"We're all the same people, it's just that we think differently or we were born differently, and these people should be treated the same way as you would treat somebody else."
As an 8-year-old child, I think I was typically more mature and compassionate than others my age. However, those qualities extended as far as sitting next to the lonely kid in the cafeteria or wanting to save the Florida manatees I'd recently seen at Sea World. It pales in comparison to the statement above, spoken by Colorado third-grader, Ethan, who organized and held an equal rights rally on the steps of the Denver capitol this weekend.
The young student was moved to action many grown adults shy away from these days after discovering a neighborhood child whose two moms are unable to get married in Colorado. Ethan spoke to local officials, lined up permits and speakers, and even handled his own marketing — posting flyers on the event throughout Denver.
His message is simple, which you can hear at our friend Pam Spaulding's blog Pam's House Blend: "People should be treated the same and they should have equal mariiage rights and equal protection." His example, though, is more profound. Without words, Ethan's belief in America's protection of equal rights and freedom speech, coupled with his determination that one person — no matter their age — can bring about needed change, sends a compelling message to parties on both sides of the controversial issue.
Check out the video of his speech from the rally after the jump.
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This is amazing. Ethan is a great example of how the next generation of children can truly make a difference. I’m definitely sharing this with everyone I know!
Mmh, actually not sure about this thing. I sure find it sweet that a third-grader does something like that. Not entirely convinced though that this is not some kind of PR stunt and he just got (ab)used for that. Nonetheless, granting that the story is true as such, I find it kinda sad that nobody seems to applaud his parents. After all, it is up to them to explain their children what is write or wrong. May it be LGBT rights, saving manatees or engaging with outsiders. At this age it is certainly not about maturity but about a good example!
So let’s rather give his parents a hand and hope that they inspire their children to sit next to the LGBT kid in the cafeteria next time.