I JUST EXPERIENCED THE BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFETIME. If you are unfamiliar with my current situation, you should know that I am studying engineering and policy at Tufts. Today's class on policy and planning included Massachusetts Representative Jim Marzilli, who spoke about his experiences in the legislature, techniques that he uses to move issues and bills onto the agenda, and yesterday's SJC ruling that labels the denial of marriage to same-sex couples as unconstitutional in Massachusetts. It was incredible to hear him talk about not only the implications of this important ruling, but also the various courses of action available to the Massachusetts legislature. To whit:

• The legislature could do nothing. This would mean that 180 days from yesterday the clerks in town halls across the state would be required to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
• They could try to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. This amendment would need to be voted upon by more than one legislative assemblage, and then placed on a ballot to be voted on by the electorate. The process could take until late 2006. Imagine the tens of thousands of same-sex unions that would exist by then, that would be annulled, legal rights stripped away, children without legal parents, etc. if this were to happen.
• Adopt a "civil union" provision similar to the one in place in Vermont. This union would confer equivalent legal rights to same-sex couples. These rights include inheritance rights, child custody rights, hospital visitation rights, bereavement benefits, etc.
• Legalize marriage of same-sex couples sooner than the 180 days stated in the SJC decision. Same rights, same name, same system, sooner.

Even more enlightening than this plain and simple laying out of the options was Rep. Marzilli's comment that an issue that generates 10 phone calls to his office would be considered to be a huge issue worth directing his attention to. He represents Arlington and West Medford. It is my contention that his constituency is well-educated, vocal, and committed to good governance. If 10 phone calls means you get noticed in Arlington, then I can't imagine the number would be enormous in Somerville, Manchester, Cambridge, or anywhere else. He mentioned also that form emails mean only slightly more to him than a signature on a petition because it takes approximately 15 seconds to send a form email. A personal letter or telephone call carries MUCH GREATER WEIGHT. I am generalizing here, but if you have an issue that is important to you I suggest that you call your representative and have your roommates, friends, family, and others do the same. If your rep is any good, they will notice and fight for you.

Great class!