According to Lt. Gov Spencer Cox, we need fewer Republicans, fewer Democrats, and more Americans to help those affected by the Orlando terrorist attack. In a moving speech during a vigil for the 49 people, who perished at a gay nightclub in Florida, Cox admitted that when he was young, he was not a fan of gay children, but he has changed, and he is hoping that Americans will open their hearts like he did.
Utah Lt. Gov Spencer Cox delivered a very moving speech that is very surprising coming from a Republican. On Monday, like many politicians, Cox took part in one of the countless events held around the country to remember the 49 people, who were gunned down as they celebrated.
The terrorist attack took place on June 12 at the Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. According to authorities, the gunman, who was often seen at the hot spot and might have been gay, opened fire, taking the lives of 49 LGBT people and seriously injuring 53 others. The attack is considered as:
“…the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman and the deadliest incident of violence against LGBT people in U.S. history to date, the largest targeted mass killing of LGBT people in the Western world since the Holocaust, and also the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the September 11 attacks.”
As stated above, countless politicians, celebrities, and well-known figures have publicly expressed their sympathy to the families and friends of the victims, and the survivors, who are left shattered by what occurred.
Mr. Cox opened his remarks by confessing that he was not very kind to members of the LGBT community when he was younger. Standing at the City and County Building in Salt Lake City, the Republican figure stated:
“I recognize fully that I am a balding, youngish, middle-aged, straight, white, male, Republican politician … with all of the expectations and privileges that come with those labels. I am probably not who you expected to hear from today.”
He went on to reveal that his “heart has changed,” and asked his fellow Americans to do the same. He also apologized for his past behavior. He explained:
“I believe that we can all agree we have come a long way as a society when it comes to our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ community (did I get that right?).”
He told the weeping crowd that this is the time to accept, respect, and understand people, who are considered “different” in our society:
“Usually when tragedy occurs, we see our nation come together. I was saddened, yesterday, to see far too many retreating to their over worn policy corners and demagoguery.”
To conclude his speech, he used quotes from Jesus Christ, the Prophet Muhammad, and President Lyndon B. Johnson to talk about empathy. He finished by:
“I do know what it feels like to be scared. And I do know what it feels like to be sad. And I do know what it feels like to be rejected. And, more importantly, I know what it feels like to be loved.”
What are your thoughts on Cox’s change of heart?
