Proposition 8: For the sake of humanity, VOTE NO!
I'm reading through the General Election Official Voter Information Guide and here are some excerpts from Arguments in favor of Prop 8 (my responses are after the quoted portions):
"Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: 'Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.'"
...Alright, so that was 8 years ago, and while a lot of Californians still feel that way, a lot have also changed their minds. This is illustrated by the overturning of that law in May of this year. Here is where the author starts using some stronger language.
"Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to RESTORE THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE as a man and a woman."
The point that I'm getting out of this, is that because these judges voted the way that they did, they are automatically labeled as "activists". The author is using this word as a scare tactic, because what is scarier than gay marriage being legal? Activists. Conservatives HATE activists. This is absolutely ridiculous to label a judge as being an "activist" when OUR OWN US Constitution gives equal protection under the law. How is denying a human being the right to marry considered equality? Let's keep reading.
"The narrow decision of the California Supreme Court isn't just about 'live and let live.' State law may require teachers to instruct children as young as kindergartners about marriage, (Education Code 51890.) If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, TEACHERS COULD BE REQUIRED to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage."
Alright, where to start on this one. I can't believe this is even an argument! When I think back to where I learned about marriage, I honestly cannot remember a single time it was mentioned in school. I learned about marriage because MY PARENTS WERE MARRIED, as were my grandparents (and far too many other people to list here). Where do these people get off? Can anyone honestly tell me one instance of being taught IN SCHOOL about marriage. While I agree it is at the parents discretion to teach their kids about marriage, but I think it high time that we end the ignorance. To flat out ignore the fact that same-sex marriage exists is just plain dumb.
To change it up a bit I'll post parts of Education Code 51890 that pertain to marriage.
"Pupils will receive instruction to aid them in making decisions in matters of personal, family, and community health, to include the following subjects: (D) Family health and child development, including the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood."
While it is part of the Education Code states that pupils may learn "aspects" of marriage, nowhere does it say what kinds of marriage. Remember different religions recognize marriage in different ways, but with that being said there is such a thing as separation between Church and State. I feel that most of Prop 8 supporters are religious and feel the way they do because it is how their religion tells them to feel. But wait, there's more!
"Voting YES on Proposition 8 RESTORES the definition of marriage that was approved by over 61% of voters. Voting YES overturns the decision of four activist judges. Voting YES protects our children. Please vote YES on Proposition 8 to RESTORE the meaning of marriage."
Alright, so that is a pretty good summary of their argument. Of course most of these people forget that the original definition of marriage did not include divorce. WHOOPS! We tend to forget that definitions can be re-written as people see fit. Oh wait, the original didn't include interracial couples either? Oh how can we keep overlooking such HUGE details. The bottom line is, times change, as have people's perceptions and definition of marriage. For the sake of humanity, stop the ignorance, stop the intolerance, and most of all VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8!
For more info on Education Code 51890 go to: http://erichasissues.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/marriage-part-3-prop-8-and-education/
For more info on Proposition 8: http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/title-sum/prop8-title-sum.htm (and yes that gives both sides, even though I'm biased.)
Same as the blog I posted on Myspace, but I like it enough to post it here too.
"Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: 'Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.'"
...Alright, so that was 8 years ago, and while a lot of Californians still feel that way, a lot have also changed their minds. This is illustrated by the overturning of that law in May of this year. Here is where the author starts using some stronger language.
"Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to RESTORE THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE as a man and a woman."
The point that I'm getting out of this, is that because these judges voted the way that they did, they are automatically labeled as "activists". The author is using this word as a scare tactic, because what is scarier than gay marriage being legal? Activists. Conservatives HATE activists. This is absolutely ridiculous to label a judge as being an "activist" when OUR OWN US Constitution gives equal protection under the law. How is denying a human being the right to marry considered equality? Let's keep reading.
"The narrow decision of the California Supreme Court isn't just about 'live and let live.' State law may require teachers to instruct children as young as kindergartners about marriage, (Education Code 51890.) If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, TEACHERS COULD BE REQUIRED to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage."
Alright, where to start on this one. I can't believe this is even an argument! When I think back to where I learned about marriage, I honestly cannot remember a single time it was mentioned in school. I learned about marriage because MY PARENTS WERE MARRIED, as were my grandparents (and far too many other people to list here). Where do these people get off? Can anyone honestly tell me one instance of being taught IN SCHOOL about marriage. While I agree it is at the parents discretion to teach their kids about marriage, but I think it high time that we end the ignorance. To flat out ignore the fact that same-sex marriage exists is just plain dumb.
To change it up a bit I'll post parts of Education Code 51890 that pertain to marriage.
"Pupils will receive instruction to aid them in making decisions in matters of personal, family, and community health, to include the following subjects: (D) Family health and child development, including the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood."
While it is part of the Education Code states that pupils may learn "aspects" of marriage, nowhere does it say what kinds of marriage. Remember different religions recognize marriage in different ways, but with that being said there is such a thing as separation between Church and State. I feel that most of Prop 8 supporters are religious and feel the way they do because it is how their religion tells them to feel. But wait, there's more!
"Voting YES on Proposition 8 RESTORES the definition of marriage that was approved by over 61% of voters. Voting YES overturns the decision of four activist judges. Voting YES protects our children. Please vote YES on Proposition 8 to RESTORE the meaning of marriage."
Alright, so that is a pretty good summary of their argument. Of course most of these people forget that the original definition of marriage did not include divorce. WHOOPS! We tend to forget that definitions can be re-written as people see fit. Oh wait, the original didn't include interracial couples either? Oh how can we keep overlooking such HUGE details. The bottom line is, times change, as have people's perceptions and definition of marriage. For the sake of humanity, stop the ignorance, stop the intolerance, and most of all VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8!
For more info on Education Code 51890 go to: http://erichasissues.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/marriage-part-3-prop-8-and-education/
For more info on Proposition 8: http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/title-sum/prop8-title-sum.htm (and yes that gives both sides, even though I'm biased.)
Same as the blog I posted on Myspace, but I like it enough to post it here too.