Comments on: Proposition 8: Why Should the Majority Get to Choose How the Minority Lives?

By: Pam McAllister

Pam McAllister — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:40:47 +0000

A belated thank you, Angie, for posting this.

For most of the history of this country, my own marriage — to someone of a different race — would have been illegal in many states. So I ask myself: How would I have felt being denied the right to marry the man I loved? It’s a sobering thought.

After decades of civil rights activism, most Americans now agree that the anti-miscegenation laws were wrong. Still, there are some people, even today, who oppose interracial marriage, and perhaps would seek to outlaw it if they could.

I’m confident that some day it will be just as clear to most Americans that denying same-sex couples the right to marry was wrong. And there will still be those who oppose such marriages, and would want to outlaw them.

The civil rights genie is out of the bottle, and it’s not going back in unless people cease to speak out on behalf of those whose civil rights are being denied.

Could this whole issue be as simple, really, as the Golden Rule?

Glad you’re speaking out, Angie.

By: tracie

tracie — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:33:33 +0000

Hi again Angie. Just to clear up my post, I wasn’t assuming all homosexuals were promiscuous. I was merely stating as a side note that I also believe promiscuous heterosexual behavior is equally dangerous. And stating that homosexual activity is dangerous isn’t meant as a stereotype. I was merely refering to facts that even the homosexual community acknowledges. They are more at risk for HIV, hepatitis and other STDs. I wasn’t refering to other aspects of their lives. I also know that for every statistic there is someone who defies it. (I mean look how young I was when I got married and 20 years later we’re still together ) I know we won’t come together on this particular issue. But please believe me when I say this isn’t some sort of “party line” that I have been fed and am merely repeating. I’ve been all over the map on this one in my lifetime. But, after hearing from both sides pretty equally, I think I’ve made a fairly educated decision. It’s a decision that obviously isn’t popular in many places, yet I stand by it. I just want to give a voice to people like myself who have thought and yes prayed about this and are now being described as hateful and ignorant. I think that is a stereotype.

Still love reading your posts though.

By: Derec

Derec — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:03:18 +0000

Let me start by saying I don’t believe government has any business in denying or giving rights to private relationships between consenting adults. But Prop 8 getting passed does not take away your gay rights to live together and have relationships. I imagine there are supporters of this that are threatened with the redefinition of the religious institution of marriage, not the civil one. I haven’t understood why the goal isn’t to pursue the same legal and civil rights as a marriage. Also battling the religious institution should be a separate cause.

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:35:54 +0000

Hi Tracie, Thanks for your comments. Please, KEEP THEM COMING! Assuming a gay lifestyle is “dangerous” or “promiscuous” is a stereotype and is one of the reasons I’m choosing to write about this topic. I’d love to understand what is dangerous about two women living together raising a family? I know several same sex couples, living lives very similarly to how I live mine. They work, eat, sleep, and try to manage life with a toddler just like I do. The main difference is not in how they choose to have sex but in the fact that they have so many people passing judgment about their lifestyle that they must live differently in a protective shell. They must constantly be cautious and be looking over their shoulders.
I’m always good with agreeing to disagree. That’s the great thing about our country. As a blogger though, I feel obligated to educate so I’ll keep trying as long as you all will keep reading.

By: tracie

tracie — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:12:59 +0000

Well Jen…..I’m one of the 52% (please read this with a nice tone b/c that is completely how I mean it ) To address the hate issue, I don’t think the people who voted for 8 did so out of hate. I would pray that they like Jesus (as mentioned) love homosexuals. They just don’t condone the activity. Come on…don’t we all have friends that we love yet we hate something they do..date the wrong men, cheat on their taxes, etc,etc. Surely we can disapprove of a behavior and still have love in our hearts for those involved. Please don’t assume that the Yes on 8 people voted that way out of hate. To be honest, and probably a little more religious than will be appreciated, I believe that if you love someone you tell them if you think they are doing something wrong or dangerous. We can debate the wrong part surely, but the dangers of a homosexual (or for that matter promiscuous heterosexual) lifestyle cannot be denied. I cannot claim to have that many gay friends at this point. But in my life I did befriend the only guy in my school believed to be gay (even he wasn’t sure). And I have met and been friends with others at different times in my life. For all of them, I still feel love. I just don’t agree with their lifestyle.
So, while I love you and your post Angie, I have to disagree this time……but you already knew that. All this being said, I do believe it is good to keep up the dialogue and I’m glad you brought up the subject.
Keep up the good work.

By: Paul Merrill

Paul Merrill — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:52:41 +0000

I voted – and was glad.

Hi Angie – I’m not a six figure mom – but we met at Thin Air Summit. It was great to meet you! Good luck as you continue doing all you do.

By: Susan/Unique Business Opportunity

Susan/Unique Business Opportunity — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:16:25 +0000

I continue to not understand why we feel the need to dictate how someone else lives their life. If they are not harming anyone else, why should we care. Congratulations on speaking up for each persons ability to live as they see fit.

By: Jen Potter

Jen Potter — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:05:18 +0000

Wow… where did the 52% come in, it looks like it should have been a clean sweep from this site. In this conservitive State I think individuals forget that any issue involving human rights is about them, the subject matter is secondary. Let’s hope it will turn around after all are counted.

By: Derec Shuler

Derec Shuler — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:47:41 +0000

Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what’s for dinner.

The issue here isn’t about hate or intolerance, it’s about government interfering in private relationships between consenting adults. Why does government need to license or recognize ANY relationship?

By: Brenda Johnson

Brenda Johnson — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:16:52 +0000

Well said, Angie. I find it so sad that H-8 (hate)has become a “family value”. I pray for those who feel it is everyone’s best interest to discriminate. If they are trying to follow Jesus’ example, they are not reading their Bible very well. Jesus didn’t discriminate–he offered grace and forgiveness–a REAL family value.