|
|
When thousands of people donate no more than $100 per person per election, we can build a campaign without money from special interests. _______________________ But it's about more than money. We need your energy and your enthusiasm, too. Sign up to volunteer on Jim Hansen's campaign for Congress.
 _______________________ 
|
|
|
|
|
Remembering the discrimination against my ancestors, I will vote no
|
|
|
Location: Blogs Jim's Blog |
 |
| Posted by: Jim Hansen |
2/14/2006 |
As an Idaho voter, I will vote against the proposed amendment to Idaho's Constitution that would exclude some Idahoans from the civil rights associated with marriage. My ancestors came to Idaho shortly after our state constitution was adopted. They were American citizens but were not allowed vote, or hold office, or even serve on a jury.
My values, my family heritage, every fiber of my being tells me that to enshrine discrimination in Idaho's constitution again is wrong. I will stand up for my convictions and I will not apologize for voting no on the proposed constitutional amendment that the legislature passed yesterday.
Those who know me best, know that I am very proud of my family's heritage. My father's ancestors came to this country seeking a land where they could profess their faith without fear. When my great-grandfather and great-grandmother moved to Shelley, Idaho shortly after Idaho became a state, our state constitution told them they could not vote, hold office or serve on a jury. That provision was ultimately ruled invalid and, indeed, some of their grand children and great grand children have answered the call and served in public office. The proposed amendment that passed the Idaho legislature yesterday harkens back to the fear and discrimination that excluded my family from full rights as citizens.
Those who know me, know that I speak up for what I believe in, regardless of what some high-paid pollster tells me I should say to get votes.
Take a moment and read the editorial Marty Trillhaase, Editorial Writer for the Idaho Falls Post Register,
wrote last week. Marty points out that if passed in November "even if a more tolerant time
unfolds in a generation or two, and that language is rescinded, it will
remain a part of our constitutional history. Are we that certain that we're right? What will our grandchildren and their children think of us when they read what we have written?"
|
|
| Permalink |
Trackback |
|
|
|
|
|
|