45 Years Too Late

The Texas Senate engaged in a bit of political showmanship last weekend, but they were just a little bit late -- about 45 years late. They ratified the 24th amendment to the United States Constitution.

In 1962, Congress passed the 24th amendment and offered it for ratification to the states. The amendment banned poll taxes in elections. In 1964, the amendment became part of the Constitution and the law of the land, after being approved by all but 12 states. Texas was one of those states that refused to ratify the amendment.

Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) said, "Better late then never." I have to disagree with him. The ratification would have meant something in 1963 or 1964. Today, it is little more than a sick joke.

But it's about right. Texas is usually about 50 years behind the rest of America.