Legislators have a duty before them

THE NOTED British statesman Benjamin Disraeli once described politics as a "career of plundering and blundering."

Each member of our Massachusetts Legislature took an oath to uphold the constitution. Now there are the arrogant and capricious "plunderers and blunderers" -- 109 of them -- who would deny the people their constitutional right to vote on the people's Defense of Marriage Act.

I would remind them, as they return to their duty today, that all rights derive from the people.

As a veteran -- and husband to my real wife of 49 years -- the defense of the sanctity of marriage is no less important than the defense of our great country , which in World War II we pledged to uphold and for which many sacrificed their lives.

JOSEPH A. RYAN
Harwich