Today's NYT editorial on the need for ME speaks volumes on all sorts of levels... http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12...
Separate and Not Equal
Civil unions are an inadequate substitute for marriage. Creating a separate, new legal structure to confer some benefits on same-sex couples neither honors American ideals of fairness, nor does it grant true equality. The results are clearly visible in New Jersey, which continues to deny same-sex couples some of the tangible civil benefits that come with marriage.
Gov. Jon Corzine of New Jersey has long said that he would sign a measure granting the right to marry to couples of the same sex. We are heartened that he has declared that that should happen sooner rather than later.
The NYT is a bastion of the establishment of this nation. Their editorial board would only be called "left wing loonies" by the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity etc.
I understand the reality that homophobia is/has been part of the general cultural conditioning to which most (if not all) of us have been subjected.
I understand that this issue is a "hot potato" and is one of the "big three" that Republicans have often exploited (guns, gays and "god"......btw, "god" is in quotes and not capitalized because I don't believe in a God that condones bigotry....that's a human failing)
I do understand, however, that many socially conservative Democrats just "don't think we're ready" for this kind of change "right now".
I disagree.
Perhaps, if a poll were taken right now, the majority of New Jerseyans (in general and of those likely to vote) would be uneasy with ME. The operative phrase there is "perhaps". Here's one poll that is actually quite encouraging. (done by Zogby for GSE....it will bring up a PDF)
http://www.gardenstateequality...
This is one of those issues that can touch the Conscience of people in such a way that, once they "get it"; they become Graced with an ability to abandon their prejudices and fears.
Just as many non-Blacks were key components of the civil rights movement of the 50's and 60's it will take many thousands of us from the so-called "straight" community (some of whom I dare say may be far "kinkier" than is obvious) to inform, reassure and inspire our fellow "straights".
This isn't just about abstract idealism. It's about overturning unjust and hurtful laws that harm the lives of our friends, neighbors and family members.
We can do this.
This is a winnable issue; if/when the proponents succeed in touching the hearts, minds and Spirits of the bulk of the opposition.
Most people are not hard core bigots; those people won't be convinced without some kind of severely shocking incident in their own lives lighting the path; but we can reach the bulk of people who have real fears about what such a change would mean in their own lives.
We need to address the propaganda and the lies and the hateful vitriol that the opposition puts forth on this issue, all too often under the guise of religion or Godliness.
I could go on at far greater length making the case; but perhaps those point will emerge in the comments.
Here's a bit more from today's Times.....
We regret that the leaders of the state?s Democratic-controlled Legislature do not view this issue with the same urgency. Senate President Richard Codey, for instance, said recently that progress in civil rights areas ?is typically achieved in incremental steps.? We suspect that political expedience is clouding Mr. Codey?s sense of fairness. Next year in New Jersey, the governorship and all seats in the Assembly are up for grabs in an election. Some Republicans already are talking about making their opposition to same-sex marriage a campaign issue.
Governor Corzine typically takes the right side on important issues, but he has been known to retreat in the face of opposition. We hope that?s not the case here. It?s past time for him and for the Democrats in Trenton to find the political courage to extend the right to marry to gay couples.
The bottom line is that marriage is a civil right. It's a civil procedure in law which requires a civil license....and allowing ME is no threat to anyone's freedom to limit/restrict the kinds of marriage they recognize in their own religious ceremonies/beliefs.
Again, I could go on "bottom lining" at great length; but let's see if anyone out there has anything to say on this....
PS
The progressive agenda is like a rope ladder made of many strands. Success and energy directed in one strand reinforces all the "fibers" of our struggle at each step towards "a more perfect union" |
