Blogging about politics is nothing I've ever attempted before. I'll be the first to admit that I usually don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to politics and all. I say "usually" because for once in my life, I DO know a little something about a particular measure that's on the California ballot this year. Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved by California voters in the year 2000. "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The only difference is that this time it will be amended to the California Constitution so that no judge can overturn the will of the people (it was in May 2008 that 4 activist judges in San Francisco overturned the law and legalized same-sex marriage).
Every time an election rolls around, we are encouraged to get out and vote because "Every Vote Matters." Apparently it didn't matter because the above mentioned judges DECIDED it didn't and overturned the law, stating it was "unconstitutional and violated basic civil rights". Ironically, same-sex couples in California already receive all the same rights and benefits that married couples do. Proposition 8 is not an attack on same-sex couples. They have a right to their private lives, but not to change the definition of marriage for everyone else.
Opponents of Prop 8 are saying that this is a matter of "Equality for All" and to "End Discrimination". But as I mentioned above, same-sex couples already have equal rights under California law. As for the discrimination argument, I find it riduculous that their sexual preference is being compared to race or skin color. Here is a great video clip that says it so well!
Last Friday evening I stood on a street corner with a group of men and women from my church holding signs that said "Vote Yes on 8". I was nervous about putting myself out there. I was worried about having things thrown at me. I even joked about wearing a bullet-proof vest. What I wasn't prepared for was the cussing and finger-flipping that we encountered. Several cars drove by and called us "bigots" and yelled other unmentionable obscenities. But we had a lot more positive reactions to our signs than negative. And that made it all worthwhile. But I left our little "march" feeling sad that there are some opponents of Prop 8 who don't understand our side at all. We are being yelled at to be "Tolerant." Yet, where's the tolerance for our beliefs? To them I declare: We are NOT bigots. We are NOT narrow-minded. We DO love and respect all mankind. We know that God does love ALL His children. And we DO believe that marriage is a sacred institution, ordained of God, and that it was designed from the beginning of time to be between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN. That definition doesn't take rights away from anyone.
23 hours ago
6 comments:
Well said Caroline! I had someone flip me off the other day because of my yes on 8 bumper sticker. There are lots of intolerant people among those that claim to be tolerant. I'm glad you were doing your public duty. You will be blessed.
Great post. I find it funny that supporters of prop 8 are being called intolerant, when we get that kind of opposition. I know there are good people on both sides of this argument, but I am seeing a lot of our signs stolen and name calling going on, which is just another testimony to me that we are on the right side of this one.
beautifully said. I find it ironic that the majority of my friends who are opposed to prop 8 are NOT married. I just can't believe that they have been fooled into thinking this is an equality issue. Good for you guys for holding signs and standing for what is right.
Belin is is so cute! I love the jersey! HOw cool are those?
Way to take a beating on Prop 8. Who would have thought it was so crazy! I agree that they should have equal rights, but to redefine marriage doesn't work. How about we all vote on what to call a same sex union.
We could also all vote on changing the title of DOG to SOB, but it would still be a dog.
i was shocked about all of the mean spirited people on the no on 8 side...i wish i could say the people in our group acted with class but they got caught up in the disgusting behavior and it was just uncomfortable and ugly. we opted not to hold signs anymore and instead do the door hangers.
I love how liberals want tolerance while their the minority... but what happens when they become the majority voice, how tolerant are THEY? Mormons, made up about 4% of the California vote on Yes for Prop 8. This was a broader coalition than just one group in favor of retaining the traditional definition of marriage. You go girl.
Post a Comment