A wee bit of activism

[eurydicebound]

I've never been one for protesting, really. I've never been in the right place at the right time, nor have I often felt my voice would truly accomplish anything. In this, though, I felt compelled to act. I have very little idea it will make any sort of a difference, but this time it's worth speaking, regardless of the effect.

I went to the California State web page, and I found the email for the governor. I sat down and wrote this letter, and I'm quoting it here.

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I am writing to praise the actions of Mayor Newsom, and to urge you not to back down from the challenge before you. I am a heterosexual woman who has been happily married for 13 years, and I am 100 percent in favor of allowing gay marriage to happen. This is a pivotal moment in US history, a moment when we will define ourselves as a nation who can either leap ahead to face the challenges of the day, or one who will cling to past filled with hatred and ignorance.

This is something that harms no one, that gives joy to human beings and allow us to take a great step forward in civil rights. You would think as a nation that everyone could get behind such a simple concept, but such is not the case. Instead, many otherwise good and decent people allow themselves to be ruled by fear, by ignorance, and by precedent and oppose this, claiming some nebulous harm that cannot logically be supported. This is not the time to allow fear to run our lives, Governor. It has already done so for far too long, and the entire country has suffered from it.

I recognize that the people passed Proposition 22. I also recognize, however, that it is a discriminatory measure designed to salve the fears of the majority. It is an unjust law and deserves to be changed. You may feel that you are in no position to speak against the will of the people, but I argue that if you are not, then there is no one who is. We Americans like to feel comfortable. We don't like to be scared, and change scares us. But allowing ourselves to injure others simply because we fear change -- when historically change has been what has done us the most good as a nation -- is a sin against all that we hold dear as Americans, and violates every principle behind the founding of this nation.

I also know you have a conservative base, and that I recognize that for you to speak out in favor of Mayor Newsom's acts could jeapordize that support. But I am convinced that there is a way it can be done, if you look closely enough. A man such as yourself, who has shown so much drive and commitment to achievement, can surely not rest comfortably while the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the nation as a whole passes you by. Don't be reconciled to the spectre of the career politician who always plays it safe. The greatest moments in life are always risky, and yet they are almost always worth it as well. You are no stranger to risk. Don't walk away from it now.

California has always been among the most forward-thinking states in the nation, on the cutting edge of environmental and social policy in many ways. Don't let fear stop you now. Be the hero you've played on screen so many times before. Throw your support behind Mayor Newsom's initiative, and do the right thing. We're counting on you.

Michelle Lyons


If anyone else feels suitably motivated, the email for the governor's office is governor@governor.ca.gov <governor@governor.ca.gov>. Have a nice day, everyone.

Comments

[whisper-jeff.livejournal.com]

Kudos. Were I an American, I would be sending an email. Were I Californian, I would absolutely be sending an email.

My email would be nowhere near as well-written as yours, but the message would be the same.

Again, kudos.

[oakthorne.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :-)

It is because of the actions and opinions of people like you that I was actually able to sit down with my partner recently and discuss the prospect of an actual marriage with him, rather than simply a "commitment ceremony." We discusses the idea that the family we are going to build might eventually have the same legitimacy in the eyes of the law that the families of our neighbors do.

I would have never hoped for this even five years ago.

So, as someone who may directly benefit from the actions of yourself and thousands of folks in exactly your situation, I appreciate it.

Joseph

[wilthoughts.livejournal.com]

You suitably motivated me to write to the governor. I think I'll leave it at that. :)

Are y'all still coming down? Just because Bree will be gone doesn't mean we can't get together. :)