The California decision

Okay, the nap is over, and this is too important to not echo a few things I've read elsewhere about the California Supreme Court's ruling today that the state's laws barring same-sex marriage were unconstitutional:

1. First, a few conservatives have already rung the "unelected judges" bell when decrying the decision. But in California, while all Supreme Court justices are appointed by the Governor, they must be regularly re-confirmed by a vote of the people. All seven justices have been so confirmed, and all with overwhelming majorities. Note that California voters have previously recalled Supreme Court Justices, starting with Rose Bird in the 1980s.
2. The California legislature has twice passed laws approving gay marriage. Both times Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed them.
3. Today Mr. Schwarzenegger stated that he supported the Court's decision.

More from the New York Times.

My only concern is that this is once again used as a wedge issue to energize the Republican's conservative base with unfortunate results this November. One glimmer of hope: John McCain today said that he respected the right of the state of California, like all states, to find its own path on this issue. Potential Libertarian challenger Bob Barr concurred.

Time has passed. Let's see if Americans, starting with Californians, are ready to offer their gay and lesbian brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, parents, friends, co-workers, and strangers the same rights and blessings that their straight counterparts enjoy.