Arnold's legacy

I read this article on the San Francisco Chronicle about yesterday's historic passage of gay-marriage legislation in California and this quote touched me:

"It's always a dilemma whether to follow or lead. This is one of those times history is looking to us to lead," said Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, one of the swing votes, during more than an hour of debate.

[...]

Umberg said that of all the constituents who contacted him on the bill, he had ultimately looked to his three children.

"I wanted them to look back and see where I was when we could make a difference, if I stood with those who took a leadership role in terms of tolerance, equity and fairness," he said. "And I'll be proud to say I did."

And I'm sure they'll be proud of you for picking the right side, the side of the future, of hope, of justice, of equality. For all.

The article also says that Schwarzenegger has not taken an official position on the legislation but has hinted that he would veto it, as I opined in a previous posting:

Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, said the governor would be deciding his legacy when he decides whether to sign or veto the bill.

"He will determine whether he will be the first governor to do a little heavy lifting and support equality for all or whether he will become the first governor to terminate our rights," he said. "We know in his heart he wants to do the right thing."