Courage and Leadership

by: Dean Barker

Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 07:43:09 AM EST
Bishop Gene Robinson's decision to step down has already been noted here and here on BH, but given his further elaboration on NPR yesterday about the death threats he has had to live with, and the pride he expressed on radio of his marriage thanks to the civil right granted to him in New Hampshire, I think it's worth revisiting his testimony during that struggle:
(A transcript is below the fold as well.)

The courage and leadership of New Hampshire Democrats, as well as a not insignificant group of reasonable, freedom-loving Republicans, made the right of marriage a reality in New Hampshire.  Someday it will be commonplace throughout the United States.  But we led the way.  This is something to be proud of.

We need courage and leadership such as was shown on this issue now more than ever. To all who played a role, and who will play a role, thank you.
   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.
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