Prop 8

I'd like to begin by apologizing ahead of time, because I know that my opinions are very strong and I will in fact offend a lot of family members and some close friends with this post. However, I feel that this is my "venting" outlet and like it to be used as such. I feel very strongly on this issue (not as much as my husband, but pretty close), so I am choosing not to censor myself. I have no problem with people believing what they choose to believe. I just don't like it when they attempt to push it onto an entire population.

Today is election day, and while its no surprise that Obama will probably win, there is another much more important race to follow in California. Below are my feelings about Prop 8:

First of all, its causing a lot of tension in my own family. My husband is extremely disappointed that his family is supporting this cause, by donating both a lot of time and money. So much so, that these arguments have been his last straw. He cannot fathom the idea of his kids being exposed to this lifestyle and beliefs. Keep in mind, that he has an extreme deep rooted hatred for the LDS church, the main backer of Prop 8. The reasons are private and too complicated to get into now, but nonetheless, his emotions do come from somewhere. I tend to see it less emotionally, but do agree with a lot of his views.

The issue is civil vs. religious marriage. Is marriage a "rite" or a "right"? I believe its a right for all people and a rite for others who choose that. I don't believe in god (in the sense that he is someone watching over and judging us etc..) and I am married. God had nothing to do with my marriage. In fact, the "man of god" that married me made me feel like crap before my own wedding. To most people marriage is tradition and cultural and an expression of love. Prop 8 supporters claim that they are "protecting" marriage. I'm not sure what they are protecting, because their marriages won't be affected in any way. They are denying, not protecting.

There have been claims by Prop 8 backers that by not tolerating their stance, that we are the intolerant ones. However, intolerance should never be tolerated. Prop 8 backers will still enjoy marriage just as they always have. Their gods and churches should not have to acknowledge the "evil" homosexual unions. Marriages performed in their churches will still be under their own rules. It is bigotry, because no matter how you look at it, its denying a group of people something that another group of people can have. And thats just plain wrong.

If it were not for the efforts of the LDS church, Prop 8 would be failing. So, I ask, why is Utah butting their nose into California's issues? Why is a tax exempt church getting so involved in politics? It reminds me of the Borg in Star Trek. The drones were sent out in droves to assimiliate. Drones did not think for themselves and essentially just carried out orders given by the queen. Resistance is futile. Enough of them and they can gain control of entire civilizations. Thats just scary. We live in a democracy, not a theocracy. And I want to keep it that way.

Maybe it is so blatantly obvious to me because I am against organized religion, but the reason homosexuality is evil in religion is clear. The main goal of religion is to assimilate (crusades, anyone?). If men are having sex with men and women are having sex with women, no babies come about to brainwash (that is, by far, the easiest way for a church to grow). Therefore, thats one less member and ultimately less money from tithing. And thats what it comes down to. MONEY and POWER. Why is it that the catholic church is against birth control? Why is it that religious people have a ton of kids? Anyone ever wonder why sodomy, even between a man and a woman is frowned upon in religion? Homosexuality and sodomy inhibit the growth of a church. And that is why religious organizations think it is wrong. Plain and simple.

Its funny how Prop 8 is an effort to "save" families yet, in my family, it is actually causing a huge rift. Obviously, there is more to it than the Prop 8 issue, but it has definately caused strong emotions on both sides. I have faith that no matter what happens tonight, people will eventually come around and learn to accept all people regradless of race, gender, or sexual preference, and look back on past views with shame and regret.

I have my own golden rule. You can always tell if something is wrong if it will hurt other people. That is what I live by and I want to instill it in my children. I don't need anyone else to explain the rules of what god or the bible or anyone else thinks is right or wrong. I can think for myself. Stealing, lying, cheating, and killing are some of those things that fall under the "bad" category. I have yet to see how two people wanting to devote their lives to eachother hurts anyone else.

Homer: I like my beer cold, my TV loud and my homosexuals flaming.