In an emotional speech, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders says he's changed his mind about gay marriage. He says he did some soul-searching and decided to "lead with his heart" and "take a stand on behalf of equality and social justice." What prompted the change? His daughter is gay and he wants her to have the same rights for love and happiness as anyone else.We got choked up watching it. It was obviously a hard speech for him to make (he almost breaks down several times). But how moving to see someone actually admit to having changed his mind about what's right! You sure don't see that kind of contrition coming out of the White House.
However you feel about the issue of gay marriage (personally, we're with Sanders), isn't it wonderful to see someone so fiercely trying to do right by his office and by his child?
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. I will agree this is brave for a Republican mayor to take this stand in a traditionally Republican city.
It is easy to be so certain about gay rights - until it effects you personally. I applaud the mayor for at least not turning his back on his daughter and supporting her.
That said, let's be honest - the issue of gay marriage will win him no friends in his political party - at least among his fellow politicians.
David S. at 6:14PM on Sep 20th 2007
2. That's awesome.
loring at 6:48PM on Sep 20th 2007
3. As a San Diegan, I can say that I and many others are very proud of our mayor today. And to think this man with genuine heart, courage and enlightenment, is of the same party as that empty suit in the White House. Wow.
Lee at 7:47PM on Sep 20th 2007
4. So his honor has had a change of heart. let's see now; he did not do it because he really thought about the issue and not because he has any kind of moral turpitude. No this public official made a serious policy decision because "Daddy's little spoiled brat" decided to be a pervert. best to you San Diego; I hope she does not decide to rob banks.
Makendoo at 8:36PM on Sep 20th 2007
5. its wonderful. Let them suffer just like the rest of us!!!
Joe at 8:50PM on Sep 20th 2007
6. MAKENDOO...you were just defending OJ on another forum. You've got a wierd sense of values, Bub! LOL
Marie at 9:00PM on Sep 20th 2007
7. Marie,
???????
???????
What does one have to do with the other???
I don't get it?????
Is there some intrinsic association between OJ and Sexual Perversion????
Are all opinions required to be in some kind of political party line package or something????
What if someone is A-political and has no Party affiliation or has no interest in politics at all????
Not everyone sees things from the same Suburban Beer glass bottom as you do....
Please explain????
KrautKnabe at 9:30PM on Sep 20th 2007
8. LOL joe! Yeah, let them know the joy of gay prenups and gay divorce and gay custody battles too! Also, now they will have to pay dearly, if they cheat on their spouses! HOORAY! Isn't equality GREAT?
KARIN at 9:36PM on Sep 20th 2007
9. I would have a lot more respect for him if he came up with some LOGICAL reason for his change of heart. "I'm supporting my child no matter what," is a fool's copout. We are supposed to love our children no matter what, but that doesn't mean we have to approve of everything they do. In fact, the attitude "my child, right or wrong" is no better than "my country, right or wrong." If you believed something to be immoral yesterday, but today you do a 180 degree turnaround just because of something your child tells you, that's NOT love. That's just being spineless.
OomYaaqub at 11:22PM on Sep 20th 2007
10. [[LOL joe! Yeah, let them know the joy of gay prenups and gay divorce and gay custody battles too! Also, now they will have to pay dearly, if they cheat on their spouses! HOORAY! Isn't equality GREAT?]]
Yes, divorce lawyers everywhere are rejoicing. They are probably rooting for polygamy too, since that requires at least THREE divorce lawyers.
OomYaaqub at 11:24PM on Sep 20th 2007
11. O F C O U R S E !!!! NOW, IF ONLY EVERY SINGLE ROTTEN, GREEDY, LYING, CROOKED POLITICIAN WOULD HAVE A CHILD DIE IN WAR....THERE'D BE NO MORE WAR.....A CHILD LIVING IN POVERTY AND HOMELESS....NEITHER WOULD EXIST IN THIS COUNTRY....A CHILD SICK AND/OR DYING FOR LACK OF HEALTH CARE.....EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD WOULD HAVE THE BEST OF CARE EVERYWHERE....AND ON AND ON AND ON....SEEMS IT HAS TO HIT THESE ELITE, MIGHTIER THAN THOU, THIEVES, RIGHT SMACK IN THE FACE, BEFORE THEY WAKE UP AND ACT LIKE WE ALL MATTER!!!!
paula at 1:28AM on Sep 21st 2007
12. So if his daughter is also a pothead, is he now going to support legalizing marijuana? If she gets into a physical dispute with her "partner" will he then try to get rid of "domestic violence" laws and punishments? If his daughter commits a murder, will homicide now be made legal?
Why can't anyone have morals and STICK TO THEM anymore? That's one of the main reasons why this country, and most of the world continues to spiral downwards. This country started off with God-fearing christians who wanted to get from religious oppression. This country was founded on the Word of God, and look how far we've strayed away from that! Of course no one will ever be perfect, but when you have morals and standards and live by them, you set an example for others to live by. We all wonder why this country is so divided.....The Good Book will keep you away from sin, or sin will keep you away from the Good Book.
Dave at 3:49AM on Sep 21st 2007
13. #12dave: this country started off with god-fearing christians who wanted to get (away) from religious oppression.CORRECTION: read you history book again and concentrate on the Cotton Mather chapter, the puritan preacher (1663-1728), the pioneer pulpiteer of the "Fire & Brimstone" sermon: he is a perfect example of how too much god can ruin a person's spirit. Read his watershed "The Duties" and lemme know if you'd like to be a member of his congregation.
Why was it so "difficult" for the mayor?! Why did yall get all "choked up" watching it?! You are using that elitist tone of voice which echoes the attitude of "yessir, i'm a free-thinking (white) (straight) college-educated person (living in a liberal, urbane environment)of course, how can one NOT agree!!! Right is right, eh?!!
to admit that all individuals are born with the inalienable,universal HUMAN right to live a life of parity with the majority should not be DIFFICULT to hear or watch. i, for ;one, am angry that anyone feels the need to confess his/her "rethinking" of gay rights. GAY rights are HUMAN rights. If one was to say, "well, straight rights are human rights,too!" how would you (straight-identifying)people feel?
boredwell at 4:37AM on Sep 21st 2007
14. I too wonder...does his decision to agree with his daughter's lifestyle
...bless her?
...or ultimately hurt her?
It's great he loves his daughter. But love might mean you continue to show your daughter deep parental love,
while you respectfully disagree with their choices.
Is his decision motivated a bit by the popularity he would get from his change?
vikingmother at 6:37AM on Sep 21st 2007
15. 9. I would have a lot more respect for him if he came up with some LOGICAL reason for his change of heart.
- OomYaaqub at 11:22PM on Sep 20th 2007
Tell me, sir/ma'am....what is ILLOGICAL about Sanders changing his mind and taking a "stand for equality and social justice"? What matter the manner of the catalyst for his change?
For whatever reason, you seem to prefer he remain a benighted bigot.
The real question here is why...
Ventrue at 9:25AM on Sep 21st 2007