Iowa U.S. Senator Tom Harkin now supports marriage equality

[t0dd]

From Pam's House Blend
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/10891/iowa-us-senator-tom-harkin-now-supports-marriage-equality



I hope this gives other fence sitters and jellyfish on the Hill the idea that they can not only discuss marriage equality, but change their position on it, legitimately saying their thinking has evolved. (Are you listening Mr. President?). (Quad City Times):

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin said Friday he no longer holds the same views he held when he voted for the federal Defense of Marriage Act that prohibited federal recognition of same-sex marriage nearly 13 years ago.

Harkin described his own evolution on the issue during a taping of Iowa Public Television's "Iowa Press," which airs this weekend.

"We all grow as we get older, and we learn things and we become more sensitive to people and people's lives," Harkin said. "And the more I've looked at that, I've grown to think differently about how people - how we should live. And I guess I'm at the point that, you know - I'm to that point of live and let live," Harkin said.

Notice there is no mention of religion; that's a clear sign that Harkin knows this discussion is about civil marriage and the road to cultural acceptance of -- indeed -- a redefinition of marriage. In either case we are talking about an institution -- no matter what the bible-beaters say -- has evolved over time. He also took a fearless swipe at NOM, saying "There's always going to be some who feel that they have to push this issue, and for whatever reason, they're going to try to push it and try to divide people up, but they're on the losing end. They're on the losing end of history."

[Debi]

1. YAY!

:7

[rurallib]

2. By golly, I have a "Friend of Tom" card right here on my desk

Could use a little polish.
Thanks Tom!

[Bluzmann57]

3. Our local paper did a story on this

And one comment called him a "flip flopper". What one thought 13 years does not make one a flip flopper. We all change and evolve over time. Anyway, glad to see that our fine Senator has "flip flopped".

[Toasterlad]

4. Why Don't You Fucking Tell the Truth, Tom?

I believe what you actually SHOULD have said was, "Like most politicians, Republican or Democrat, I don't really give a shit who marries who. However, because there are many morons in this country who are opposed to homosexuality either because of fanatical superstitious voodoo or some society-bred 'ick' factor, I have been forced for many years to pretend that I believe same-sex marriage is wrong on religious grounds. Now that the wind is shifting, especially in my own state, I think it's time that I reversed course and pretended to have wrestled with this issue and come to the conclusion that same-sex marriage is a right that should not be denied (for as long as it takes for a referendum to reverse these decisions). While you and I all know that I am a cowardly, opportunistic hack who's only agenda is promoting myself, you'll smile and pretend to applaud my 'bravery', because we know how the game is played: from the big coward in the White House all the way to the lowest, slimiest Representative."

[WillParkinson]

5. Hush your mouth!

You can't expect an elected official to speak the truth now, can you? Nooooo. They need to hide behind their facade and that way when the winds switch again they can bend over the other way.

[Libertyfirst]

6. I don't give a damn why he changed. Politics, growing wiser,,etc.

I care that he did and announced it. Maybe I settle for too little, but I don't care what a person's motives are if they do the right thing. I'd gladly accept 60 other senators doing the right thing for whatever motives.

[Toasterlad]

7. You Absolutely SHOULD Care

If a politician "changes his mind" just because it's politically safe, he can just as easily "change it back" when it's not.