Profile in Courage Essay Contest Prize Winning Essay
Stephanie Dziczek,
Holmes High School, Covington, Kentucky
Subject of essay: Governor Howard Dean
Excerpt:
In an interview with The Advocate, Dean maintained that despite damage to his campaign, he had no
regrets about supporting Vermont's civil unions bill: "This . . . is about principle, and that
principle is respect for everyone-and that is regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
race, or any one of a number of factors that makes us different" (Dean). Minority champions like
Dean, with the courage to hold principle and respect for all people above common opinion, are the
reasons that today women can vote, African Americans are legally protected from discrimination, and
homosexuals can engage in civil unions.
President John F. Kennedy recognized the importance of these courageous people to the success of our
nation when he stated, "A democracy that has . . . no monument of individual conscience in a sea of
popular rule is not worthy to bear the name" (Kennedy 161). The outstanding courage exemplified by
Howard Dean legitimizes the ideals of our Declaration of Independence in today's America.
On Election Day 2000, Vermonters voted their verdict on Dean's integrity: he was reelected. Despite
dissension, voters valued Dean for his commitment to principle. The ultimate success of Vermont's
civil unions bill and Dean's reelection could serve as a persuasive impetus to grant gays similar
freedoms in other states. The effect of Dean's courage, however, reaches beyond the law. For a
generation of young Americans, Dean proved that justice is possible and that rights to "life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," are still worth defending.
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