Here's your sign: That's right, we have to tell people they cannot be sheriffs if they are felons

Tired of all the bickering politicians? Ready to throw your phone across the room if you get one more automated call from ANYONE reminding you today is Election Day?

Well, then here is a little levity to get you through the day -- and to remind you that freedom has its price.

It seems that in North Carolina, on this very Election Day, voters had to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting anyone from serving, running for or otherwise deciding to set a career goal of being a county sheriff -- if they have been convicted of a felony.

You see, convicted felons cannot carry guns -- sort of a necessary piece of equipment if you are a sheriff.

It seems hard to believe, but, yes, there have been candidates who have been elected to posts with such a mark on their record.

Part of being an American is having the right to be a little cuckoo, but it seems really hard to imagine that any community would want to entertain the candidacy of a sheriff who had first-hand experience with the penal system.

But this is America -- and with plenty of goofy "duh" laws already on the books -- we in North Carolina hope to add another one.

No felons in our sheriff jobs.

Let's just hope it passes.

Published in Editorials on November 2, 2010 10:32 AM