A Papa finds his Pride

[netmouse]

Check out this video of the Mayor of San Diego explaining a change of stance on gay marriage (posted yesterday after he refused to veto a resolution on the topic that he had previously promised to veto). It is sincere, and to the point (a "separate but equal" institution like civil union is not the same, and not in line with justice), and obviously heartfelt.

He explains that members of his family and staff are part of the Gay and Lesbian community, including his daughter Lisa.

"In the end, I couldn't look them in the face and tell them that their relationships, that their very lives, were any less meaningful than [mine with my own wife]."

(he had trouble saying that last because he was choked up with emotion)

Bravo.

Comments

[kitschicat.livejournal.com]

EXACTLY. Thank you.

[lauriemann.livejournal.com]

Well, better late than never.

[kitschicat.livejournal.com]

Well, right, it would have been nice if he had seen things this way all along, but you know what? I am glad to see people who have taken a definite stand on something like this have their minds changed because they have really taken the time to reconsider their position and found it to be unacceptable.

The fact that someone can admit they were wrong, and do it in such a public manner, is very praiseworthy in a culture that, in general, does not value things like critical thinking, humility, and the courage to say, "I was wrong" and explain why they realized this.

Granted, some will take issue with the fact that it was his own daughter who changed his mind, but really, I think most of us reach our own greatest points of clarity when something actually affects us personally. So I'm not sure he can really be faulted for that, especially when we look at other politicians like those already mentioned who have gay children who have NOT changed their minds, at least not from the aspect of moving toward political/legal changes that recognize the rights of their own kids, when they possess the power to do so.

I think this kind of behavior needs to be praised, because it is by these personal experiences that minds are changed and ultimately that is what needs to happen in order for legal recognition of gay marriages. If only more folks would have the same realization that it is simply a matter of equality and stopped acting out of fear and homophobia, we'd be in a better place on this important issue.

[lauriemann.livejournal.com]

You're right that it's rare for the bigots to say, in such a public forum, "I was wrong."