Wednesday, November 05, 2008
President-Elect
So, that happened.
The first time I heard the phrase "President-Elect Obama" on the news last night, I was taken by surprise for just a moment. After a little thought, I figured out why. I haven't really heard the phrase "President-Elect" in 8 years. And I haven't believed it in 16 years.
Still, I have to admit to some mixed feelings about Barack Obama's electoral victory. I mean, we have certain expectations about what a President looks like. Barack Obama is, let's face it, a member of a group that used to be a minority, and he's going to be first member of that group in the White House. I suppose it had to happen sooner or later, but (and I'm a little embarrassed about this) I'm just not 100% sure I'm ready for it. But I guess I'll just have to get used to the idea, and to the very real possibility that his successor will be a member of that same group.
But hey, don't get me wrong, some of my best friends are -- well, you know what I mean.
For the first time in my life, the President of the United States is going to be younger than I am.
Monday, November 03, 2008
No on California Proposition 8
Proposition 8 amends the California Constitution to discriminate against a specified class of citizens. It's a very simple change; it adds Section 7.5 to Article I of the California Constitution to read:
SEC. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.You've probably heard most or all of the arguments by now. Proponents absurdly claim that it has something to do with freedom speech or freedom of religion, and that recognizing somebody else's marriage somehow threatens their own. (Apparently "freedom" to some people means the freedom to impose your own views on others, while accusing them of imposing their views on you.)
Same-sex marriage threatens no one. Thousands of same-sex couples are already legally married in California, and the sky has not fallen. But if Proposition 8 passes, a chunk of the sky will fall for them; they will, in effect, be forcibly divorced against their will. Imagine the State stepping in and telling you that you're no longer married. Why would anyone want to do that to someone else?
Take a look at the wedding pictures of some of the same-sex couples who were finally able to marry after decades of being told they couldn't, because they were less worthy than the rest of us. Look at the sheer joy on their faces, and tell me you want to take that away.
And while you're at it, take a look at a couple of blog posts from my friend Craig:
http://ghotihed.blogspot.com/2008/10/whom-does-it-harm.html
http://ghotihed.blogspot.com/2008/10/proposition-h8-video.html
Finally, a personal note. We had a No on 8 sign and an Obama/Biden sign on our front yard. Friday night or Saturday morning, somebody trespassed on our property, stole both signs, and put up a Yes on 8 sign. We were able to replace both signs the same day, and my wife made a special "Thou shalt not steal!" sign to go with them.
The latest polling indicates that Proposition 8 is slightly behind, but it's still too close. Don't be complacent. Get out there and vote, whether you're in California or not. And if you are in California, please vote no on 8.
