"A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.” -- John F. Kennedy, Profiles In Courage

In his book, Profiles In Courage, JFK wrote of 8 Senators who placed their political careers on the line in order to do the right thing. One example is Sam Houston, who, as a Senator, opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This act would have allowed slavery to expand into the western states from Iowa to Colorado. Houston felt this act would further divide a nation already close to flying apart at the seams. The Texas Legislature rewarded his courageous act by dismissing him from the Senate. Later on, as Governor of Texas, he opposed secession from the Union, and refused to pledge allegiance to the Confederacy, an action which lead to his removal as Governor.

Today, the JFK Library awards the Profile In Courage Award to public servants, who face great pressure from their parties and constituents for following their conscience. The Library is asking for nominations for the award, and I have enthusiastically nominated California Attorney General Jerry Brown:

"In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that laws forbidding marriage for same sex couples violate the equal protection clauses of the California and US Constitutions. This ruling allowed same sex couples to be married in California. Opponents of same sex marriage subsequently got Proposition 8, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, on the November ballot. This measure passed by a thin margin and same sex marriage became illegal once again in California. Several lawsuits have been filed to challenge the validity of Proposition 8, and the California Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case in March. It is generally the Attorney General who defends state law. But, in this case, Mr. Brown has refused to defend Proposition 8 in court, citing his belief that Prop 8 violates the principles of equality enshrined in the California Constitution. This is the first time in 40 years that an Attorney General has refused to defend a law in court. For placing his principles and the California Constitution above his personal political ambitions, I nominate California Attorney General Jerry Brown for the JFK Library Profiles In Courage Award."

I encourage everyone to go to the JFK Library website and nominate Jerry Brown for the award. In this day of spineless politicians who tell us what we want to hear instead of what we need to hear, I can't think of anyone more deserving.