Hi there,
I don’t tend to post much about politics in this blog, especially nowadays. But I have something I want to talk to you about that’s more than “just politics.” It’s about my friends. It’s about—with semi-apologies to Princess Bride—True Love.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Proposition 8, I’ll quickly fill you in: It’s a ballot initiative in California that aims to modify the state constitution to eliminate the right of people to marry the one they love if they’re gay or lesbian.
And let me tell you, it has warmed my heart to see gay and lesbian people I know tie the knot… people who are committed, monogamous, dedicated to their communities. People who care about schools, who care about our country and the world.
They just want to live out their lives in peace with their loved one. Pay taxes jointly. Have full visitation rights if one of them ends up in a hospital. And, for those whose partner is from outside the U.S., they want to stay in the house they’ve bought together in this very state.
They’re not out to “convert” anyone for goodness sake, despite what some people are trying to scare you into believing. In fact, I doubt they wish on anyone the challenges and hatred and sometimes even violence they suffered growing up. I haven’t met a single gay or lesbian person who sees this as “making a statement” or “forcing change” or anything like that. They just want to be able to love the one they’re with, and have their commitment be recognized fully by both the state and our country.
Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking to yourself, well sure, Adam. I agree with you. You’re preaching to the choir! We used to not let blacks marry whites. We used to not let people originally from Ireland (and elsewhere) hold jobs amongst us. Our country has been through so many dark times… the burning of “witches” and the baseless ruining of lives of suspected communists and so on.
Of course, we’re better now, right? More and more people, especially young people, know people who are “different” than themselves… work with them, laugh with them, love them.
But I fear that the Yes on Prop 8 people have created uncertainty where there should be clarity and resoluteness. So let me set the record straight (no pun intended):
- This proposition will not change what kids are taught in school.
- It won’t cost you any money. If anything, it’ll keep more jobs here and maintain / build more revenues via taxes.
- Churches won’t lose their tax-exempt status. The court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”
If you’re straight, voting NO on Prop 8 won’t change your marriage (or for you fellow single folks, your lack of marriage). Churches can still marry whomever they want. Parents can still take their kids out of school classes that go against their beliefs.
Let two consenting adults marry each other.
* * *
Please, let love prevail. Those of you who are eligible (and haven’t already voted), PLEASE VOTE, and vote No on Prop 8.
Thank you :-).
What do you think?