There’s been much consternation recently about the position that the President has and hasn’t taken on many issues, including that of marriage equality. I could rehash all the arguments I’ve read, all the anger I’ve witnessed, the disappointment I’ve felt, but you’ve already seen that. On this issue and many others, I’m disappointed that my president won’t step forward and say what we know he believes. I’m disappointed that in fear of losing re-election, he has decided that his full-throated support is not available to us. I’m reminded of a line from “The West Wing” where Joey Lucas (played by the brilliant Marlee Matlin) is discussing the recent polling on gun control:
“You say that these numbers mean dial it down. I say they mean dial it up. You haven’t gotten through. There are people you haven’t persuaded yet. These numbers mean dial it up. Otherwise you’re like the French radical watching the crowd run by and saying ‘There go my people, I must find out where they are going so I can lead them.’ “
- The West Wing, Season Two “The War at Home”
He’s the President of the United States. Arguably one of the most visible and influential people in this country. Polls already show that marriage equality is becoming a majority opinion. He doesn’t even have to push that hard. The moderates on the other side of the aisle are already shifting quietly.
I voted for a leader. I hope he shows up soon.
