Carl Robinson & Equality
Again, more comments on the reflection of Martin Luther King Day. On Sunday, the Times got a quote from City Representative Carl Robinson about a food drive in observance of MLK Day.
I think its admirable that Carl Robinson, who has been doing this since before he was elected, spearheads the operation. I like that he has framed it as a day of action.
But let's be honest here. Its not like Representative Robinson has the best record on social justice issues since he's been on City Council. In fact, he has the absolute worst record on social justice in terms of his voting record. Martin Luther King, Jr began the civil rights movement and the struggle for social justice.
When we say that we honor Dr. King in our actions, then we must be complete in that sentiment. That means not only feeding the hungry in Dr. King's name, but it also means being on the right side of social justice when you are one of the few privileged to be in a position of being able to cast a vote that has the impact that his votes against social justice have.
Robinson voted against the resolution in response to Arizona's SB 1070 and he has voted against domestic partner benefits. What's worse is that he refuses to comment publically on his reasons why.
I find this very disappointing about Representative Robinson.
Perhaps another King, Coretta Scott King, says it best. “I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance, and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.”
She further stated on an other occasion, “Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity, and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all to easily to victimize the next minority group.”
If you still aren't convinced, please ponder the following quote from Martin Luther King, Jr himself.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
I think its admirable that Carl Robinson, who has been doing this since before he was elected, spearheads the operation. I like that he has framed it as a day of action.
But let's be honest here. Its not like Representative Robinson has the best record on social justice issues since he's been on City Council. In fact, he has the absolute worst record on social justice in terms of his voting record. Martin Luther King, Jr began the civil rights movement and the struggle for social justice.
When we say that we honor Dr. King in our actions, then we must be complete in that sentiment. That means not only feeding the hungry in Dr. King's name, but it also means being on the right side of social justice when you are one of the few privileged to be in a position of being able to cast a vote that has the impact that his votes against social justice have.
Robinson voted against the resolution in response to Arizona's SB 1070 and he has voted against domestic partner benefits. What's worse is that he refuses to comment publically on his reasons why.
I find this very disappointing about Representative Robinson.
Perhaps another King, Coretta Scott King, says it best. “I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance, and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.”
She further stated on an other occasion, “Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity, and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all to easily to victimize the next minority group.”
If you still aren't convinced, please ponder the following quote from Martin Luther King, Jr himself.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
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