Dear Governor of Rhode Island

As a gay citizen of the United States, I am appalled at your latest decision vetoing legislation granting gays and lesbians funeral rights to their deceased partners. You say it should be up to the voters, but we both know what the voters will say, won't we? Especially if Maine and the other 30 states are any indication.

But are you not, sir, suppose to defend ALL citizens, not just the ones who would vote for you? As a gay man in the south, I can tell you how vicious people are towards me and others like me, including members of my own family. The law does not protect me and my relationship from them. I can be barred from my future partner's funeral or him from mine; our home can be taken from us; our hospital can deny us visitation.

In America. This happens in America, supposed Land of the Free.

You are suppose to protect ALL citizens, Governor Carcieri, not just the ones you like, not just the ones you prefer, and not just the ones who are exactly like you.

For I and every other gay and lesbian person are citizens of the United States of America. And as such, we deserve the same respect, recognition, and protection as every other citizen of this great country.

One day, you will see that this decision was wrong, hateful, and thoroughly un-American.