Dear Commissioner Joe, from Jorge... by gimleteye

Jorge Mursuli's letter to County Commissioner Joe Martinez is a good read. With the writer's permission, it is reprinted below.

The ordinance, in its first reading today, is supported by local political powerhouse, Save Dade.

Five County Commissioners (Chairman Bruno A. Barreiro, Commissioner Katy Sorenson, Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson and Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez) sponsored the landmark ordinance that would allow for the registration and recognition of Domestic Partnerships in Miami Dade and provide health insurance eligibility and other benefits to the domestic partners of Miami Dade County employees. To read Jorge's "Dear Joe" letter, click on read more:


Commissioner Martinez:

It's been a while since we have spoken. I trust all is well on your end. I think the last time we saw each other was at the Univison Republican Presidential Debate. Both Univision presidential debates were truly historic for our communities, and I enjoyed being there both times.

I write regarding the Domestic Partner Ordinance currently up for your vote. In particular, I am reaching out to you in response to the quote attributed to you in the Miami Herald ("Partners' Rights Fight Looms", 02/13/08), where you explained your opposition to the ordinance by simply stating, "I just don't believe in it". This brief statement along with a subsequent decline to elaborate left me confused. My previous communications with you regarding equal rights and fairness in Miami-Dade don't provide me with any insight as to your meaning.

Please allow me to understand what exactly it is that you don't believe.

Do you not believe that people can be in a committed long-term relationship without being married?

Do you not believe we should figure out ways for everyone to be insured one way or another?

Do you not believe your consituents would support this measure for themselves, their family and their friends?

Do you not believe there is enough political muscle behind this effort?

Conversely, do you believe that hospitals should deny unmarried long-term partners access to their loved one's death bed?

Personally, you should know that if someone should ever attempt to stop me from seeing Jimmy (who I have shared my life with for 20 years) in a critical hospital situation, I'm most confident that my reaction would be strong and aggressive. AND, I am most confident that my reaction would be common and appreciated by most people who would be denied similar access, gay or straight. I think that kind of human reaction from a family member is certanily easy to believe.

Commissioner, you know that what makes a "family" is the investment that one makes in loved ones throughout the years in spite of the ups and downs. These bonds are understandably unquestionable no matter whose family it is. Having said that, I respectfully ask you not to question the authenticity of my family and those of others by implying you don't "believe" they exist. Whether intentional or not, this type of disrespect towards the family of others gets nobody anywhere.

Simply put, your public quote on this issue is not helpful , especially to your constituents who look to you for guidance on how to understand local issues and local government in general. I should know. My organization, Democracia USA, spends a considerable amount of time canvassing and working in your district. With all due respect, I believe they deserve better.

I regret having to write this letter. I would have never guessed your position on this issue, but in spite of my dissapointment, I remain available to talk anytime you feel you want to futher explore the issue. In the past, talking these things through has, I hope, been helpful to you.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I would have liked the opportunity to speak to you in person, but my attempts with your staff to secure an appointment were unsuccessful. I guess both our schedules are tough.

Be well. I wish you and your family the very best.

Jorge Mursuli