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Chris Dodd for Marriage Equality

by: Dean Barker

Mon Jun 22, 2009 at 18:32:48 PM EDT


Chris Dodd's turnaround on marriage equality has resulted in one of the most eloquent releases I've ever read.  It's worth reading in full, but here are some highlights:
Public officials aren't supposed to change their minds. But I firmly believe that it's important to keep learning.

...While I've long been for extending every benefit of marriage to same-sex couples, I have in the past drawn a distinction between a marriage-like status ("civil unions") and full marriage rights.

The reason was simple: I was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. And as many other Americans have realized as they've struggled to reconcile the principle of fairness with the lessons they learned early in life, that's not an easy thing to overcome.

But the fact that I was raised a certain way just isn't a good enough reason to stand in the way of fairness anymore.

...I believe that, when my daughters grow up, barriers to marriage equality for same-sex couples will seem as archaic, and as unfair, as the laws we once had against inter-racial marriage.

And I want them to know that, even if he was a little late, their dad came down on the right side of history.

The momentum to marriage equality across the states hit a little bump recently when those two ne'er-do-wells in the NY State Senate decided to become Republicans, or something.  So this small, but powerful piece of news is important in keeping it going, if only to add a voice for equality among the most tone-deaf club in town, the U.S. Senate.
Dean Barker :: Chris Dodd for Marriage Equality
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Hopefully, this will empower other senators to do what in their hearts they know is right. (4.00 / 3)

Once they see it isn't so hard to say that you've learned something, grown, and changed your mind.

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  

Eloquence (4.00 / 2)
As a side note, I think Dodd's conversational eloquence was unmatched among the 2008 candidates. Obviously, Obama's rhetoric was virtually untouchable, but as far as things on the cuff, Dodd was far and above the best, in my mind. I'm glad to see his thoughtful change-of-heart on this issue.

[ Parent ]
It Would Be Nice... (4.00 / 1)
...to have greater enthusiasm for marriage equality from two of our Congresspeople and our United States Senator.  Judd Gregg is a lost cause.  It would also be great to see them cosponsor an effort to end the Defense of Marriage Act.  

Road Trip (4.00 / 2)
I posted this on another diary, so forgive the redundancy.

I'm planning to go to Connecticut in early Fall.  I want to show my respect and love for Chris Dodd by knocking on a few doors or making a few calls for him.  Who's up for a road trip?

Perhaps we could connect with the folks from My Left Nutmeg and have a get together.  Hamsters and Nutmegs, what fun!

Justica para todos.  Justice for all.  Pass it on.


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