Arlen Specter is as purely political an animal as I have seen in my short political life. His expressed viewpoints on legislation swing wildly depending on what he calculates he needs to do to stay in power. He switched to the Republicans in ’80, and switched back recently to the Democrats – so he can be re-elected, and so he can run with whoever the American people seem to think are the cool kids right now. That’s all he wants – to keep his seat, and hold onto power as long as his ancient hands can grip it.
It was interesting to see him declare, recently, in the Huffington Post that he thinks it’s time to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT); it interests me that he makes the call so public for these bills to be passed.
I know Senator Specter has already survived a challenge from the right as a Republican. Now he wants to survive a challenge from the left, by Rep. Joe Sestak, and it’s pushing him left. There are two things about this that are exciting to me and to my very observant husband.
First, a Senator loudly calling for pro-gay legislation is, in and of itself, a big deal. Not long ago, this kind of advocacy was political suicide. Even more significant, it appears that Senator Specter feels that he must trumpet the call for equality in order to survive politically. For us this is a sign that times have truly begun to change. Advocacy for LGBT equality isn’t just a grass-roots pipedream. It’s a political reality and the number of allies we have in Congress is growing. As more states go free, and LGBT equality becomes established law, so more Senators and representatives will follow the lead of Tom Harkin, Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Jeanne Shaheen, Ted Kennedy, Chris Dodd, Chellie Pingree, Barbara Boxer, Nancy Pelosi, and many others. It’s also important that Senator Specter isn’t from a state where LGBT equality is already assured. Pennsylvania does not yet have marriage equality and other full protections for LGBT people in place. In fact, a marriage equality introduced this year in the Pennsylvania legislature went nowhere – as did a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Federal officeholders can still influence this fight. When Senators and Representatives stand up for us in Washington, people back home notice.
Additionally, Arlen Specter is eighty years old. He’s approximately the age my grandmother would be had she survived this decade. It’s one thing for Kirsten Gillibrand, who is 43, or Chuck Schumer, who’s 59, to advocate for equality. But for someone Arlen Specter’s age to come out and call for our equality – regardless of why he’s done it – matters to us. Specter’s age group is one that staunchly opposes equality in polls. When politicians of the generation start calling for equality, those are voices which may change a few minds, or make a few folks more comfortable expressing support. It encourages conversations, and that’s a good thing. It might even encourage the occasional elder LGBT person to come out, which isn’t just good – it’s fabulous!! The more brave, beautiful older folks like Lorraine Barr, who came out at age 88 in the pages of Newsweek, the better.
Now, Senator Specter ain’t no Bea Arthur. But as a co-sponsor of pro-equality legislation, and a public advocate for equality, he’s showing mainstream Senators and Representatives that equality is important and that the political risk is waning – and that we all gain when these bills pass. He’s showing people that the coast is clear to call for equality. I think that’s worth noting. It matters to us.
*****************************************
On another note, please remember that Maine, Washington, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, all vote on civil rights on Tuesday! Please call for equality for Maine or Washington or donate at one of the links above -- or pray for us, if you can.
And please enjoy these beautiful opening and closing ads for No On 1’s campaign in Maine.
Opening spot:
Closing spot:
Aren’t they beautiful? Please donate time or cash to make equality real for everyone – one state, one city at a time.
Washington