I'm literally in tears today to see Obama win the election. It's not so much policy, or that the dang election is over: I am just thrilled to see the white male president stereotype hit the dirt. What does this mean for us? More importantly, what does this mean for SillyGirl? EVERYTHING. It opens doors and raises that glass ceiling a few more stories. She will see more possibilities and so will her peers. As I watched the results this morning (I'm pregnant, I can't stay up that late) with her, I was so glad for her to see this, and I can only imagine what else she'll see in her lifetime. I hope that before she turns 26, she'll see a woman president, a hispanic or asian president, a gay president, and/or a Muslim or Jewish president. The possibilities are endless, and I have hope for her.
11.05.2008
One Giant Leap Forward... a Few Steps Back
Yet, in a country that has finally put race aside (at least mostly), we have had at least 3 states pass hateful measures preventing homosexual couples the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples. Pilgrimgirl says is best here, and I can only hope, like her, that we have been teaching our children that love and equality are the best policies, and that hate and fear only hurt us.
So hurray! Today is history in the making, and Obama has a long row to hoe. We can do it!
Posted by mamadoula at 14:08
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Did you also see that Arkansas passed the measure to prohibit gays from even adopting children? That's probably the saddest ones of all...
Those who were in favor of Prop 8 have been called intolerant and hateful. But I can't help but feeling hate from those on the other side who have no tolerance for my view. I believe in marriage between a man and woman. My heart aches that my belief has left me labeled as hateful and bigoted.
I am desperately trying to defend my character here...
Amen Jensie! It's the dawn of a new day! I'm sending you a virtual hug in celebration! We won!
To Jo ~
It is not your view that people don't have tolerance for. I believe in marriage between a man and a woman too. My temple marriage is a sacred honor to me. Where we do not agree is supporting laws that trample on the rights of others. That is what is intolerant. No matter what our beliefs may be, this is America and we should be free to live how we choose. We forget Mormons made the trek out west for being oppressed for they way they chose to worship, marry, etc. LDS support of Prop 8 seems very hypocritical to me. You seem like a nice person and you don't sound bigoted or hateful BUT to support laws that are against equal rights is intolerant and hateful.
I personally have gay friends so it's not an abstract idea to me. It's so different when you actually know a gay person and see how these laws actually effect their lives.
I think another important fact to consider is that those in favor of gay marriage aren't taking away a heterosexuals right to marry, but those who are oppossed to gay marriage ARE taking away a homosexual's right to marry.
The issue for me is NOT about changing personal beliefs. Jo, you are free to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. However, to force that version of morality on other individuals is where it gets hateful. Live and let live, I say. If what I'm doing isn't hurting anyone else, let me be.
I have heard many instances of the anti-Prop 8 group harassing and promoting hatred towards the other side-- this of course, is hypocritical and despicable. I am more than tolerant of others' views and standards, I think enacting legislation that promotes discrimination of any kind is wrong.
Okay, I've really spent some time thinking about this and I think I've got it! :) Let me preface it by saying, I am not trying to change anyone's view, I am only trying to defend my own.
We agree that homosexuality is wrong, we agree that laws can be enacted to protect the rights of others or for the benefit of society. For example, polygamy is against the law, but those who oppose it aren't labeled intolerant.
Where we disagree is that gay marriage somehow infringes on the rights of others.
I'll admit, of my own doing I could not come up with ways that gay marriage directly affected me. But after researching I do believe that there would be negative repercussions on society.
I know how you feel about the first presidency's stand on this issue. Janee said she prayed about it and I believe in personal revelation. But my answer was that even if they are men, capable of mistakes, the Lord has promised he would not let the prophet lead the people astray. I believe for an issue of this magnitude the leaders of the church have recieved counsel from God.
You will probably say that I am following them blindly, but in my heart I feel it best to remain on the side of the prophet.
Let me say again, I am not trying to change your opinion, only to give mine some credibility.
One more thing, I may be sheltered because I live in Kuna. But I still have had and do have relationships with gay people. They know how I feel about this issue, and to date, it has not affected our frienship.
No hard feelings?
(For common ground: You were right about the bailouts- bad idea. And I'm excited about Obama as well.)
Jo, I think you should watch this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnHyy8gkNEE
That was a powerful video. Based on conversations with my coworkers I've realized that were it not for the guidance of the church, I wouldn't be opposed same sex marriage. But the guidance of the church means everything, matters most to me. If it were in his nature to do so, I imagine President Monson could make an equally emotional plea on behalf of Prop 8.
I see your points, I understand your compassion. All I am asking is that you respect my choice to follow church leadership without discrediting my own compassion. It IS possible to be opposed to same sex marriage and not be hateful. Can't you grant me that?
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