Join senator’s stand for what is right

First thing I do when I get up in the morning is turn on my computer and see what is happening in the world. Imagine my surprise June 19 to see a headline about our Sen. Murkowski — of all places — on my Facebook page. I couldn’t believe it at first, but after checking my news site sources, my surprise turned to elation.

Like a lot of people, I have a Facebook page. I “like” more than a few people from a wide variety of beliefs and cultures — even two of our three Alaskans sent to Washington, D.C., to represent us down there, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich. And from time to time they pop up on my “wall” with their doings and interests on issues and bills they like to tout.

This time it was Sen. Murkowski, who popped up right on top of my Facebook wall, so I didn’t miss a thing.

She is now one of three Republican senators to publicly endorse gay rights, and more importantly, same-sex marriage. She announced it to the world that Wednesday morning. That took guts, which she has in spades. And this is why I was so elated. Her true show of leadership is one that needs to be repeated many times over. It’s one I support fully.

Her reasons for this change of heart and mind are explained on her Facebook page, official website and in various newspapers, including the Frontiersman. Read it at bit.ly/11V3WAw.

The elation I felt was followed by the very sobering thought that Murkowski just went against her Republican Party, the vast majority of whom do not support gay rights; especially, the right for same-sex marriage. This could be political suicide. I hope not, because of her dedication and the work she has done for Alaskans, veterans like myself and for Americans in general. I want her to continue to work for us as a U.S. senator. This isn’t the first time she has put her convictions ahead of party lines, and hopefully it’s not the last time, either.

It is a courageous stand to take and for all for the right reasons. I do not agree with all of the senator’s politics and takes on certain issues. But on this one, I am very proud to support her. She has joined Democrat Mark Begich and others in Congress in support of fellow Alaskans and many Americans out there who are part of, or in support of, the gay community’s struggle to live their lives in peace and equality. It’s a bummer that Congressman Don Young opposes gay rights, but two out of three isn’t bad.

I believe Sen. Murkowski’s stand on gay rights will spark a great deal of comment and controversy in the media. Strangely, some sources have remained quiet. Many comments I have read on some media sources were very supportive and some were obviously not. As time goes on, this may change. Civil rights has always been an issue that can get very heated and emotional on both sides.

As I said before, Sen. Murkowski has guts. Whether you agree with her on gay rights or not, you must admire her willingness to stand up for what is right.

I do fear what the backlash will be, and there will be one.

Most people expect a Democrat or liberal to publicly endorse gay rights and marriage. But not so from the country’s other major political party, where only three senators from that party have done it.

There are a few who may accuse her of flip-flopping. Read her statement to find out why and how this change came about. I know from reading it she really dug deep to come to her decision. There is nothing wrong with changing one’s mind. It is a very human trait. Sen. Murkowski showed a great deal of humanity and compassion and did the right thing for the right reasons.

It is not about party lines or about being a conservative or liberal. It is about learning that people come in all sizes and shapes, races and beliefs. It’s about coming to see that our differences are strengths — to be cherished and celebrated. U.S. society is changing right before our eyes, changing to reflect our complex human condition in the 21st century. Sen. Murkowski’s decision is a grand step in the right direction. I have hope more will follow her example and take a courageous stand for human rights.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.