the Religious Right part of this coalition, personally, so sometimes it’s good to have a venal, pro-business hardass in the corner office.