Doing the Right Thing
Not something for which the Massachusetts State Legislature is exactly world-reknowned. But, nevertheless, it looks like they've gone and done it.*
For the record [read: for anyone who's reading my blog for the first time], I think this proposed amendment and its implications for the people of Massachusetts are indefensible and appalling beyond measure.
But, for those who were arguing that the measure should have been killed "by any means necessary", even if it meant denying the petitioners' right to...well...petition, be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.
The next time it could be you and your organization walking into the State House with your boxes of signed petitions, looking to have your initiative acted upon by the legislature, as would be your right under existing state law, only to have your voice silenced by the leaders in the House and Senate who happened to disagree with your political agenda.
And to all of you pontificating lately on the importance of equal rights for all people, again, be certain that you really mean what you say, and are ready to practice what you preach.
Speaking as someone, who, until a few weeks ago, was a member of one of the most oppressed minority populations in Massachusetts, I feel compelled to offer a little refresher course.
Applying the definition of equality to our Constitutionally-protected right to keep and bear arms (as I'm wont to do), I'd sum it up thusly:
A true state of equality, where equal rights exist amongst all citizens, must include a condition in which the right of a person to choose to own and carry a gun is as sacrosanct as the right of another to choose not to.
And, at the risk of repeating myself...
"Equal rights for our side only!" has always been, and remains, the rallying cry of tyrants and their ideologically-blinded supporters the world over.
_________
* Almost (see this post from David at BMG for more)
BOSTON -- Lawmakers in Massachusetts, the only state where gay marriage is legal, on Tuesday voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, a critical step toward putting the measure the 2008 ballot.
For the record [read: for anyone who's reading my blog for the first time], I think this proposed amendment and its implications for the people of Massachusetts are indefensible and appalling beyond measure.
But, for those who were arguing that the measure should have been killed "by any means necessary", even if it meant denying the petitioners' right to...well...petition, be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.
The next time it could be you and your organization walking into the State House with your boxes of signed petitions, looking to have your initiative acted upon by the legislature, as would be your right under existing state law, only to have your voice silenced by the leaders in the House and Senate who happened to disagree with your political agenda.
And to all of you pontificating lately on the importance of equal rights for all people, again, be certain that you really mean what you say, and are ready to practice what you preach.
Speaking as someone, who, until a few weeks ago, was a member of one of the most oppressed minority populations in Massachusetts, I feel compelled to offer a little refresher course.
Equal (adj):
- like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.
Equality (n):
- the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.
Applying the definition of equality to our Constitutionally-protected right to keep and bear arms (as I'm wont to do), I'd sum it up thusly:
A true state of equality, where equal rights exist amongst all citizens, must include a condition in which the right of a person to choose to own and carry a gun is as sacrosanct as the right of another to choose not to.
And, at the risk of repeating myself...
"Equal rights for our side only!" has always been, and remains, the rallying cry of tyrants and their ideologically-blinded supporters the world over.
_________
* Almost (see this post from David at BMG for more)
