The essence of democracy is majority rule, the making of binding decisions by a vote of more than one-half of all persons who participate in an election. However, constitutional democracy in our time requires majority rule with minority rights. Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, expressed this concept of democracy in 1801 in his First Inaugural Address. He said,
All . . . will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect and to violate would be oppression.
In every genuine democracy today, majority rule is both endorsed and limited by the supreme law of the constitution, which protects the rights of individuals. Tyranny by minority over the majority is barred, but so is tyranny of the majority against minorities.
Today was a shining example of what happens when we allow the majority rule to limit the rights of the minority.
Gay people been done a huge wrong today in North Carolina. This should never go to a vote because numbers dictate the odds are against them. I think for fairness, I must disclose that I am not gay yet have family and friends that are. My enviroment is similar to most people - those that are in denial that they don't know or are not related to someone who is not heterosexual are either obtuse, blind or both.
As a heterosexual - I have always been one the side of full and comprehensive rights for all, regardless of sexual preference.
To the citizens of N.C.who voted for limiting the rights of people today I have one question......
WTF?
Let me ask again - WTF - or as my father would say, "What the fuck?"
What gives you the right and the say to dictate how another individual chooses to life their life?
Is gay a crime? No. Is gay a disease? No Is gay a choice? No
Gay is a person - with a Mother and a Father - they have Granparents, brothers, sisters, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. They have friends, pets, they go to school. They are everything that you are - they are no different than you - if they're cut - they bleed - when they're mourning - they cry - just like you.
How can you look in the mirror and feel good about telling someone else - they don't deserve the same things you take for granted? Things that if they were in the majority and you were in the minority, wouldn't come into question - something that every single gay person I know would NEVER even consider limiting for you.
Do you think God looks down at his creations and say's - "They're not worthy."
God created Gay people - they didn't stray - like a criminal - like a deviant - they are Gods children as you are if that's your thing,
I live in Connecticut and I'm proud that our State understands that same sex marriage is acceptable. Trust me, there are many in Connecticut who would like to be like North Carolina and limit the rights of others - but even a Republican Governor in Connecticut understood that the United States does not stand for limiting the rights of the minority.
To all those who lost a battle tonight - please don't fear for it is just that - a battle - what is right is on your side. You will prevail and you will be granted something that should have never been in question - your rights to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness.