Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt was killed by an IED in Afghanistan, months before Don't Ask, Don't Tell was finally extinguished.
...It is not lost on us that Andrew died protecting rights that he himself could not enjoy,
especially the right to marry the person he loved...
His parents have continued to speak out against against bigotry, especially with respect to some Minnesotans' attempts to enshrine it in their constitution; an amendment to forbid same-sex marriage will be on the ballot in November.
Now his father has gone a step further -- Jeff Wilfahrt is running for State Representative in Minnesota's SB 57B against a Tea Party Republican Kurt Bills, who voted to put the amendment on the ballot and who proclaims himself a "non-environmentalist" -- whatever that -- an advocate for toxic chemicals?
Wilfahrt has entered the race, not only to address the "discrimination and inhumanity" of the anti-gay marriage amendment, but also to address the many inequities we seem to be building into our communities... There are additional issues that set Wilfahrt apart from his competition, such as women's health and choice.
He's running on
a platform of the three E's:
Economy:
We can offer incentives and tax advantages to help business thrive and hire, but we can't rely solely on the private sector. We also need government to invest in rebuilding our infrastructure and creating jobs for and of the future. Jobs that will move our country forward such as new energy technology and ways of delivering innovative and affordable health care.
Equality:
... Equality means protecting the rights of all our citizens. It means having a state government that's accountable to all Minnesotans -- regardless of economic status, race, age, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.
Education
... Affordable higher education has to be a priority. We need to find ways that will allow students who want to continue their education after high school be able to do so without incurring massive debt...
It may not be a race that will gain national prominence, but I can think of few things sweeter symbolically than for Mr. Wilahrt to defeat a Tea Party bigot in November while we watch as Minnesota's anti-gay amendment goes down to defeat. I think his son would have smiled thinking of that.
If you feel like showing Mr. Wilfahrt some support, here's his campaign donatation page.