I realize this is a sports blog, but indulge me for a moment to comment on Amendment 2.

There are three reasons to vote against Amendment 2 that the average person may not be aware of.

First, Amendment 2 bans cloning, then defines cloning very narrowly as the implantation of an embryo into the uterus. This would mean that cloning as we know it from Dolly the sheep would not be "cloning" as defined by Missouri law. The language in this section is extremely deceptive. They can clone embryos all day long under this bill, just as long as none are implanted.

Second, Amendment 2 would require that cloning measures allowed under federal law be made legal in Missouri. Missourians would forfeit their right to control laws on this topic and defer to national opinion. For those who understand constitutional law (I'm an attorney), this should send a chill down their spine. Our nation is a republic of 50 states. The federal constitution is designed to defer power to the individual state unless the federal constitution specifically grants the federal government power. This is important in that it allows states freedom to set its laws and policies and protects us from a tyrannical central government. This amendment would undermine this principle and defer our right to control our laws on cloning and stem cell research to the whims of the rest of the nation. Proponents have gone this route to pull the issue out of the hands of Missourians and put it into the hands of more like-minded states like the liberal northeast.

Third, by defining "cloning" in the constitution, the law would be insulated from court challenges since by definition, the constitution cannot be unconstitutional. Ironically, the extreme left has often used the courts to advance their cause, but in this case, they have cleverly crafted a means of taking this issue out of the courts.

Amending the constitution is a powerful and drastic measure. This deceptive and dangerous language does not belong in the Missouri constitution. Vote NO on Amendment 2.