Yesterday I spent 3 hours walking local neighborhoods talking to people about proposition 8. It was a great 3 hours, I was part of a coalition across Southern California doing the same thing, and I will be about it again next week, and again another Saturday not yet decided. Of course - during the week their are many canvassing the streets who cant do it on Saturdays, but still want to be involved.
We came across many who want to volunteer to help, many who support proposition 8, and those who were undecided. Of the 50+ people I spoke with yesterday, only 2 were definitely voting no on the proposition.
However - despite the low "No" votes - we came across many undecided voters who had some very legititmate concerns and questions.
I would like to share with you some of the things we came across, how we responded - and would like your input if you have better advice and answers.
Response #1: I have friends who are gay, I probably will vote no on Proposition 8
Our Answer: We all have friends who are gay or homosexual. These are good friends or co-workers and we love and respect them. They contribute a great deal to our community. We think we have come a long way to make sure that those who live this lifestyle recieve the same rights heterosexual persons recieve like healthcare, hospital visitation rights and other domestic partner benefts. We think all of that is great and this proposition doesn't change any of that. However -with all that we have done for those in that lifestyle, its time that we vote for something that preserves something sacred for the majority. That thing is marriage.
Response #2: No - I am definitely voting against proposition 8
Our Answer: Are you set in your decision, or are you still gathering information?
Response #3: I am not sure, so many propositions have the small writing, or hidden pieces of legislation - I am just worried that will voting for something else that I am unaware of.
Our Answer: So you are hesitant to vote yes, because you dont want to change other things as well that you dont support? We want to assure you that the entire wording of the proposition states that "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." That is it. There is no more and no less. It is that simple.
Response #4: What does it matter if there is same-sex marriage? Homosexuality used to be so deep in the closet, and it isn't any more.
Our Answer: It does matter. Issues of health insurance, hospital visits, taxes, retirement, etc are all issues that have roots in society. These are things we have created for our benefit. As a result, it makes sense to make them legally available to all persons in an equal matter.
Marriage was not designed by us. Marriage actually goes against mans natural tendancies. By nature we want power, wealth, and sexual fulfillment. Marriage curbs all of that.
Marriage, in all major religions of the world, is an institution that is building block of society and has always only been between a man and a woman - specifically designed that way. It is also the belief most religions that the institution of marriage was created and is ordained by God. That alone separates this issue from all others regarding homosexual rights.
This country was founded on Judeo-Christian morals and one of those core moral issues is that of marriage. This country continues to have a majority who claim that God plays a role in their every day lives. We need to preserve the moral issues of this country, and so longs as this country is dominated by Judeo-Christians - marriage being solely between a man and a woman is one of those issues.
We as a people should grant equal rights and access to those things that are created by man.
We as a religious people should fear God and defend what he has created, lest we find ourselves his enemy and subject to the consequences. (remember - he destroyed Sodom and Gommorra for this very issue)
Those people are not believers in God, should vote their conscience.
In Conclusion: Vote Yes On 8. Its not about taking away from anyone - its about preserving that which is sacred. You could say voting yes on 8 is a green stance - its about preserving one of Gods natural resources. Go Green, vote yes on 8!
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8 comments:
I realize this is a contentious issue and don't mean to cause offense, but I agree with the folks below who aren't in the middle of pushing a bunch of election-year hype:
Senator Barry Goldwater:
The founder of the conservative wing of the Republican Party and nominee for President in 1964 was very outspoken on civil rights. He stated, “To see the party that fought communism and big government now fighting the gays, well, that’s just plain dumb.”
Conservative activist Ward Connerly:
"For anyone to say that this is an issue for people who are gay and that this isn't about civil rights is sadly mistaken. If you really believe in freedom and limited government, to be intellectually consistent and honest you have to oppose efforts of the majority to impose their will on people."
Oregon Republican (and Mormon) Sen. Gordon Smith:
“Part of what I fear, as you start defining marriage — we have a long history of doing that in this country, and my Mormon pioneer ancestors were the victims of that. They were literally driven from the United States in the dead of winter for following their religious beliefs. I don’t want that coming back, but there are some on the front pages of your newspapers who are trying to now.”
Denying equal protection before the law to an unpopular minority can come back to bite us if we're not careful.
These are all opinions, Goldwaters thoughts are dumb - and none of these statements makes a moral argument one way or the other. So I really dont see what you point is in the posting. Perhaps Gordon Smith wants polygamy again in the United States or for marriage to be a free for all with no core definition.
These are all opinions, Goldwaters thoughts are dumb - and none of these statements makes a moral argument one way or the other. So I really dont see what you point is in the posting. Perhaps Gordon Smith wants polygamy again in the United States or for marriage to be a free for all with no core definition.
So if a certain ethnicity is the dominating ethnicity in the country, does that mean that the people of that ethnicity should have all issues voted on in their favor? I'm confused by your logic. And for the record, Judeo-Christians were not the first ones here. They forced America's existing peoples to convert. So that argument is pretty much out the window.
Cate -
1. I never said Judeo-Christians were first to inhabit this land. I said it was the Judeo-Christian beliefs that were a core part of the development of this Country. Same land...different governments. I am talking about our government. So my arguement is valid.
2. Yes - in a democracy majority rules. Fortunately in our democracy we have laws to protect the minority from oppression. That is why I am thrilled that homosexuals will not lose any civil rights and benefits as a result of this proposition.
It is the duty of the majority to preserve the foundation of its society. When the foundation fails - so will the Government.
Already we are seeing in many states the freedom to practice and live ones religion being stripped of the churches and individuals who strive to live their religious beliefs. This freedom to believe and live according to ones religious dictates is core to this country. Every person in America has known that since the 3rd grade.
You may say that your religion allows and promotes homosexual marriage. That is fine.
However - because others religious freedoms are being squeelched by this - makes it unconstitutional.
It is no different than your right to throw a punch at my face. That is within the bounds of the law. But once your fist hits my face you are no longer protected by the law.
You are free to live your religion to the point as which you have taken my religious freedoms away.
Homosexual marriage is and will continue to take away religious freedoms in the guise of anti-discrimination laws.
Please see my next post and read the article from NPR.
Specifically, what religious freedoms will be taken away if same-sex marriage is allowed by the state?
Oh, and if it's fine that my religion is okay with homosexual marriage, then isn't the banning of it "squeelch"ing my religious freedoms just as you claim yours are "squeelched" by it?
So . . . “We all have friends who are gay or homosexual. These are good friends or co-workers and we love and respect them. They contribute a great deal to our community.”
BUT, “[the old fart up in the clouds] destroyed Sodom and Gommorra [sic] for this very issue.”
Interesting way of expressing your stupidity. BTW– You misspelled Gomorrah. (At least we now know you don’t read the bi-bull.)
http://antigaybigots.blog.com/
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