So my rant for the day: I got an email from Karen Carter Peterson, chair of the La. Democratic Party asking for my continued support for Senator Mary Landrieu. She wants me to sign on (as in give money) and say Im with Mary. The following was my response: Dear Karen, Id like nothing more than to be able to say Im with Mary! Unfortunately, I cant. My reason for this is based on one issue, but to me its a big one. Her refusal to publicly support marriage rights for everyone. Every generation has a time and an issue when we need courageous leaders. As a democrat with a national profile, she is about the last one standing that has failed support equal rights. Im deeply disappointed by her lack leadership and courage to stand up for whats right on an issue with such important future historical significance. History judges all of our leaders and on this issue she will look like a coward. Youre right. Shes done a lot to help this state recover from the destruction of Katrina and Rita. Shes saved jobs and brought jobs to Louisiana. Shes fought for better eduction and healthcare for everyone. I admire and support the vast majority of her work. Ive attended fundraisers (and gave money) to her campaign. When Vice President Biden visited, I was upfront cheering support for her along with so many others (like me) in the room. I want to be with Mary. Imagine my heartfelt disappointment when just days later, she failed to support my equal rights. I fully understand the political landscape she faces in this state. This will no doubt be the toughest election cycle of her political career. I also know that none of the republicans running against her are going to support my equal rights. I understand the argument that many people in my community make that even without her support, shes still a better friend to us than her challengers. I just dont see it that way. To me it feels like that old adage of with friends like that, who needs enemies! Id rather know my enemy and know what to expect from them, than be failed by my friend. My friends stand with me. This historic issue will carry the same weight of all other civil rights issues that have come before it. It is an issue worth drawing a line in the sand and standing up for whats right no matter the cost. I understand that the cost to Mary could be a loss at the polls. Leadership requires courage and many times sacrifice. The democrats lost the south over the last civil rights battle. But our leaders had the courage to stand for justice knowing what the cost would be. This is the kind of courage Mary doesnt seem to have. For that reason, I wont be casting a vote for a Senator in the election. Kurt Goodman
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:13:56 +0000