February 23, 2004
This is a politician?
Last night and this morning CNN had an article (now gone from its front page) about San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, "Mayor defends same-sex marriages." I already knew that Newsom is one of the good guys in this particular fight, but what I read in the article really surprised me. The bottom line, as Newsom put it in an interview on the CNN show "Late Edition:"
"I think we're on firm legal footing and legal grounds, and certainly I believe very strongly and passionately we're on the right moral ground." …
"I will not abdicate and step back and say what we were doing 10, 15 days ago -- before this action -- is appropriate." … "I do not believe it's appropriate for me, as mayor of San Francisco, to discriminate against people."
"And if that means my political career ends, so be it."
This guy is quite clearly not a politician of any kind with which I am familiar. In general, the politicians with whom I am familiar are about as likely to put their career on the line for a principle as Marc Racicot is to publically endorse Hillary Clinton for President.
Unbelievable. Let's run this guy for President!
While I of course agree with Newsom's sentiments and yours, I do believe that Newsom knew and knows damn well that this won't end his political career--this is the launching pad, as evidenced by your final comment.
Posted by: JH in CV at February 28, 2004 9:55 PM