The only thing constant in life is change.
– François de la Rochefoucauld
Seventeen years ago the Defense of Marriage Act was enacted. I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that the Supreme Court (finally!) ruled it was unconstitutional yesterday.
Ten years ago I never thought something like this would happen in my lifetime.
Five years ago I hoped it would become possible in another generation.
Yesterday it happened.
Two days ago I winced when the Supreme Court essentially invalidated the Voting Rights Act of 1956. Someday that act will hopefully no longer be necessary, but I don’t think society has advanced enough to protect the voting rights of racial minorities in the U.S. without it.
I hope I’m wrong about that the same way I seriously misestimated how long DOMA and Prop 8 would stick around.
We will see.
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.– Emily Dickinson
Respond
What social or political changes have you been most surprised by in your lifetime?