The Personal Is Political

As all of us at MERI prepare for this afternoon’s hearing on the marriage bills and other parts of our platform, I’ve seen two recent personal statements that really distill this issue for me. A Republican Manhattanite’s letter to the New York Observer really sums up the difference between personal values and religious freedom, and the role of civil government – and includes some caveats about how the “tyrranny of the majority” has been used to oppress many “undesirable” segments of our population over time.

Despite my decision to perpetuate my family’s status as multi-generation Republicans, I must admit that I see the point liberals are making. I definitely have some stances considered conservative on the usual “hot-button” issues such as abortion and the like, but I realize that many of my positions are based on my interpretation of the Bible. With this in mind, I also understand that the separation of church and state is more or less a constitutional fundamental. Therefore, I may hold whatever values I choose, and have the right to structure my life according to those values, but my rights end when it comes to controlling the lives of my fellow citizens…

If two American citizens decide to live their lives together and proceed to go to college, pay taxes, and find a way to form and raise a family, then good for them. These people ask for nothing but the right to visit one’s significant other in the hospital when that person is hit and injured by (let’s say) a bus—or, worse, a person who can’t accept their “lifestyle choice.” The church is not being asked to sanction anything. These individuals want civil rights, not “special entitlements.” Nor do they want to impose their lifestyle on others; they really want to be left the hell alone.

And a blog posting by a Massachusetts woman sums up just how important marriage can be – in surprising ways. Because her wife is a former Air Force captain, they get their insurance through a company that serves only current and former military members and their families – not exactly a bastion of liberalism.

The other day, I called to ask a question about our car insurance. The rep wouldn’t answer, but asked “Do you have a power of attorney on the policy?” I replied that I’d been on the policy for many years, and had never been asked about POA. The rep still hesitated.

Give it a shot, I thought to myself. “We’re married in Massachusetts.”

“Oh,” said the rep. “So you’re her legal spouse?” Matter of fact, not with any surprise.

“Yes,” I replied, and the rep went ahead and gave me the information I needed.

That’s it, really – marriage is important, and it’s about respecting and protecting families, not imposing a world view. Even call center reps in Texas working for conservative insurance companies get that. Let’s hope the Rhode Island General Assembly does the same.