Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, CO helped put Colorado's Amendment 43 (Marriage=1man+1woman) on the ballot back in 2006 said, "Here we go again, and again, and probably again." about five 20 somethings that are trying to get 2 gay rights initiatives on the ballot again in 2010.
As one of those five I say damn right! Of course we're going again, and if we fail, we'll go again. History is on our side and right is on our side!
But He's wrong too. This isn't the same old fight, this won't be politics as normal. Because, we're a new generation and we're stating to take control of our future. Politics is a part of that.
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In 2008, an anti-choice "person-hood" amendment was floated here that would have defined a fertilized egg as being a human being effectively outlawing not only abortion but all hormonal and Intrauterine devices as well. This amendment was started by Kristine Burton a 21 year old in Colorado.
Although of course disagreeing with this measure on all levels(And most proud that my state shot it down... WAY DOWN) it's a telling sign that Colorado is hopefully starting a trend for the nation. That the 18-25 year olds will be voting, will be active, and at all levels of government!
Such as currently in Fort Collins, CO Theodore Gates is running for city council. (Wish him luck voting ends tomorrow.) Here's a level of government often completely ignored by young voters, and he is trying to organize a mostly student district. Apathy is high, but he's made inroads. All of his staff are under 30 as well.
Or the five 20-somethings mentioned Here. Stu Allen and Crystal Russell who are trying to amend the constitution to permit marriage between any two consenting adults. And Tara Craig, Alex Cobell, and myself who are promoting one to provide Civil Unions with ALL the benefits of marriage.
Barack Obama is a huge catalyst for this change. He engaged us, and energized us. But I think even more, it's not just that he's a catalyst but that he's a representation of a "change." It's a change in this generation. The Generation X cynicism has given way, My Millennium Generation will be the guiding force into this new era.
And we're deciding what that new era will look like. I do believe in my initiative for Civil Unions. I also believe we can win and the trio of us will lead it to victory.
We're in the early stages of this process. Having our first meeting with the Legislative Council tomorrow, forming an Issue Committee later this week, and beginning to build an organization to get the signatures and a coalition that will support it.
But we're defining ourselves and our future. Do not discount us because we're young.