Yesterday was a day of shame in Washington.
It was a day of shame for the U.S. Senate.
The U.S. Senate, by a vote of 50-48 – with two very prominent senators sitting it out – voted not to carry forth a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
If we can't agree on something as simple as that, what do we have left in this country? What kind of meaningful consensus is possible? What are the bands that continue to hold us together as a nation?
We are losing our country fast, and yesterday, July 14, 2004, was a day that will live in infamy.
The shame runs deep because the vote was not even close. It would have taken 60 votes just to bring the amendment to a vote on the floor. It received only 48.
But there are a few senators whose votes – and non-votes – deserve particular attention.
Only two senators copped out completely – refusing to go on the record on this fundamental issue of what constitutes a marriage. Not surprisingly, they are John Kerry and John Edwards, two men seeking the highest offices in the land.
They both claim to support the "concept" of traditional marriage but not a constitutional amendment. They are lying. This was their chance to go on record. This was their chance to cast an important vote for the very building block of Western Civilization. This was their chance to differentiate themselves from those who would like to fundamentally remake our society with complete disregard for the will of the people.
They took a pass.
What would you expect?
But they need to pay a price. The polls show even most Democrats believe marriage is and should be an institution between one man and one woman. They must not be rewarded for this kind of arrogance, this kind of contempt, this kind of treachery, this kind of evil.
There are a few others deserving special attention and scorn.
Every so-called "Republican" who opposed this measure needs to be outed. They include: Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, John Sununu of New Hampshire – and, last but not least, John McCain, not only a so-called Republican, but a so-called "conservative."
I mean, even Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania voted correctly on this issue.
This was a big vote. This was monumental. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do the right thing – to cast a vote supported by the overwhelming majority of the American people, a vote for what is good, right, decent, sensible, moral and virtuous.
This was an easy one for Republicans, yet some of them showed their true colors.
This issue of marriage will determine whether America remains a nation under God and abiding by the rule of law with the consent of the governed. So far, it does not look good.
The will of the people is being actively undermined by a small group of elitists. The rule of law is being manipulated and twisted and perverted by activist judges who abuse their black robes and positions like the worst kind of tyrants. The institution of marriage, created by God, is being mocked.
I would hate to be any of those 50 senators on judgment day. They will have much to answer for.
But the people need to hold them accountable now – in this lifetime.
I do not exaggerate when I say the very fate of our nation rests on our ability and willingness to do so.