I can't get over this Prop 8 thing. Anytime I read something about those who supported or voted for it, I just get mad all over again. Just now, it was an article about certain restaurants that contributed to the discrimination campaign. No more Burger King, Acapulco's or El Pollo Loco for us. Sylvia's bummed about Burger King, but she also doesn't want to give them our money.
I haven't been writing a lot lately because, frankly, this is the root of all I have to say lately. The majority of my conversations that aren't work-related have been about this. I know in my heart that we will win this. But I want to know how, and I want to know why, and I want to ensure that no one else - no other group of Americans - will have to fight for their equal rights as Americans.
To me, this is not a gay issue. In fact, I had to write to NPR to correct them that it wasn't just "gays and lesbians" protesting in Silverlake. There were several straight people that attended. This is a civil rights issue. This is about equal rights for all Americans.
If we hadn't enjoyed that for 5 months before November 4, I most likely would've been okay. But the fact that we stripped them away astounds and appalls me. I just don't understand that type of hatred. Sure, I bitched and moaned and whined throughout most of Bush's presidency, but this is different. That more people in our state decided to take rights away, gave money to take rights away, make up lies and exploit children to take rights away...it'd be funny, if it weren't so tragic.
I know not all of my readers agree with me. In fact, I may have already lost those who disagree with me. But here's my thought: even if you don't agree with the concept of gay marriage, it is our patriotic duty to give equal rights to all Americans. If your disagreement with gay marriage has to do with your religion, it is important to remember that going down any road of religious persecution is a big, big mistake. Margaret and Helen said it best: no matter what your beliefs are, millions of people all over the world disagree with you. Yes. Millions. No matter what. Freedom to worship in our chosen way (or freedom not to worship) should be sacred to all of us. That is why separating the church and state is so essential to the well-being of all Americans.
There is much to celebrate, though. The movement that is happening is inspiring! If I didn't email you about the nationwide protests, check it out. Connecticut is now giving marriage licenses to gay couples. Many politicians are sending letters protesting discrimination to the courts. Even the Governator has told us to keep fighting! The artistic director at a reputable theatre company resigned after word spread like wild fire that he'd contributed to the discrimination campaign.
And I don't think any of this would be happening without Obama's election. He showed us that getting actively involved can make a difference.
It's all worth it for the day that WILL happen in the future where I can see the fruits of our efforts. And all of us, every single American, can finally enjoy equal rights.
8 comments:
I didn't know about Burger King supporting Prop 8. Just another reason to boycott them. I was very disappointed in my own state of Florida too. It is a civil rights issue. But I think until that is how it's viewed and not a religious issue, the battle will continue to rage. It wasn't that many years ago (witnin my lifetime) that Barak Obama's parents could not have legally married. A lot of the opposition to mixed race unions was religious based. It's past time to right this wrong.
Good to know what establishments we should avoid on our trip. I'm mad as Hell that these things passed not only in Ca, but in all of the other states. Arizona rejected it in 2006, but I think that's because more dems came out than republicans then. This needs to be addressed at a federal level, not just state. You JUST can't constitutionalize discrimination.
And don't worry about the readers you lost. If they decide to dislike you for your views, then so be it. I've already seen the true colors of someone I held in high regard.
God. Lost my comment. WTF?
Well, you haven't lost me. I just haven't been online in a few days. I respectfully disagree with gay marriage (as you probably could have guessed) but it has nothing to do with equal rights. I have no problem with civil unions, which I think provide the same legal rights. I personally don't believe that the government should be involved in marriage at all. Marriage is a sacred bond built by God and can only be broken by Him. Insurance and the ability to see loved ones in the hospital should be determined by the individual. I believe homosexuality is sinful, but then I believe that a lot of things are sinful. It has nothing to do with civil rights in my mind.
hugabug1 -
I'm glad you're still here, and I'm sure you know I disagree. Separate but equal is not the same. And civil unions don't necessarily provide the same rights as marriage - particularly when not all states recognize them the way they do a marriage license. Not to mention, the world did not implode for the 5 months that marriage licenses were given to gay couples in this state.
But we actually do agree on one point: I think the true answer is to get gov't out of the marriage license business altogether. But until that happens, all Americans should have equal rights.
And as you said, sin is everywhere. Whatever you or I consider sin exists. I recognize that gay marriages will not necessarily mean everyone will agree with it, but not everyone agrees with divorce either. Adults should be able to make up their own minds about how they live their lives, and deal with the consequences. What is not right is other people making those decisions for them. Particularly in a land where we are considered free.
I know you can't take your religion out of how you personally feel, but take a step back and consider how wrong it would be if the majority of your state decided you had to worship in a church that was not your own. We all need and depend on the power of free will.
Regardless, I hope you're feeling well, and I'm glad you're still around!
You're right - separate but equal is not true equality. I cannot take my religious beliefs and throw them aside and so I will never be able to support gay marriage. However, I will and do support civil unions for all if it is necessary for the government to be involved. Leave marriage to the churches and keep the government out of it. That's my take on it.
I think one reason the government is involved in marriage is for the protection of the children. But their view of it is indeed based on a traditional religious view, which has no place in an institution designed to give and protect rights for all.
Amen! I am all talked out over this. I will give up and we will have to respectfully disagree. Keith Olbermann was right, who are they to decide for a group of people. I am glad the fight is still going.
My word verifivation is active-very fitting
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