So tonight, I'm thinking about those other Vermonters who went against the wishes of their constituents. (You know, as opposed to the current veto-threatening governor so many would like to clock.) Of course it took some digging in my brain and on Google to get here. All I could remember was I had heard a story on NPR sometime during my 10+ years in Texas. It was about a Vermont teacher who voted for same sex unions even though he knew his constituents would kill him (well, not Texas-kill him, just you know, never vote for him. Again. Ever.) But he said he couldn't imagine facing his classroom full of kids and saying what? I could have done the right thing, but wanted to keep my job?
So anyway, here are some links to actual details.
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/20/us/vermont-senate-votes-for-gay-civil-unions.html
(article with State Senator Mark A. MacDonald who was the guy I vaguely remembered 9!?! years later.)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/law/gay_marriage/vermont.html
[At least read until you get to William Lippert. Makes me wanna clock the current governor upside the head with Rep. Allard ;-) ]
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=100675
"Heroes of the Green Mountain State"
Anyway, just thought I'd take a stroll down memory lane (even if parts of it were for the first time). It's important to look back, even while you're looking forward, remembering those who made a difference then, even while you're looking to the ones you hope will make a difference now. [And yeah, maybe look now and then at the person standing in between the two, :-)] So here is hoping the legislators who voted against the marriage bill will make good on their promise to vote to override Douglas' veto out of principle.
Last Sunday at Church we sang "Standing on the Side of Love" in tribute to Iowa. I sure am hoping next Sunday we'll be singing to Vermont. :-)
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Nice post and have fun with your new blog! Up here in Vermont, we are praying also - for the legislators to have courage, to lead, to take a stand for something. My rep, who voted no with anguish (and I believe him), because of his deep religious beliefs, has committed to voting to override. An override vote is just a vote to override the veto, it won't change his vote against same-sex marriage. Will I ever vote for him again? No, because he voted against equality for my family. But will I express my deep gratitude for his vote to override? Yes.
ReplyDeleteHearts may be broken today if the override vote falls one short.
Well it looks like you will definitely be singing Standing On the Side of Love this weekend at Horizon!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud to be a Vermonter! One of the many reasons I moved up here was their social tolerance. I remember being so shocked at the Republican Governor! I campaigned for Polina in the last election.
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