One of John McCain’s campaign managers is calling on the Republican Party to embrace same-sex marriage. His reasons:
I believe conservatives, more than liberals, insist that rights come with responsibilities. No other exercise of one’s liberty comes with greater responsibilities than marriage. … It cannot be argued that marriage between people of the same sex is un-American or threatens the rights of others. On the contrary, it seems to me that denying two consenting adults of the same sex the right to form a lawful union that is protected and respected by the state denies them two of the most basic natural rights affirmed in the preamble of our Declaration of Independence — liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Right on, Steve Schmidt. Republican should not be afraid of arguing for individual rights and liberties. They should embrace them. It’s the right thing to do. And, as Schmidt argues, it’s the only long-term plan for political viability on this issue.
