WWMD: What would Mom do?

 My mom passed away over 20 years ago.  I miss talking with her about the confusing state of politics.  For a simple woman, with only a high school education, she had a knack for simplifying the most complex issue.  For her, the bottom line was be kind and be fair.  During the turbulent 50’s and 60’s of civil rights, and the women’s movement following close behind, my mom always stressed tolerance and acceptance of others.  While it may have taken some getting used to initially, she enjoyed getting to know her children’s teenage boyfriends and girlfriends, regardless of race, religion or gender.    To her, they were all wonderful human beings.

What would she say about Amendment One, where on May 8^th, NC voters have the chance to vote on a referendum that potentially writes discrimination into the state constitution?   She would fall back on another gem.  “Err on the side of caution” she would say. In other words, don’t create problems unnecessarily.    Passage of this Amendment will certainly create many problems.

If Amendment 1 passes and brings with it the costly legal court battles over its constitutionality, the harm to businesses, and its people,  my mother would respond with another one of her gems “That’s an expensive way to learn a lesson.”

Let’s not learn the lesson the hard way.  Vote AGAINST AMENDMENT 1.