While our country opened the door to one group of it's citizens, it slammed it shut on another. The very same ballot that gave an African American the keys to the White House, foreclosed on gay America's dream house. It truly is baffling. What is it that straight America is so afraid of? What do they think is going to happen if two people of the same sex marry each other? It's like all other moral issues: if you don't think it's right . . . if it goes against your religious teachings, then don't do it. If God is offended . . .let the Deity deal with it. It's really none of your business. The bible specifically states that we should not judge others, that's God's gig. I don't recall God taking a sick day and asking his followers to fill in and pass judgements . . .so knock it off!!!
Where do you get off imposing your religious beliefs on others? Where does the state get off putting this issue on a ballot and allowing a majority to decide on the civil rights of a minority? In the word of Jeff Dunham's "Peanut", "What the hell?!"
When trying to figure out why something is happening politically one needs to follow the money. so, when you see who is funding the Proposition 8 initiative you find themajority of the funding came from the Mormons. Californians Against Hate released figures Tuesday showing that $17.67 million was contributed by 59,000 Mormon families since August to groups like Yes on 8. The surge in support has been an attempt to boost the church's social standing among the greater religious community.
Apparently the Mormons are tired of being looked down upon by the Catholics, Christians and the evangelicals. I guess they want to be as socially relevant as the big boys. By funding anti-gay legislation, they can divert attention away from their history of polygamy and "magic underwear"and unite all religions under the anti-gay flag. Funny how those who profess to be morally superior to homosexuals belong to the same cult that encouraged the slaughter of hundreds of thousands during the crusades, tortured thousands during the Inquisition, drowned and burnt women whom they believed to be witches. No wonder the Romans fed them to the lions.
If God really gives a shit about "the sanctity of marriage", why hasn't he or she strike down all the Catholics, Christians, and evangelicals that have gotten divorced? Where's the ban on breaking a vow you made before God? I've yet to see that turned into a proposition!
I wanted to be able to just celebrate this past election.and feel good . . . really good about where we were headed for a change but, this whole proposition 8 thing just pissed on my parade. The ironic twist in this election is the very group (African Americans) that turned out in record numbers to vote 95% to 5% in favor of Obama, also voted 69% to 31% in favor of Prop 8. If I were Rush Limbaugh I would tell my listeners that blacks are racist and anti-gay. The exit polls show that to be true but, it's like eating a great big shit sandwich when I agree with anything Rush says. A lot of false information was put out there by the Knight's of Columbus and Focus on the family that inferred Obama supported prop 8. He most definitely did not. Also a lot of the money that went to fund Obama's campaign would have gone to defeat Prop 8.
The wording of all these propositions are intentionally confusing as well. At a glance: a voter sees Prop. 8 "gay marriage" vote yes or no. In order to support equality a voter had to vote "no". It's very awkward for a voter to cast a negative vote in order to achieve a positive outcome. This may not be the entire reason for the passing of the ban but, it more than likely contributed to it. These sweet and sour historic election results emphasizes the need for true equality in this country. Prop 8 should never have been put on the same ballot as a presidential race.
We have managed to evolve enough as a society to vote for content of character but still can't seem to get past the notion that everyone's bread must be buttered on the same side.
DaG out
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I agree completely. The religious right are simply incapable of understanding what is meant by the separation of church and state. They are unwittingly advocating a theocracy. The very thing that they so revile in the Muslim ruled countries. Attempting to legislate morality gives rise to radical fundamentalism. It is an idea that has proven to be one of the most oppressive forms of government. As you pointed to; The rule of Catholicism gave rise to the inquisitions and the crusades. The rule of Puritanism produced witch hunts and burnings. The rule of the Mormons, in the old west, produced massacres on innocent pioneers moving west. The theocratic rule of many Muslim countries has produced some of the most oppressive inhumane living conditions in the world. Not to mention the fanatical terrorist actions of their believers.
To paraphrase Bertrand Russell: If only we could all be atheists, so we could live as Christians are supposed to!
It is yet another example of my pet bell curve theory. The vast majority of people are of mediocre intelligence. Democracy is an exercise in mediocrity.
DaG Senior
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