I have a dream.

"We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children."

-MLK, Jr.-



I read MLK Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech this morning. Considering all that has happened in relation to Prop 8, I consider this speech to be particularly applicable to our time. I don't suppose there's ever an end to social injustice and inequality, but it sure is nice to dream about, isn't it?

Yesterday I had a casual conversation with a lesbian couple I know. After much deliberation about where to spend their lives, they decided to stay right here, at least for awhile.

"After all, "said my friend L, "California is probably the best place for domestic partnerships."

That simple sentence struck me pretty deeply, as I realized that these two, like so many, are limited to where they can go because of their sexual orientation. This is something Roy and I have never had to discuss; it's just never been a consideration for us since we're on the "right side of normal."

It saddens me that people can't live where they want to for fear of having what little rights they have taken away. What saddens and angers me even more is that there will always be people who will be okay with denying others their rights.

My thoughts today are for the future. For tolerance. For possibility. For acceptance. For justice.

But even when these things are nowhere to be seen, we still have our dreams.

(Thanks, MLK Jr.)