I am not ...

[Libertas1776]

(this is in reference to a post on the breaking news board regarding a "poll" where the majority of Americans oppose Gay Marriage, but I thought my thoughts would be better expressed on this board)

the biggest history buff...but I am pretty certain the majority of Americans (or at least a very sizable number) were not in support of full civil rights for blacks and the like, or were happy when the US Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court recognized the inequality and overturned, much to the chagrin to a LARGE portion of America. Eisenhower believed that it was too soon but as the President, he was loyal to his duties first than his feelings, and he upheld the decision, including by force when it became necessary.
There was still a difficult road ahead, but the court had made its ruling and set a HUGE precedent that would advance Black rights in America to the point where we now have a Black President.

But now just imagine that court, with its "activist" judges, did not take that groundbreaking initiative and take on segregation in America and instead followed a similar, wait and see, state by state, too soon, give it time attitude that is currently being taken with GLBT rights by the govt and the courts. Well Mr President? Not only would you not be the Head of State of the most powerful country in the world, you would not even be allowed to vote in most states. But that's not what happened Mr President, for people higher up in power took the initiative and realized that civil rights were more important than offending the sense and sensibilities of state's rights. They made sure that Blacks could attend the same schools as whites, eat in the same restaurants, vote in the same elections, and as your mother and father knew...marry people of another race. If I remember correctly, the great majority of Americans did not support interracial marriage when the Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia, just as they won't support Gay marriage now. But the court did it anyway. Thanks to great leaps of faith by the courts and the government, you have these inalienable civil rights, MR. President, that no one can deny.


All I ask is that you take a leap of faith for us, Mr President, as so many brave souls have done for you in the past. If only. :grouphug:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

1. Great post

[Libertas1776]

2. Thank You

I'm just saying what I feel.

[Starry Messenger]

3. What a lovely post.

I hope you will post more often. :) k&r

[Control-Z]

4. Really good post, Libertas1776. n/t

[Left Is Write]

5. I don't understand why the "majority" of Americans get to "vote" on civil rights

anyway.

Bottom line: My right to get married is not up for referendum. Regardless of what the "majority" of Americans might think of my marriage, no one had the right to tell me I couldn't get married.

WHY WHY WHY, then, do people think it's okay for a "majority rules" mentality when it comes to same-sex couples getting married? Isn't this country supposed to be about protecting the minority from oppression from the majority?