Withers: New Jersey pulls back from marriage (Hurry up and wait you gays!)

[WillParkinson]

Withers: New Jersey pulls back from marriage

Looks like marriage in New Jersey is a no go. There was talk that Democrats, who run both houses of the Legislature, were going to compose a bill for lame duck Gov. Jon S. Corzine to sign; he said a gay marriage bill would get his John Hancock. Well those Democrats are now making the “maybe it’s not time” argument and if not now don’t expect much in the future. The Garden State’s new governor, Christopher J. Christie, has made it clear he’s not for the institution.

Predictably gays in New Jersey are feeling funky.

“If the Democrats don’t enact marriage equality now, after years of telling us to wait, wait, wait, it will cause a huge schism between the state Democratic Party and not just the gay community, but the entire progressive base,” said Steven Goldstein, head of Garden State Equality. “And it could change the political landscape of New Jersey permanently.”

If only. Yes New Jersey gays will rightfully wonder what it takes for Democrats to make a push for marriage, but this is typical. They ask that we work to get them elected, say with tears how their best professor in college was gay, and take a gratuitous shot at the GOP. We do our duty, volunteer, vote and such, to only be told, with those same tears, that now is not the time. We get hopping mad, talk some noise about the people united will never be defeated or the revolution won’t be televised, but return to the very pols who keep pushing us off.

Maybe it’s time to remember the words of writer Michael Joseph Gross:

“The national gay rights movement is trapped between activism and politics, between anger and ambition. We are trapped between wanting equal rights and wanting to get invited to parties at the White House.”

http://www.365gay.com/blog/112409-new-jersey-pulls-back-from-marriage/

[DontTreadOnMe]

1. I'll say it loud and often!

The current Democratic Party can't get anything done!

Independents moving away in droves.
Progressives (like me) very dissatisfied, looking for a new party

Ok, I'm ready for the Obama cheerleaders to come and drive me away further... 1...2...3...

[joeybee12]

2. But, but, but, but, but....

Hope!!!!

Change!!!!

[bluestateguy]

3. I really don't see what the reason for delay is

Most NJ citizens support gay marriage; it would be two years before the next election for the legislature, giving people plenty of time to move on to other issues.

[vincna]

5. Basis for your assertion about support in NJ? -nt

[TommyO]

4. Then it's up to the NJ Supreme Court to revisit their ruling

that said that NJ residents be afforded equal treatment under law via a method to be determined by the legislature, either civil unions or civil marriage. The NJ Civil Union Review Commission has determined that the civil unions implemented by the legislature do not provide equal treatment under law, so it's up to the court to set things right now.

The commission's report: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/downloads/CURC-Final-Report-.pdf

[RetiredTrotskyite]

6. Every Time I Think The Dems Will Do the Right Thing....

I end up hurt and disappointed. This was the best chance to get this through the legislature and signed before the Rethuglican governor takes office. We give so much of our time, our heart, our hope, and our money to the Democratic Party and again,and again, and again, we end up stabbed in the back. Not too suprising when you look at "our" President, Mr. "Fierce Advocate--NOT"!

[mitchtv]

7. time to take a beating at the polls

no fun being used