Why Bother? Here's Why

Next time some cynical old leftie asks why bother - campaigning for good candidates, promoting liberal ideas, even voting - when the structural obstacles to change are insurmountable, you can come back with a few quotes from the New Jersey State Senate President.

From Pam Spaulding at Firedoglake:

(Two weeks ago) New Jersey’s Senate Judiciary Committee approved the marriage equality bill (S1) with an 8 to 4 vote. Shortly thereafter Governor Chris Christie (R) reiterated his earlier promise that he will veto the bill should it reach his desk. At a press conference after the Judiciary Committee’s historic vote, a reporter asked Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester), one of the bill’s champions, “why bother?” Here’s why (starting at 2:20):

Reporter: Senator Sweeney, would you comment on this veto promise of the Governor as to what the point is of even going through this exercise?

Senator Sweeney: The point of going through a fight for civil rights? Are you kidding me? For standing up for people to give them the same rights? I’m offended by that.

The Governor’s a governor. He’s got his opinion. But there are many Republicans — because I’ve spoken to them — that want to vote for this bill. Now, if the Governor wants to stifle and silence his colleagues that’s one thing, but he’s not going to stifle or silence us. Someone has to stand up for equality and fairness.

You know, I apologized in the past, but I’m telling you right now, I’m fighting to get this done. And if we have to go for an override we’ll work every angle we possibly have to. But right now it’s about getting it onto his desk.

And it’s offensive for anyone to think, why bother if the Governor doesn’t want to do it. Well guess what? He’s wrong on this one.

You know his announcement today was to try to put a damper on what we’re trying to do. It’s not happening. We’re not walking away, we’re not backing down, we’re not giving up. This is about civil rights, period.

If Sen. Sweeney’s uncompromising stand for civil rights isn’t a testament to the power of telling our stories, nothing is. Two years ago Sen. Sweeney killed a marriage equality bill by abstaining on a crucial vote. This year, he’s not only championing marriage equality legislation, he emphasized its importance by making sure it was the first bill filed this legislative session (bill number “S1″) and has fast-tracked it.