Give Me the Rights I Already Have

Black History Month Surrounded by Wolves

We Demand the Rights We Already Have — Again [photo in government archives]

I’m dense sometimes and very slow on the uptake. I admit it. When I read how black Americans had the right to vote in 6 out of 13 states before 1800, then 9 out of 13, I think, great, black Americans can vote. Doesn’t that count as part of history? Is that what is called in law precedent? Then when the 14 and 15th amendments gave black Americans citizenship and the right to vote — at least for men — isn’t that the constitutional right to vote?

How can you get more legal than to put your rights explicitly into an amendment of the U.S. Constitution? So, when I read something like the following, I’m at a loss for understanding:

“The Voting Rights Act, adopted initially in 1965 and extended in 1970, 1975, and 1982, is generally considered the most successful piece of civil rights legislation ever adopted by the United States Congress. The Act codifies and effectuates the 15th Amendment’s permanent guarantee that, throughout the nation, no person shall be denied the right to vote on account of race or color.”

Clearly if it was already constitutionally a right, then the 1965 act is not more successful than the 14th and 15th amendment. And if it was so successful, then why did was extend it in 1970, 1975 and 1982? That sure doesn’t sound like success. “Every American can vote…