Our elected representatives do have a responsibility to express the will of the people by voting in a manner that reflects the views and desires of their constituents. But there also exists another, greater responsibility, one that appears to be completely overlooked in this instance. Legislators have the responsibility to function as a barrier against impulsive legislation that is in conflict with the common good of society. Normally these duel responsibilities coexist in harmony. But occasionally they are in direct opposition. It is such times that test the leadership and courage of our elected representatives.
I’m calling on all state legislators to fulfill the responsibility the electorate has entrusted them with. Whether you are in favor of casino gambling or opposed to it, vote in accordance with your judgment on what the lasting effect such a constitutional amendment will have. Don’t simply pass the buck. Do what we’ve sent you to Frankfort to do, lead."
Some additional comments regarding my position and the basis of my opinion...
While researching for this letter I recalled a passage that appears in Federalist 71. In it Hamilton writes...
"When occasions present themselves, in which the interests of the people are at variance with their inclinations, it is the duty of the persons whom they have appointed to be the guardians of those interests, to withstand the temporary delusion, in order to give them time and opportunity for more cool and sedate reflection. Instances might be cited in which a conduct of this kind has saved the people from very fatal consequences of their own mistakes, and has procured lasting monuments of their gratitude to the men who had courage and magnanimity enough to serve them at the peril of their displeasure.”
This is truly a timeless passage that is as applicable today as it was in 1788, perhaps more so. Far too many legislators conduct their business in such a manner that leads one to believe that many of these elected officials haven't even heard of the Federalist Papers, let alone read them. That is truly a travesty.