My Thoughts on the Marriage Propositions
I wanted to share my thoughts on the outcomes of Prop 8 in CA and Prop 2 here in FL. What follows is how I feel about the marriage issue and the impact on us all.
I am very saddened and deeply disappointed in my fellow Floridians and those in California who voted yes on their respective marriage proposals on yesterdays ballots. Here, on the heels of the election of America's first African American President there is still discrimination and ignorance toward those some in society deem "different" from themselves. There is a well known phrase from the Declaration of Independence that all American children learn in school that reads; "All men are created equal." During the infancy of our country African Americans were apparently not included in that equation. Then, in the early part of the 20th century, women seemed to be left out of this equation as well. But now we have President Elect Obama preparing to lead us in a welcomed new direction and much of his support came from women, who at one time could've never cast a vote for him or anyone else.
It seems silly to think of a world where an African American could not hold office or one in which a woman were not allowed to vote. And yet some in our "modern" society feel the need to discriminate against the gay and lesbian community by "banning" them from marrying. What gives them the right? Are they "better" than our gay and lesbian neighbors? Are their "normal" marriages more committed, more secure, more loving than those of same sex couples? What are they so afraid of? I don't mean to single any one group out, but it seems to me that the Religious Right had a major hand in both these propositions passing. I was raised in a religious home and maybe I missed something, but wasn't Jesus all about loving and accepting EVERYONE, and not just select groups of society? I was brought up to believe that I am equal with everyone and we all should share the same rights.
As far as the argument out there concerning our children being taught about same sex marriage in the schools, I personally have no problem with that . It amazes me that there are those in our society who choose to show their children only those parts of the community they deem "acceptable". What a skewed view of the world these children will have as they grow into adults. I have always been open with my son and taught him about all those we share our world with. It makes no difference what the color of your skin might be, how you choose or not choose to worship, or who you choose to love. Schools are there to help prepare our children to be responsible adults. Does that not include acceptance of others as well as academic endeavors? To do otherwise would rob our children of life lessons that they should carry with them into their adult lives.
As I near 50, I have still never entered into that most loving union we call marriage. As such I have a unique perspective on this life changing experience. It isn't always easy dealing with life's roughest moments when you have to do it on your own. There have been many times I've wished I had met that special person I could share my life with. It's not a given that everyone will. So, if you are fortunate enough to find that special "one in a million" to laugh with, cry with and most importantly share your love with, I wish you and your partner my very best. What is most important in the joining of two loving hearts is not whether they are gay, lesbian, or straight,but that they be committed to one another. To limit marriage to only a man and a woman only serves to bring discrimination to the forefront and does a great injustice to ALL married couples. Let's all commit to stand behind EVERY marriage,because THAT is the best gift we can give any couple-our support and love.
Karen
I am very saddened and deeply disappointed in my fellow Floridians and those in California who voted yes on their respective marriage proposals on yesterdays ballots. Here, on the heels of the election of America's first African American President there is still discrimination and ignorance toward those some in society deem "different" from themselves. There is a well known phrase from the Declaration of Independence that all American children learn in school that reads; "All men are created equal." During the infancy of our country African Americans were apparently not included in that equation. Then, in the early part of the 20th century, women seemed to be left out of this equation as well. But now we have President Elect Obama preparing to lead us in a welcomed new direction and much of his support came from women, who at one time could've never cast a vote for him or anyone else.
It seems silly to think of a world where an African American could not hold office or one in which a woman were not allowed to vote. And yet some in our "modern" society feel the need to discriminate against the gay and lesbian community by "banning" them from marrying. What gives them the right? Are they "better" than our gay and lesbian neighbors? Are their "normal" marriages more committed, more secure, more loving than those of same sex couples? What are they so afraid of? I don't mean to single any one group out, but it seems to me that the Religious Right had a major hand in both these propositions passing. I was raised in a religious home and maybe I missed something, but wasn't Jesus all about loving and accepting EVERYONE, and not just select groups of society? I was brought up to believe that I am equal with everyone and we all should share the same rights.
As far as the argument out there concerning our children being taught about same sex marriage in the schools, I personally have no problem with that . It amazes me that there are those in our society who choose to show their children only those parts of the community they deem "acceptable". What a skewed view of the world these children will have as they grow into adults. I have always been open with my son and taught him about all those we share our world with. It makes no difference what the color of your skin might be, how you choose or not choose to worship, or who you choose to love. Schools are there to help prepare our children to be responsible adults. Does that not include acceptance of others as well as academic endeavors? To do otherwise would rob our children of life lessons that they should carry with them into their adult lives.
As I near 50, I have still never entered into that most loving union we call marriage. As such I have a unique perspective on this life changing experience. It isn't always easy dealing with life's roughest moments when you have to do it on your own. There have been many times I've wished I had met that special person I could share my life with. It's not a given that everyone will. So, if you are fortunate enough to find that special "one in a million" to laugh with, cry with and most importantly share your love with, I wish you and your partner my very best. What is most important in the joining of two loving hearts is not whether they are gay, lesbian, or straight,but that they be committed to one another. To limit marriage to only a man and a woman only serves to bring discrimination to the forefront and does a great injustice to ALL married couples. Let's all commit to stand behind EVERY marriage,because THAT is the best gift we can give any couple-our support and love.
Karen