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Back on Jan. 14, 1963, newly elected Gov. George Wallace delivered a speech at his swearing in, saying:
In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny, and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.
Fond of theatrics, Gov. Wallace tried without success to block the enrollment of black students at the University of Alabama. That same year, he attempted to block black students from enrolling in four elementary schools in Huntsville.
Fast forward to the 1970s, when he became a born-again Christian and apologized to black civil rights leaders for his racist segregationist stand, saying: "I was wrong. Those days are over, and they ought to be over.”
I’m reminded of Wallace’s actions as I watch our attorney general, Bill Schuette, crusade against same-sex marriage. Schuette carried out a ridiculous argument in federal court that made it even easier for U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman to overturn Michigan’s ban Friday.
Schuette will regret his crusade, much like Wallace did, once he sees beyond the Tea Party and his personal prejudices and religious beliefs. Bill, we’re talking about constitutional rights here. Separation of church and state.
You may not be able label Schuette a racist for fighting against gay marriage. But you might as well.
He’s operating on the assumption — much like George Wallace did — that it’s OK to try and prevent a certain group of people from having equal rights.
Hatred is hatred. Prejudice is prejudice.
It’s really time for Schuette to step up now — and not wait decades like Wallace — and apologize to the citizens of Michigan, both gay and straight, for wasting taxpayer money on something so hateful.
Many are waiting.
