Virginia@: U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE E.W. JACKSON SUPPORTS BLOCKING APPOINTMENT OF TRACY THORNE BEGLAND

Friday, May 18, 2012

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE E.W. JACKSON SUPPORTS BLOCKING APPOINTMENT OF TRACY THORNE BEGLAND

Chesapeake- May 18: "As an American of African descent and someone who came of age during the Civil Rights Movement, I am deeply sensitive to violations of civil rights. However, it is my conclusion that the General Assembly of Virginia was right to deny activist homosexual Tracy Thorne-Begland a seat on the bench.

Homosexuals have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as do all Americans. Nevertheless, sexual orientation is not a protected class under the Virginia Constitution or our laws, nor should it be. Equating rights over "sexual orientation" to black civil rights is not only specious logic but an insult to black Americans and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. It is not invidious discrimination to block this appointment.

Private sexual behavior, unless it is against the law, should remain private. Mr. Begland has chosen to make his private sexual behavior a cause célèbre. He has been an active proponent of legal changes to recognize and accommodate homosexuality. This is one of the most divisive issues of our day. It pits radical activists against the First Amendment rights of all Americans who believe in traditional marriage and values.

Recently, one of the most famous boxers and athletes in the world, Manny Pacquiao, was denied entry to the Grove Shopping Mall in Los Angeles because he opposes homosexual marriage. That is the kind of case courts are confronting more and more. The judges we appoint should not be associated with a radical agenda which they believe all other citizens must yield to and approve regardless of the law. Nor should they be associated with organizations and activists who have an extremist agenda which they seek to achieve by the force of law.

Chai Feldblum, Obama's appointment to head the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, said "There can be a conflict between religious liberty and sexual liberty, but in almost all cases the sexual liberty should win because that's the only way that the dignity of gay people can be affirmed in any realistic manner."

A person who holds a position of legal authority to interpret and enforce the law should not elevate a personal political or social agenda above the law and the Constitution. Mr. Begland demonstrated this propensity when he defied the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy while still serving in the military. Instead of focusing solely on his military service, he eventually became mired in a protracted legal battle to advance his social cause.

No American citizen should want to persecute or punish a fellow citizen for their private behavior, no matter how objectionable we may believe that behavior to be. However, the moment that behavior becomes a political agenda to be advanced on the public at large despite the Constitution or state law, it becomes a disqualifier for the exercise of judicial power."

Questions or interview request should be directed to Greg Aldridge at 757 373-4980.

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About EW Jackson:

EW Jackson served in the United States Marine Corps, graduated from Harvard Law School and studied at Harvard Divinity School.

He practiced law for 15 years in Boston, and later devoted his full time to ministry. His first book, "Ten Commandments to an Extraordinary Life" was published in 2008. His second book, "America the Beautiful - Reflections of a Patriot Descended from Slaves" is scheduled for release on July 4th of this year.

He founded the Exodus Faith Ministries, a non-denominational church in Chesapeake VA. and is the founder of S.T.A.N.D. - Staying True to America's National Destiny, a national grassroots organization dedicated to restoring America's Judeo-Christian heritage and values. EW has been active in numerous businesses, political and spiritual endeavours throughout his life. His articles have been published nationally and internationally. EW has been seen and heard on FOX New's The O'Reilly Factor, Your World With Neil Cavuto and Megyn Kelly's America Live, ABC's Good Morning America, ABC's Politically Incorrect, Hardball with Chris Matthews, C-Span's Washington Journal, ABC Radio Network, National Public Radio and many other media outlets. His work has been reported by the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Mother Jones Magazine, World Magazine and other publications.

In recognition of his national ministry leadership, he was consecrated a Bishop in 1998. He and his wife have been married for forty years, have 3 children and have resided in Chesapeake for 13 years. Find out more about EW Jackson's campaign to Fix Washington Now by going to Jacksonforvirginia.org.