Poli Pop

Seems that folks in these parts yesterday (3/5) were really caught up with the Prop 8 issue because of the hearings with the California Supreme Court and it appears the court is on the periphery of upholding the initiative considering that it achieved the required 52% of the votes last November. Seems everyone I encountered yesterday had a strong opinion on the issue. Some were very vocal. Some of the opinions I heard had merit and seemed lucid enough while some were up on their soap box pontificating to any available ear. Candidly, I loathe when folks start in with their half-informed rants when I didn't ask for their opinion in the first place. Anyway, I was continually asked what my position was and where I stand on it. I declined each time I was asked as I didn’t see it necessary to engage in some sort of debate, not to mention they would quickly lose ground with me thanks to years spent on my college Forensics Team. Truthfully, I'd just like to see the end of the media blitz surrounding this issue. So, instead of answering anyone I decided to write my view here since my entries usually go unread. I'm in favor of Prop 8. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. Aside from pro-creation, I believe this is it was always intended to be, however I do not harbor any ill feelings towards any person(s) who earnestly wish for a reversal of Prop 8.

There was much debate over inalienable rights in regards to its specific definition towards a specific application. It was pleasing to hear the justices speaking in unison that these inalienable rights are afforded to all citizens through a democratic process in which we the people have the right to govern ourselves though our party affiliation and government leaders we appoint through the voting process. It seems to me that one of the greatest inalienable rights is our right to vote. If Prop 8 is reversed my view would remain the same however I would accept it, without regret, as part of our democratic process.

I sincerely hope this matter concludes soon because it seems both sides of the initiative have fervently spent and continue to spend a considerable amount of money & resources on this issue. Seems to me that that we should apply the same amount of attention on aiding homeless & hungry children, battered women and children and a host of other humanitarian issues where real assistance & resources are greatly needed.

I hope that this is not construed as hateful because I am not. Candidly, I am saddened and very embarrassed by some folks who parade under the guise of ‘Christianity’ and conduct themselves in mean and disrespectful ways towards opponents of Prop 8. ALL folks should be treated with much love, kindness and respect regardless of their views because I don’t recall reading any passages in scripture where Jesus was disparaging towards sinners He encountered.

In the end, though I agree with the Prop 8 initiative I cannot condone the radical things I heard yesterday from a few ‘conservatives' that I unfortunately encountered. With one particular group of folks that I know, they found it necessary to press me for some validation and input but the only response I could muster was “I don’t know about you folks but I recall reading a passage of scripture when Jesus said to the religious leaders of his time; ‘Let him who is without sin cast the first stone’ Needless to say, a hush fell over this pious group and faces suddenly became somber. It amazes me how the name of Jesus will either cause a storm or calm a storm.

So, I merely smiled, wished them well and went humbly about my day. Gezz, I'm forever a dork.