I hesitate to write my thoughts about my political experiences over the past several months. So much has been said/written about the political atmosphere lately, my writings will seem repetitive. I write because this is, in a way, my journal. I will be printing and binding my blog entries soon. I want my children to know my thoughts, experiences and the events taking place around me throughout this historical 2008 election time.
This was the first election in which I have honestly believed that both Presidential candidates were completely capable of doing justice to the Office of the President of the United States of America. I was unable to decide which candidates plan/platform would solve the crises our country faces. I am an independent voter, purposefully unaffiliated with either party. I voted based on a hope for a working checks and balances system of government and although the Democrats have won the overwhelming majority in both the House & Senate, secured the Office of the President & will soon replace several retiring members of the Supreme Court thus throwing my checks and balances concerns in the garbage, I am hopefully optimistic about the political changes that have taken place. I respect President- Elect Barack Obama. I love that America has spoken for change against the current sitting Presidents inadequacies. I'm loving the symbol that electing a black President represents. However, I deeply believe those people that only voted/did not vote for Obama because of his skin color insulted not just him but America in general. We vote based on platforms, confidence, accomplishments, etc. We should be eons past skin color. I hope Obama's election will open relations with other world leaders. I have no interest in becoming "one" with Europe but definitely desire more cooperative efforts between our country and others.
My emotions regarding the California elections and Prop 8 (Defining marriage between a man and a woman) sit heavily on the surface of my mind. My heart, as always, is full of love for my friends and church associates that have given their all to a cause that they believe in. For the first time in an election, I experienced the Democratic process at its best. Being an American provides an opportunity for us all to send our ideas and voices out in an attempt to make a difference in our future. I didn't truly believe this concept until now. I made a difference. We made a difference in the election this year and because of our commitment to this process, Mormons are now being singled out, villified, harrassed and harmed.
To put it mildly, I have been obsessed about Prop 8. I've read every article possible both for/against Prop 8 , discussed it in depth with several attorneys learning the pros/cons of the possible passing/failure and visited websites galore representing No & Yes ideas. I, just like many other Mormons & Pro Prop 8 voters, did not take this issue lightly, realized the seriousness of altering California's Constitution, and have approached this issue in an educated, loving and caring manner. I deeply resent being portrayed by the Gay Rights Movements and all those associated with it, as an uneducated person filled with hate, seeking to destroy the civil rights of other human beings. Their statements are mean and simply untrue. I have witnessed several months of violence, vandalism and lies focused not just toward Pro Prop 8 people but specifically targetting the LDS religion and its members.
Frankly, I am shocked. It is our resposibility/privelege as Americans to participate in the democratic voting process. That process includes not just voting, but peacefully demonstrating, phone calling, kindly sharing your views and contributing money to that cause. For these actions, Mormons are under attack. An attack that would be completely unacceptable if it was focused not only on people of other religions (Jewish/Catholic/Muslim) but on the Gay Rights Movement itself. In fact, I am absolutely positive the media coverage would be all over the same violence if it was being committed against one of these other groups rather than against Mormons.
Regardless of one's political or lifestyle leanings, we are all God's children. I believe, see and treat everyone with love and respect. My voting for Prop 8 is not in any way connected with hate. We have several very loving gay couples in our neighborhood that have been together for many years. I absolutely adore my neighbors. I respect their kindness, neighborliness & life accomplishments. Nonetheless, I do not see Prop 8 as an equality issue. In California, that equality already exists and both heterosexual/homosexual domestic partnerships have ALL of the same rights and benefits of any married couple. I'm 100% in favor of that equality! I am also in favor of gay couples adopting children and would vote against any law prohibiting those adoptions.
I am completely in favor of different groups within a society having unique definitions as long as the laws underlying that society provide for fair and equal treatment of all persons. I believe that the concept of marriage involves not only the loving commitment of two persons but also the possibility of procreation. This unique relationship should be respected. It in and of itself does not diminish the importance of other loving relationships. If "civil union" is not an endearing enough term to represent a union between two loving committed people of the same gender, then let them create a new term. Why does one portion of society have to give away their own definition in order for another group to include themselves in a definition that does not reflect the complete nature of their relationship? The definition of family has been altered, and rightfully so, to incorporate all of the many different types of committed relationships.
Lastly, because I live in CA and am heavily involved in the public school systems daily, I believe without a doubt that the failure of Prop 8 would have absolutely affected the teaching of our children. I don't need Pro/Anti Prop 8 commercials to figure that one out.
Reality - My children develop friendships with the adults of this world through their kindnesses, their accomplishments and their contributions to our community. I want it to remain this way. At young ages, let them remain innocent and not indoctrinate them with adult ideas/burdens. I have heard ridiculous claims that Pro Prop 8 people just don't like to talk to their children about sex. Totally false. We have the sexual discussions with our children at an appropriate age (8 yrs). We speak to them straight out, answering any and all questions with complete honesty.
I believe the underlying goals of the Gay & Lesbian Rights Movement (GLRM) are not to change the minds of today's adult population that voted "yes" on Prop 8. Rather, it is to slowly but steadly input it's ideas/opinions into the children because therein lies the future. The underlying idea that if I teach anything other than what the GLRM believes, I am accused of teaching hatred, bigotry and intollerance. Somehow the GLRM has created an atmosphere in which tolerance equates only to total acceptance of their ideas and anything else is unnacceptable. Eventually, children will become desensitized to this message and the GLRM will have its way in politics. It is already difficult to stand in opposition to them. It is already difficult to experience vandalism, hateful messages left on cars and horrible lies spread over the TV and radio about Pro 8 Supporters that are Mormon. It is already awful to have your name with your town of residence posted on blogs with words that encourage Anti 8 people to hammer you for exercises your right to free speech. It is already horrible to explain to my children the meanings of the horrible words on posters of demonstrators saying "Momons go to hell." Seriously, where is the tolerance? Which side is spewing the hate?
The ultimate goals of those that oppose Prop 8 is clear. It is not about equal rights. THAT ALREADY EXISTS. I will continue to teach my children to love everyone but to stand up for what they believe, educate themselves and choose the right no matter how difficult the opposition.
The LDS Prophet was right to stand for truth and encourage the member's of our church to be active in the political process. We are not zombies. We can choose to agree/disagree. I agree. I side with the prophet. The line was in the sand. I stand for love, kindness, tolerance and for the preservation of a definition unique to committed relationships between a man and a woman for both companionship and for the possibility of procreation.
Come what may.
