Because when you really take in what the Bishop is saying, it's jaw-dropping. Forget bloggers and pundits and activists. This man of the cloth sees right through the stoopid games going on here, and he hones in on exactly what needs targeting - the courage to lead over the politics of the situation. It's merciless and loving at the same time, which I guess is another way of saying that it is as pure a vessel of truth as I have seen on HB436.
Here's the bulk of his speech transcribed; all punctuation and any errors in the text are mine:
I want to address my remarks on the issue of timing. Some of you know that full marriage equality for all the citizens of New Hampshire is the right thing to do.
You know that in a reasonably short time we will look back on all this in shame, and wonder what the big deal was.
Your own children and grandchildren have probably asked you why this isn't the right thing to do now.
I know and understand that some of you are worried about your next election, fearing that your doing the right thing now will cost you.
It may.
But not doing the right thing will also cost you, not just in your next election, but also in your soul's self respect.
Some of you are worried about saving the governor from having to make a tough decision.
I get the politics.
But I'm reminded of another time when timing was the issue. Dr. Martin Luther King wrote these words from the Birmingham jail not all that long ago:
"While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities unwise and untimely.
"For years now I have heard the word 'wait.' It rings in the ear of every negro with piercing familiarity. This 'wait' has almost always meant 'never.'
We must come to see with one of our distinguished jurists that justice too long delayed is justice denied."
I am here today praying for you, praying that you will do what you know is right, and to do it now. I am praying that you will find courage. Courage to rise above your political considerations.
Courage to lead.
If full marriage equality will be right some day, it is right today. Don't give in to fearmongers who want you to believe that citizens don't want a fair New Hampshire. We do.
But we need you, our senators, to find the courage to make it so. You will be in my prayers.
