March 23, 2006
Culpeper, VA Dispatch
A sixteen-year-old gay teen versus George Allen.
http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/03/culpeper_va_dis.htmlCulpeper and a Senator vs. Civil Liberty
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"Senator Allen," I began, leaving a bit of a pause, "I think we both can agree that what the majority may think, is not necessarily always constitutional. Take a look at history - slavery for example, that was supported by a majority of our citizens at one time, but it by far was not constitutional, and it by far was invading the basic freedom of citizens in this country. We can not say that majority rule is necessarily constitutional when it comes to issues of human rights and basic civil liberty. I, as of now, do not have the choice to be married."
"Yes you do!" Senator Allen shot in.
"Not to a man I don't," I said back...continuing, "I am 16, I am still in high school - and I am worried solely because I am defined a second-class citizen in this country. From issues relating to marriage (all 1,138 federal rights granted to heterosexual couples), to not being able to serve this country, to adoption and a number of other issues - I am not granted basic civil liberty that this country was founded upon, how is that constitutional?"
Senator Allen gave a response unlike any other I have received from anyone. His response was in agreement to my statement on history and majority rule - contrasting his previous statement, but a continuation on support of un-constitutional legislation. Clearly this debate was going nowhere - the audience kept cheering at his responses and I did not have the support of the room. I realized I had made my point clear, given strong examples, and no further discussion could shift the room - I thanked him and stepped down from the podium and a flock of reporters swarmed around me asking questions. Senator Allen looked over nervously, motioned to a reporter said her name and said he did not know the New York Times was there. Interestingly enough, she turned around and looked to me for questioning. Senator Allen made a quick move and called my name saying that he wanted to be clear he did not support the harsh treatment of slaves at the time. I said that I did not mean to make a parallel to the treatment of the slaves in historical text - but rather the fact that majority rule at that time was clearly un-constitutional and invaded upon the freedoms of citizens. I turned around, gave all the reporters the information they requested and sat down. One of the ladies I was sitting with leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You really are a voice to be reckoned with!" - I let out a slight laugh as the room sat still in response to what has shaken the communities of Fauquier and Culpeper: issues of basic civil liberty, this time it is for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens - a true issue that is not meant to be ignored, even in the most conservative counties of Virginia.
Senator George Allen has every right to defend his views as he sees fit - however no man has the right to attempt to redefine a constitution established in order to protect the basic civil liberties of all citizens equally under the eyes of the law in our great country.
MORE AT:
http://tullysatre.livejournal.com/8396.html
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