Vote Yes on Prop 8!!

When I started this blog, I figured it would be wisest to use it only for sharing fun family stories, and that I would keep heavy discussion of my religion and political beliefs out of it. But given the huge impact that legalization of gay marriage in this state will have on my everyday life, the lives of my children, and my fundamental religious rights, it seems irresponsible to not discuss it, and voice my opinion in whatever means at my disposal. Plus, I think it's important for my friends and family to know what I am currently putting a huge amount of time, attention, and prayers into.

In my effort to speak out, I decided to write my first letter to the editor of our newsapaper. They have long been known to have a liberal slant (which gets more and more overt with time), so I don't have much hope of it being published. I had to write two drafts. The first one was my attempt to say everything I wished to say without worrying about limiting the length. Then I had to figure out how to pare that down to 200 words, giving me my second, and final, draft. I present each to you for your scrutiny.

FIRST DRAFT

I've noticed some opinion letters that say Yes on 8 people are liars and voting no will make things fair and equal for everyone. Let's scrutinize the words of No on 8 supporters and their actions.

They say that children will not be taught about same-sex marriage in schools against the parents wishes. Yet, in Massachusetts, that's exactly what happened. When the parents complained about a teacher reading a homosexual-themed book, they were denied the right to be notified of curriculum before-hand, they were denied their right to opt their children out of homosexual education, and courts ruled that their right to control their child's education "end at the school door." In San Francisco, in a blatant show of favoritism, a school took first graders on a school-sponsored trip to their teacher's same-sex marriage at city hall. They called the trip a "teachable moment." Have they ever taken a "teachable moment" type field trip to witness a heterosexual wedding? It sounds like they lied, and it sounds like they're not being fair. And the list of their attempts to pass legislation to favor gay marriage and indoctrinate children in the public schools goes on.

They say that legalizing gay marriage makes things equal for everyone. Yet, in Boston, Catholic Charities shut down their adoption agency because they were being forced to place children in the homes of gay couples in order to comply with the law even though it went against their religious beliefs. No one would support their appeal for a religious exemption. The state discriminated against them because of their religion and made them choose between their religion and a state license. Gay rights get to trump religious rights? How is that equal? It's not, and by the way, California Judges, THAT is what is called "unconstitutional."

They say that domestic partners do not have the same visitation rights in hospitals or rights to make medical decisions for their partners. That is a lie. State Assembly Bills 25, 26 and 205 were all passed in California and guarantee those rights to domestic partners, as well as all rights enjoyed by married couples.

Supporters of No on 8 are not being truthful and they are not being fair. What is fair is what we had before. Domestic partners had all of the same legal rights as married couples, religious institutions were not being discriminated against by the law, and teachers were not heavily promoting the gay lifestyle in public schools against the wishes of parents. But No on 8 supporters, truthfully, are not interested in what's fair for everyone. That's why, instead of putting their wishes in the form of a proposition to be voted on by everyone, they influenced FOUR people to disregard the vote and will of the majority of Californians. How on earth is that FAIR?!! Calling someone a liar doesn't really make them a liar. Actions that contradict your words make you a liar. Or are No on 8 supporters trying to redefine the words "liar," "equal," and "fair" too?


After painful, painful editing, here is the. . . .
FINAL DRAFT

I've noticed letters saying Yes on 8 people are liars and voting no makes things fair and equal.

We're lying? They say children won't be taught about same-sex marriage in schools against parents' wishes. In Massachusetts, parents complained about a teacher reading a homosexual-themed book, but were denied their right to opt out. Already, in San Francisco, a school sponsored a first-grade field trip to a same-sex marriage. They say domestic partners don't have equal rights of visitation in hospitals or to make medical decisions. But California State Assembly Bills 25, 26 and 205 have guaranteed those rights to domestic partners.

Equal? In Boston, Catholic Charities stopped adoption services because the law forced them to place children in homes of gay couples. Gay rights trample religious rights. How is that equal? It's not, and, California Judges, THAT is called "unconstitutional."

Fair? Our laws were already fair, but now FOUR people are allowed to negate the vote of the majority. How is that fair?!! Simply calling someone a liar doesn't make them a liar. Actions that contradict your words make you a liar. Are No on 8 supporters trying to redefine "liar," "equal," and "fair" too?

Speaking out so publicly on subjects like this is actually difficult for me. I did some tossing and turning last night. I worried that having to stick to a word maximum would weaken my arguments. I also had a really hard time trying to be firm in belief, but gentle in tone. I obviously favor firmness, and I do believe that's the most important, but I also feel that it's possible to combine the two, and I am constantly working to do so.

From my phone calls and door-to-door knocking, I have found that the overwhelming majority are supportive of Prop 8. But victory is definitely not certain. Those of you who can't lend support with your vote, we could really use your prayers.