I'd like to post my thoughts concerning Eric’s comments on the following issues:

Domestic Benefits and The War on Iraq: "Where is his MORAL courage?"

Our elected officials will have to address and face issues that affect our community, city, state, and nation. They should be leaders who will formulate policy based on word and promises and a compassionate understanding of their constituenency. And if in hindsight, those policies are not implemented, perhaps because of a changed opinion or otherwise, my hope is to have leaders who have the moral courage to explain the decision behind the change.

We need leaders who understand that at times it takes moral courage to publicly speak out on basic human rights such as domestic partner benefits or hate crimes. To do so is often “difficult” or otherwise unpopular. But it is the morally right thing to do. Why not help and cover those that can be today while attentively working toward covering the “broader group” along the way?

When I think of the term 'moral courage,' I can’t help but to respectfully refer to a quote from Robert F Kennedy...
"Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, and the wrath of their society. Moral Courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change."