freedom is everybody's job
Let's all give an Esteban Colberto style tip o' the hat to L. F. Eason III. I don't think I'd put my job on the line for a symbolic gesture. But I admire his willingness to stand for what he believes in. And it's ridiculous that the state had to force his retirement over this. It seems like something a written reprimand would be more appropriate for.
Comments
I have to admit I'm rethinking my position on this after reading a comment somewhere (Scalzi I think) which asked, how would I feel if it had been a state employee refusing to honor a progressive senator, or an openly gay senator? That made me realize that maybe I'm giving the guy a free pass because I agree with him.
Also worth noting, acc. to the N&O he didn't just decline to lower the flag, he instructed his staff not to.
Regarding the pharmacists who refuse to prescribe birth control, I've always said that they aren't slaves and no one is forcing them to do anything. And if they refuse to do their job on principle, then they should accept the consequences and find a new job. I guess it would be hypocritical of me to say that only applies to people acting on a principle I don't agree with.
Posted by: Sarah | July 10, 2008 8:01 AM
I'm not going to be enthused about someone standing up for principles I don't agree with. I will, if push comes to shove, agree that at least they've got the courage of their convictions. And I'd still say that declining to lower a flag is a pretty damn petty thing to fire someone over (okay, we'll maintain the polite fiction -- force into retirement).
Posted by: georg | July 10, 2008 9:50 AM