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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Yoga comes to Bellview ... Wet storm will bring mountain snow, valley rain ... FERC rejects Jordan Cove LNG project ... Yoga comes to Bellview ... Wet storm will bring mountain snow, valley rain ... FERC rejects Jordan Cove LNG project ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Fixing Citizens United is far from simple Comment By Barbara Klein and Lorraine Werblow DailyTidings.com By Barbara Klein and Lorraine Werblow Posted Mar. 11, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Barbara Klein and Lorraine Werblow Posted Mar. 11, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News With the death of influential Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the court has found itself at the center of presidential politics. One of the most controversial high court decisions remains Citizens United and its many resulting consequences. Interestingly enough, the issue of money in politics is not strictly partisan. Yes, there are some honest differences between conservatives (believing that how we spend our personal money is our own business) and progressives (believing that money in politics is ultimately corrupting). Still, there is agreement as well. A recent 2015 poll posted in the New York Times showed that 85 percent of Americans — including 80 percent of both Republicans and Democrats — are sick and tired of the stranglehold on our government and our politics that big money wields. With so many Americans concerned about this overwhelming issue, it is no surprise that ideas are floated to fight back and continue to preserve our union as we know it. Two of these efforts are as significant as the perceived problems. First is the idea of a constitutional amendment, to change the Constitution in a way that addresses, and hopefully decreases, undue influence and access obtained through money and donations. The second is a call for a constitutional convention — a right of the people via the states — to evaluate needed changes to the revered document. Indeed, it could be that the time is right for such actions. But neither of these approaches should be taken lightly. Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass members of the League of Women Voters of Rogue Valley recently finished a two-year national study on both of these processes. It is constitutionally protected that we the people have these rights. Moreover, we respect the activists willing to take on such life-changing reforms. But with a right comes responsibility as well. Sometimes actions can have unintended consequences. As an example, there are numerous bills with different language proposed to overturn Citizens United. Why different verbiage? Because even with the best legal minds, the language can have multiple interpretations. We support a government of, by and for the people. We support Americans working for change. We only ask people to pause to do their homework. Before supporting any action, or the plans of an organized movement promoting one-sided or one-issue results, learn what you are signing on to. Take a look at the final positions developed with input of Leagues around the nation, which detail the risk and beneficial considerations of amendments and conventions. You can view the full positions at lwvroguevalley.org . Barbara Klein of Ashland heads the League of Women Voters of Rogue Valley Action Committee. Lorraine Werblow of Medford is LWVRV co-president. By Barbara Klein and Lorraine Werblow DailyTidings.com By Barbara Klein and Lorraine Werblow Posted Mar. 11, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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