Crying all over myself
Proof positive that my dad rocks - here is one of the most concise, beautiful and personal arguments against voting on marriage that I have ever read (of course, I'm a little bit biased) - the above link has the backstory if you're all "Huh? I thought Massachusetts marriage was legal already!"
Dear Pat: [the representative in my hometown]
I truly appreciate the change of heart that led you to vote last January against the referendum for a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage in Massachusetts. I also hope you will use your considerable talents to influence a few other legislators to change their vote and help defeat this measure at the second Constitutional Convention. My daughter Liz W. and her partner Laurie T. will marry on October 7, 2007 after six years together. They are a magnificent couple: intelligent, responsible, successful, and devoted to each other. They are also devoted to their extended families and were wonderfully helpful during Terri's long illness. Terri was proud, happy, and supportive of their relationship. Before she passed away nearly two years ago, Terri told me (smiling) that she expected they would marry. I am only sorry that she could not live to see it. The idea that their marriage could come to be viewed by some as only a curiosity, if the amendment were to pass, is repugnant to me.
Defeat of the proposed referendum next week is so very important. Human rights are basic. They should not, and cannot, depend on the results of a popular vote. I personally believe that the majority of Massachusetts voters would reject this amendment, if left to their own devices and consciences. However, I fear the process to win votes will become an unpleasant and divisive national spectacle that we will have to endure over the next year, if this question is put on the ballot. The escalating and polarizing messages (from outside Massachusetts and from both sides of the issue) are likely to turn off or exhaust many fair minded people before it is time to vote. If that happens, the ultimate vote could hinge on which side is able to mobilize the greatest number of "true believers." That type of vote seldom does right for a minority.
We should be proud that the Massachusetts Constitution (and the U.S. Constitution, by the way) is so clear on equality and basic human rights. We should also be proud and thankful that our Supreme Judicial Court had the intelligence, integrity, and fairness to stand up and enforce the Constitution three years ago. History shows that such controversial, even unpopular, judicial decisions are occasionally necessary and ultimately reach mainstream acceptance to the great benefit of our society.
Respectfully,
Everett W.
Laurie and I will be demonstrating in Boston on Thursday, along with many, many others. If you'll be there, give me a holler - maybe we can chant together or stage kiss-ins or get lunch or something.
Dear Pat: [the representative in my hometown]
I truly appreciate the change of heart that led you to vote last January against the referendum for a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage in Massachusetts. I also hope you will use your considerable talents to influence a few other legislators to change their vote and help defeat this measure at the second Constitutional Convention. My daughter Liz W. and her partner Laurie T. will marry on October 7, 2007 after six years together. They are a magnificent couple: intelligent, responsible, successful, and devoted to each other. They are also devoted to their extended families and were wonderfully helpful during Terri's long illness. Terri was proud, happy, and supportive of their relationship. Before she passed away nearly two years ago, Terri told me (smiling) that she expected they would marry. I am only sorry that she could not live to see it. The idea that their marriage could come to be viewed by some as only a curiosity, if the amendment were to pass, is repugnant to me.
Defeat of the proposed referendum next week is so very important. Human rights are basic. They should not, and cannot, depend on the results of a popular vote. I personally believe that the majority of Massachusetts voters would reject this amendment, if left to their own devices and consciences. However, I fear the process to win votes will become an unpleasant and divisive national spectacle that we will have to endure over the next year, if this question is put on the ballot. The escalating and polarizing messages (from outside Massachusetts and from both sides of the issue) are likely to turn off or exhaust many fair minded people before it is time to vote. If that happens, the ultimate vote could hinge on which side is able to mobilize the greatest number of "true believers." That type of vote seldom does right for a minority.
We should be proud that the Massachusetts Constitution (and the U.S. Constitution, by the way) is so clear on equality and basic human rights. We should also be proud and thankful that our Supreme Judicial Court had the intelligence, integrity, and fairness to stand up and enforce the Constitution three years ago. History shows that such controversial, even unpopular, judicial decisions are occasionally necessary and ultimately reach mainstream acceptance to the great benefit of our society.
Respectfully,
Everett W.
Laurie and I will be demonstrating in Boston on Thursday, along with many, many others. If you'll be there, give me a holler - maybe we can chant together or stage kiss-ins or get lunch or something.