Governor Patterson on Marriage Vote: "I Understand The Anger"

[racaulk]

New York Governor David Paterson released a statement in reaction to the marriage vote:

“It is always darkest before the dawn. The darkest day in the history of the American civil rights movement was in 1857 when the Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott, making slavery legal north of the 36th parallel. That was the darkest day for the abolitionists. But when we look back in history, we forget that this was only five years before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in September of 1862.

“I understand the anger; I understand the frustration; I understand the feeling of betrayal; and I understand the profound disappointment of those who came to Albany today thinking they could get married tomorrow. But I am also here to tell you that we are not back to square one.

“Governors don’t come to the Senate floor after losing a vote. This one does, because this is a fight that is bigger than one legislative vote. This is a civil rights issue. Marriage equality is as important as the emancipation of any group from oppression and the granting of equal rights to any community.

<---snip--->

Link: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/12/governor-paterson-on-marriage-vote-i-understand-the-anger.html
_______________________

Gov. Patterson has been a tremendous ally and friend throughout this process, and his commitment to full equality is to be celebrated. A class act all the way.

Now this is what a fierce advocate looks like.

:hug:

[ruggerson]

1. What a thoroughly good man

n/t

[mitchtv]

2. that must be why

Our fierce allies in DC want him out

[David Zephyr]

3. They sure don't like him, do they?

If I were a New Yorker, he'd have my vote.

[ruggerson]

4. kick n/t

[GodlessBiker]

5. kick. Thank you, Governor.