Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 13:31:24 -1000 From: Mia H H Lam Subject: MARRIAGE NEWS (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 13:02:23 -1000 From: Tom Ramsey To: ramsey-list@math.hawaii.edu Subject: MARRIAGE NEWS A LETTER FROM TOM HILGERS TO THE FOUR SENATE CONFEREES Now that there will be a constitutional amendment vote in November 1998, I've had trouble thinking what to say to the Senators who fought so hard to get us a fraction of loaf while putting civil rights up for a popular vote. These four Senators were, have been, and continue to be friends of civil rights. Given the opportunity, I hope to vote for them and their allies in the Senate, and be a friend in their elections. But saying something to them has proved difficult; on the night that they surrendered to Terrance Tom, I wished them good luck. Hopefully, no bridges were burned by that ambiguous expression! Tom Hilgers' letter below says something well. In the House, six members voted against the constitutional amendment: Ed Case, Eric Hamakawa, Scott Saiki, David Tarnas, Mina Morita and Roy Takumi. These are votes from the heart. You may write them at Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu HI 96813. In the Senate, all 25 voted for the constitutional amendment. In the House, one member was excused from voting, Tom Okamura; Okamura has always supported the amendment. By the way, the governor is out of town, and has yet to sign the rights bill HB 118. The governor plays no role on the constitutional amendment (HB 117) because his signature there is not required. Best Regards, Tom Ramsey TOM HILGERS' LETTER Dear ----: I'm sure you appreciate the ironies: The recently divorced Governor is cheered after marrying the person he loves, someone he's known for a year and a half. As a result of rights accruing to the Governor's marriage partner, the new First Lady now is driven to her workplace every morning in the governor's limousine. Mike and I have spent the past 30 years together. Each of us would appreciate nothing more than being able, like the Governor, to marry the person he loves. We can't jointly own the '87 Toyota we drive to work because only married couples can get car insurance for co-owned vehicles. I want you to know that I very much appreciate your efforts on Mike's and my behalf during the session just ended. Of course I'm not happy with the outcome, but they say it's better to be on the back of the bus than not on the bus at all. My pride was greatest when you and your three committee compatriots wrote that commitment to civil rights demands a commitment to justice now, not to gradual accommodation. I know you really believe that and will work to make that commitment. I know that you stand for quality in education and inclusiveness in government. Thus, I continue to stand beside you, and hope we can continue to work together to improve people's lives. Yours, Thomas Hilgers Director and Professor University of Hawaii Manoa Writing Program voice: 808 956 6660 fax: 808 956 9170