Being reminded of why I love Jon Keller

[athenaltena]

"Voters here are not going to swallow a bunch of homophobic bile from out-of-staters, now that the issue of judicial 'arrogance' has been removed from the mix." - Jon Keller

I admit I was a combination of surprised and pissed when I heard the news that the leg. voted and passed the voting initiative, though it could still be shot down in another vote. But John as usual makes good points, and amongst a lot of doomsday talk I heard today this was a refreshing change. I can see why my dad likes this guy. ^_^

I just hope that the people of Massachusetts have realized that no, the sky hasn't fallen, and that I don't believe marriage has been "unsanctified" by allowing same-sex couples to marry in this state. My parents are still together, and in terms of divorce rates we're actually ahead of the national average. I just hope for the best on this, or I swear I'm moving to Canada. I really hope we don't lose Massachusetts.

Edit: Keller actually sent me a note after I thanked him which further lifted my spirits. I think it really was him, given the slight typo and the general tone:

Dear Rose….thanks so much for your nice note. Maybe I’m naïve, but I really do think that there are enough tolerant, fair-minded people in Massachusetts (and, ultimately, in America) who, despite whatever religious or moral qualms they may have, will find themselves unable to countenance the denial of freedom to committed couples who want to ratify their union by making a serious public commitment to one another. Gays and lesbians are too ubiquitous in our culture, too interwoven into the fabric of our personal lives and workplaces, to be treated as second-class citizens. Now that the “rogue court” issue is off the table, I expect that to become the focus of the debate, and predict a happy ending at the polls in 2008 (or sooner via defeat in the next legislative session) that will put the gay-bashers across America back on their heels, hopefully for good.

Best,
Jon

Comments

[aghostchild.livejournal.com]

it's so depressing that, despite the fact that america has come far in many respects, we have a long way to go in terms of gay rights. reading something contrary to all the homophobia is refreshing, though.

also, on a more trivial note, i have to say that your icon rocks :)

[athenaltena.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'm a bit more optimistic that perhaps the leg will keep it from going to ballot (they're also doing a change up of their people too) and that even if it does come I think people will have gotten used to the idea by 2008.

And thanks. I adore these two. <3

that's great

[fairiegodmother.livejournal.com]

it does sound like a personal response.

Re: that's great

[athenaltena.livejournal.com]

What's funny is he's actually met my dad (when the latter was still a reporter) prompting someone to jokingly label them a "bad combination" and apparently my dad had a good impression. I can see why. ^_^

[janus-2.livejournal.com]

AthenaAltena, you should never fear a vote on a subject. Why? The Constituition holds it as the greatest good and the very act of democracy; therefore, very important.

[athenaltena.livejournal.com]

I agree voting is extremely important and the very backbone of this country, but it makes me what I feel is understandably nervous when it's my civil liberties on the line, as well as the fact that they're being put on the same ballot that a question involving whether grocery stores could sell alcohol was on. It's the principal of putting the civil rights of a minority to the popular vote of a state that irks me more than the mechanism. It's scary to think that your future hospitial visitation rights are at the mercy of someone's decision on whether or not to vote.