Many people wonder why simple, straightforward, no-nonsense, good-government legislation fails to pass although it appears to have universal and overwhelming support and appeal for many voters and legislators.

You say, “It takes an act of Congress to get that done,” and in politics there is no clearer truism. It is really hard to pass a piece of legislation through Congress and it is equally difficult to channel a bill through the labyrinth of legislative approval in Alabama.

Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature and can be reached at www.steveflowers.us.