Call To Action

Read on if you have a sense of the broader implications of the proposed marriage amendment in Virginia.

You know that this is more than just an injustice to gays – bothersome at most. Or that this is more than a clever political ploy to energize the social conservatives. Or that this is more than the imposition of religious beliefs over civil equality. This is truly a civil rights issue and we find ourselves in the midst of it.

Virginia is the heartland of Washington, Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Woodrow Wilson – men who took courageous and progressive positions for their times, and fought so that we could have the freedoms we enjoy today? – Where are the Patriots of 2006?

Maryland and now West Virginia, ADJOINING states, have decided in their legislatures that they will not move their marriage amendments forward. We, Virginia, we are on the boundary of red and blue. More importantly, were this amendment to be stopped in Virginia – where it now has momentum and poll numbers - then that could be powerful. Bigger than just a win in Virginia. The nation might take notice of a turn in the tide. The tide of far right social conservative rigidity. And the good news is that there are signs that possibly this tide is turning in our favor – though far from being in our favor. Are there realistic scenarios in which this thing can be turned around and gain majority? Can we change the odds?

If you’re read this far then I hope you will understand that this is about “we”. In the original sense of the word – “we the people”. Those people who wrote those words originally were thinking about “We are the people” – us, just ordinary people clear about the core equality of straight and gays. And for those, those of you reading who want to make a difference, where there is a chance. This could be that time.

Reportedly, this will take a turn of one million voters in this state by November.

Be a part of this – find a way, a voice. Anyone who was a part of the civil rights movement of the 60’s will tell you, either how much that experience was a highlight of their life, something they are happy to look back upon. Or they will tell you how much they wish they had been more of a part of that experience and that feeling of participating in something bigger than oneself.

Consider a way to leverage your impact by using your common sense to persuade, or support the efforts of those who are out there persuading. Regardless of the process, a pivotal point will be when this cacophony of voices reaches critical mass and finds its common voice (which might be that this is indeed a civil rights issue), and thus reaches the attention of media, such that a much faster and broader casting of this message occurs.

Consider doing your part – this is your time in history – and if this is an issue that has touched your life – then do this so that future generations will have this gift - We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.