When it comes to public life, there is a concept I learned from great North Carolinians such as the late Terry Sanford and former Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Dickson Phillips, as well as from my parents: being right when it matters.  Because members of the General Assembly failed the test of being right when it matters all North Carolina citizens are now forced to decide whether they are for or AGAINST what is known as Amendment One and whether they will take the time to cast their vote.

What each of us does right now on Amendment One matters.  I am voting against Amendment One because I know so many wonderful families headed by same-sex parents, because I know its passage will hurt North Carolina’s business climate, because I know the autonomy of religious institutions to define marriage as they see fit (a right I strongly support) is not at issue. 

There are more reasons, many more, I could give for being AGAINST Amendment One.  But I think its more helpful for me to give the link to a website with great information about the campaign AGAINST Amendment One.   In addition, I’ve given three leading voices in the campaign AGAINST Amendment One the opportunity to making a “closing argument” as to why the referendum should be defeated.  Please listen, share with others and, above all, please vote AGAINST Amendment One.

You can listen to the show by clicking here and playing Hampton’s April 11, 2012 show.

Related Stories
‹
Let's Save Marriage
Many proponents of Amendment One on Tuesday’s ballot see it as a way to support traditional marriage.  I’m wondering why all their efforts are focusing on how to prevent certain marriages (same sex, which are already against the law, btw), how to invalidate other stable, long-term relationships (non-married heterosexual couples), and how to undermine the […]
Defeating Discrimination
I spent part of last evening in a room overflowing with good will.  It was in a Chapel Hill home and the wine was flowing, the food and conversation excellent but what made it truly grand for me was the aforementioned good will. Why is the conviviality so notable?  One would think amid the wine […]
On the Porch: Dr. Jim Crawford - October News Roundup
This Week: Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners, and currently serves as trustee for Central Carolina Community College. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate.
North Carolina Adopts New Trump-Backed US House Districts Aimed at Gaining a Republican Seat
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican legislative leaders completed their remapping of the state’s U.S. House districts on Wednesday, intent on picking up one more seat to help President Donald Trump’s efforts to retain GOP control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. The new boundaries approved by the […]
Democrats Look to Long Term as North Carolina GOP Redistricting Plan Seeks Another Seat for Trump
Democrats rallied Tuesday against a new U.S. House map proposed by North Carolina Republicans that would likely reap another GOP seat.
North Carolina GOP’s Proposed Map Seeks to Thwart Democratic Incumbent’s Reelection
North Carolina's Republican legislators are offering a redrawn U.S. House district map to help the GOP retain control of Congress.
North Carolina Court: GOP Can Narrow Governor’s Appointment Powers on Some Boards
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Decade-long political quarrels over legislative and executive powers in North Carolina advanced Wednesday as a state appeals court permitted the Republican-controlled General Assembly to chip away at the Democratic governor’s appointment authority for several key commissions. The judges also said lawmakers went too far remaking other boards. A […]
North Carolina Effort Wipes Out $6.5B in Medical Debt for 2.5M People
More than 2.5 million North Carolina residents are getting over $6.5 billion in medical debt eliminated through a state government effort that offered hospitals extra Medicaid funds.
North Carolina GOP Announce Plans to Vote on New House Map Amid Nationwide Redistricting Battle
North Carolina Republican legislative leaders announced plans to vote on redrawing the state's U.S. House district map for 2026 elections.
Lumbee Leader to Join North Carolina Statehouse as Tribe’s Federal Recognition Push Gains Attention
The leader of a southeastern North Carolina tribe is about to join the state legislature to succeed his brother, adding attention around the Lumbee's efforts to attain full U.S. government recognition.
›