Wednesday, May 7, 2003

"The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Those were the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. Perhaps no one knew better the long and often bitter struggle for basic human rights than he. However, Dr. King believed in the overall goodness of God and mankind and in America's ability to ultimately find the justice that it sometimes withholds.

We are now the witnesses to that struggle once again, but this time it is about basic human rights for gays. It is interesting to note that Sen. Rick Santorum's divisive comments wouldn't have raised an eyebrow 10 years ago. So what has changed?

More and more people are allowing themselves to be educated about homosexuality. As their eyes are opened, fear is replaced by understanding. Understanding then focuses our attention on the injustices borne by our gay and lesbian population. As our awareness to these injustices increases, our level of compassion increases as well. Compassion then compels us not to judge others but to heal the wrongs we have done to them.

This process is now occurring in this country and it is hitting critical mass. And that is one of the things I love best about America: its ability to see its mistakes and take steps to correct them. That is what Dr. King was able to see and is what kept him going against what seemed like impossible obstacles.

You see, America is doing what it does best. America has changed and is no longer the same country it was 10 years ago. When Sen. Santorum made those divisive comments, America said, "Your comments no longer reflect the ideals for which America stands."

Jeff Ellis

www.familyacceptance.com