Can we put your civil rights up for a popular vote?

[osodecanela]

I have over the past decade become much more militant in terms of safe guarding civil rights. It's clear to me, and to a growing number of folks just how wrong it is, to put anyone's civil rights up for a popular vote. This is why we have a court system, to preserve the rights of minority peoples from the tyranny of the majority and popular opinion. When we lose this focus, we end up with Jim Crow laws, internment camps and institutionalization of social prejudices. Below is Mayor Corey Booker of Newark, NJ. in response to Gov. Christie's promise to put my marital rites on ballot, if the legislature votes to recognize same gender marriages.

I'm grateful he gets it. Like the late Mildred Loving (of Loving v. Virgina), he gets it.

Comments

[sig-info.livejournal.com]

That was great. Thanks for posting it.

The "second class citizen" part resonated with me. I've got a button on my jacket with that phrase. Of all the sloganeering buttons I've worn over the years, none has received half the comment it has.

[labeartorycub.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm so glad another official understands the ramifications of what's at-stake.

[broduke2000.livejournal.com]

Eloquent.

[barbarian-rat.livejournal.com]

Well said.
Interestingly he never once said 'gay', instead he said 'other minorities'