To: Barack Obama, Illinois state senator; candidate for US Senate

Mr. Obama,

Thank goodness there are optimistic, ableminded people like yourself running for public office, and I wish you well in your campaign, and in many campaigns of increasing importance, to come.

However, one thing you said in your speech today at the Democratic convention bothered me, and I wonder if you might consider my reasons for objecting. You said that people could attain achievements such as yours, and your parents', only in America. This is an often-used formula in political speeches, in the United States, but it really is not true, and I hope you'll consider putting your point in another way. It is not true because your accomplishments could equally well be achieved – probably more readily – in, say, Australia (where I was raised), New Zealand, the Scandinavian countries, some South American countries (cf. Fujimoro), most of the Pacific Islands... and in many more countries. If anything, you might make the point that it is a pity that people don't have the same opportunities in America as they do in so many other countries of the world. That point might not have quite the patriotic zing of the prevailing political trope, but it would be true, and honestly said.

This is, of course, a quibble with what was an inspiring speech, but I trust that you will agree that in a political career that has begun as auspiciously as yours, it would be worth getting even the small points right.

Sincerely,

The next big thing in beauty.

This is quite extraordinary. A decade or more ago, French intelligence agents, too, were found to be operating in a hostile fashion in New Zealand - they bombed a Greenpeace ship.

Sen. Patty Murray replies (see June 22, below). A little mealy-mouthed, it must be said.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the "federal marriage amendment". I am glad to know your views on this matter.
In 1996 the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was enacted into law. DOMA created the first federal definition of marriage: one woman and one man. This law also lets states choose whether to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. In addition, 38 states--including Washington--have passed equivalents of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Vermont allows gay and lesbian couples to register for civil unions, while California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii and New Jersey have limited domestic partnership statutes. On November 18, 2003, Massachusetts' highest court ruled 4-3 in Goodridge et al. v. Department of Public Health that under that state's constitution, same-sex couples may not be denied the right to obtain civil marriage licenses. This ruling does not affect the right of religious organizations to decide what rituals they perform for whom. The Court gave the Governor and the Legislature 180 days to enact legislation complying with this decision.
There are ongoing efforts in Massachusetts to amend the state constitution to effectively reverse the Court's decision. Alaska and Hawaii chose to do so when their highest courts ruled that same-sex couples had a right to marry. However, the Massachusetts Constitution takes at least 3 years to amend, so a similar amendment could not be ratified before late 2006. On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to issue state-sanctioned marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Legal challenges to state and federal DOMA laws are likely to develop, as are cases involving American gay and lesbian couples who have obtained marriage licenses in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) has introduced H. J. Res. 56, a resolution which would amend the U.S. Constitution to require that all marriages be comprised of one woman and one man. In the Senate, Wayne Allard (R-CO) has introduced two similar resolutions which are pending in the Judiciary Committee.
While I do not serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, I would oppose these resolutions if the Senate considered them. Amending the Constitution is a serious step--one we have taken just 27 times in the 215 years since the Constitution was ratified and 17 times since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791. With the exception of prohibition, which was repealed 14 years later, the Bill of Rights has never been amended to restrict our rights. The Constitution leaves marriage to be regulated by the states rather than the federal government. The states set rules and requirements governing civil marriage, while the Constitution's "full faith and credit" clause guarantees that marriages and many other functions such as contracts, divorces and drivers' licenses valid in one state must be recognized by all states. In due time, the courts will fulfill their intended role by ruling on this clause and its bearing on the constitutionality of state and federal DOMA laws.
America is a strong nation, and our diversity only makes us stronger. But if we are to remain so, we cannot afford to waste time or energy dividing and conquering each other. Our nation will be best off when we appreciate each other's differences and treat all Americans with respect and dignity. By understanding our differences, we also learn that we are very much the same.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to call on me in the future if I can be of assistance.


Sen. Murray,
Thanks for your reply. It is, however, very unconvincing. Beyond pleading states' rights, you seem willing only to handwring and say, let's all get along. How about standing up and saying something? I mean, really stating a case for equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples. Could you please also consider denouncing the hypocrisy of the marriage-for-straights brigade? Otherwise, you're really doing very little on this subject, I would submit.
Sincerely,