Saturday, December 5, 2009

The cowards of Albany

Progress toward equality took another hit on Wednesday in New York. As advocates for freedom for all stood and bravely spoke, the bigots and cowards sat back and quietly agreed to keep a minority group out of the club.
The non-delusional opponents of gay marriage all know the jig is up. They know their arguments are weak and refutable at best and unconstitutional at worst, so they resort to red herrings like Senator Tom Libous':
“I just don’t think the majority care too much about it at this time because they’re out of work, they want to see the state reduce spending, and they are having a hard time making ends meet. And I don’t mean to sound callous, but that’s true.”
So, what does that have to do with the topic at hand? Nothing.  Sen. Libous is playing on the fear of New Yorkers, because he knows fear works. The only thing passing this bill could have done economically is throw money at caterers, formal wear shops, photographers et cetera, helping them make ends meet.
The principals of freedom we are so proud of in this country are special because they are fragile. A weakness of the democratic process is if enough people get together and decide to shut a minority group out, they can do it. They know they are doing it, and they should feel the appropriate shame.

2 comments:

Clay said...

Completely agreed.
And while he may not "mean" to sound callous, it is callousness and its finest.

He could have just as easily said, "Sorry folks, we are too busy and troubled to worry about your claims to equal rights, public recognition, and pursuit of happiness."

D-Dub said...

Exactly. Thanks for the input.

"Yes yes yes, you are people too, but we REALY have to do something about these damned potholes!"