Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Civil Rights for Everyone

Finally, a court decision that advances civil rights.  U. S. District Court Judge Ronald Leighton in Tacoma, WA, ruled that Air Force Maj. Margaret Witt should be reinstated.  Witt, a flight nurse, lost her job when the Air Force discovered she had a civilian female partner.

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled against public school segregation in Brown v. The Board of Education.  That led to a massive civil rights movement that eventually led Congress to pass a whole series of anti-discrimination laws.  It wasn't an easy task.  Students did sit ins. Freedom riders put their lives on the line.  Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life. 

Hopefully, Judge Leighton started the process for universal civil rights.  His decision will trigger a series of future court appeals.  I have little confidence in the Robert's Court, but I am hoping that Congress will stand up during the future lame duck session and end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" forever.

When I am King, civil rights will be for everyone.  Not just the powerful, the mainstream, the white, the rich -- but, for everyone.

4 comments:

  1. I feel your opinion of the political courage of our leaders is optimistic. But I hope I live to see it, however it happens.

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  2. But how will we discriminate people then! THIS PLAN IS HORRIBLE! lol :)

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