(Editor's Note: This article first appeared in The Detroit Free
Press on Dec. 11, 2011.)  The most important political divide is
not between Democrat and Republican, but between the people and
those who govern them. After last month's recall of state Rep.
Paul Scott, R-Grand Blanc, don't be surprised if lawmakers now
unite in bipartisan harmony to restrict the people's right to
recall any of them from office.  Just such a measure has been
introduced by a Democrat in the Michigan House. Republicans
control substantial majorities in both the House and the Senate,
but they will need help from Democrats to pass it. That's
because recalls are a constitutional right in Michigan, and the
Legislature cannot propose an amendment to the people without a
two-thirds vote of each chamber.  Recalls are rare but powerful.
A lawmaker faces a recall election if citizens numbering 25% of
those voting in the last gubernatorial election in the district
sign a legally approved recall petition. If a majority of voters
in the next