Rant: Morse Recall Election Quickly Turning Into a Farce

Although recall elections date to ancient times, modern recalls have been rare, and reserved for elected officials who are guilty of the most egregious types of corruption or malfeasance. But it will surprise absolutely no one to note that they’ve been making a comeback during these past few divisive years.

In 2011, there were a record 11 recall elections of state legislators. The previous high was three. (Much of this activity was concentrated in Wisconsin after Governor Scott Walker’s move to end collective bargaining in the state.) This year in Colorado, some disgruntled citizens are trying to recall Democratic Senators John Morse and Angela Giron, primarily over their support for Colorado’s recent gun control legislation.

This is the democratic process at work. If the recall supporters get enough valid signatures, which it seems they have in both cases—or more accurately, in most cases—the elections go forward. However, both legislators were elected before the Aurora Theater Shooting, which was followed by the Newtown, Connecticut massacre, which was followed by a national push for broader gun control laws.

The question for the voters in Morse’s and Giron’s districts: Why are you surprised that two Democrats would back gun control in the wake of two of the most horrific mass shootings in American history? Debate the merits of the Second Amendment all you want, but if you want to protect it until the bitter end, don’t vote Democrat.

Much like for filibusters and Constitutional amendments, the bar for recall elections should be set unusually high so as not to distract from the business of making government work. A proportion of the electorate suffering from buyer’s remorse simply doesn’t meet the standard.

Rave: New Art Festival a Welcome Addition to the Summer Calendar

This weekend, Rio Grande Festivals and Dash Events present the Cheesman Park Art Fest, a juried gathering of more than 100 artists working in a variety of media. The free event features pottery, paintings, glasswork, jewelry, photography, crafts, and more from all over the country. It also will showcase musicians, street performers, artistic demonstrations, and—of course—food trucks. As Denver continues its evolution as a first-rate arts destination, this event adds one more gorgeous setting in which to enjoy the latest in creative possibilities. For more information, check out the festival’s site.

Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., southwest corner of Cheesman Park near Eighth Avenue and Williams Street.

—Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Follow 5280 articles editor Luc Hatlestad on Twitter at@LucHatlestad.