The majority voting on the rights of a minority

[G_j]

is simply wrong.


All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

Thomas Jefferson

In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.

Mahatma Gandhi

[xchrom]

1. du rec. nt

[Crow73]

2. Virtue

It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue.

- Sam Adams

[mmonk]

3. Recommended.

[SoutherDem]

4. What if the majority always ruled?

In a democracy the term "majority rule" or "will of the people" sounds great. Right?

But, think back through our 236 years of being a democracy. Think of how many time we have considered the right of the few to overrule the will of the many. Where would we be today if that were not true.

This morning I heard several stories on the radio accessing the "day after". One person was asked why did NC need this new amendment since gay marriage was already illegal. Their answer was this prevented "activist judges" from legislating "their" will on the people.

I have never heard a good argument on not allowing gay marriage which isn't based (directly or indirectly) on religion. Due to the 1st amendment there can't be a "state religion" so any law based on religion should be unconstitutional. So any law or state constitution which makes gay marriage illegal should be deemed unconstitutional. Why a case doesn't make it's way to the Supreme Court of the United States so they can vote I don't know. Now, if they voted the law/amendments were constitutional wouldn't that be legislating from the bench? I am not so confident that the currently sitting judges would do the right thing, but assuming they did it would take an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to make gay marriage illegal again.

Would the same bigoted right wing nuts who have found a way to get 30 state constitutions changed be able to get the U.S. Constitution changed?

The same person on the radio who spoke of the will of the people was asked about polls which state that 50% of Americans want gay marriage. To this he said the polls are skewed by poorly asked questions and that in reality the number is much less.

Well, as I have already stated the majority isn't always correct. If we waited for the majority to agree on any civil right of the minority blacks may still be slaves and women may not vote.

But to the national polls vs. the state vote;
Polls are taken by going to the people, elections require going to the polls. To be asked on the phone if you want something or having to go to a polling place may give different results.

On passionate votes like gay marriage two groups go to the polls; those who really want what is being voted on and those who really don't want what is being voted for the "independents" don't go.

So homosexuals, their friends and a few loyal supporters vote for gay marriage. The religious and conservative bigots vote against gay marriage. The middle those who feel gay marriage should be allowed but because it isn't a big deal for them stay at home. Thus in polls you get 50% for but in a vote 65% against.

I have seen the same thing happen on the state lottery issue. Polls say people want it but on election day it is defeated. For too many is should be allowed but since they won't play the lottery they don't take time to vote.

[G_j]

5. also, this was basically a Republican primary

I agree that this is based entirely on religion, and is unconstitutional.

[Fumesucker]

9. I'd be careful of equating marriage equality with a state lottery..

State lotteries are universally a ripoff, you can get much better odds at any one armed bandit in Lost Wages.. err Las Vegas..

[SoutherDem]

10. Didn't mean to equate

Just an example of how the polls show a majority of people want the issue but the elections yield a difference results.

There are a group of people who "feel it should be allowed" but they are not motivated enough to go vote.

I have not heard the turn out results, but they were expecting 37%.

But, one way they are the same is the religious right who want to have their will placed on the masses in both situations have major efforts to get their side out to vote.

[Zorra]

6. Thomas Jefferson was like an alien or something.

What a profound and insightful thinker and visionary he was.

Amazing. Thanks.

Recommend.

[G_j]

11. It is remarkable how fitting these words are today. nt

[Prophet 451]

7. k&r n/t

[G_j]

8. k