The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Welcome to the 100th post of the SheSquared blog! We are thrilled to have you all here, and thank you, as always, for allowing us to entertain you. We hope you continue to consider us as family. Get your feet off my coffee table.

So, the big night is over. My hope was that after all votes were tallied and everyone settled down, this country could begin to focus on unity, equality, and tolerance as we move forward. I'm not sombamaone who believes you should present your obamaliefs about your voting chobamices, but I'm sure people will draw cobamaclusions as to mine. So, I am hopeful for the future of the nation. I am disheartened, however, about the number of places where state by state, people voted to increase hatred and discrimination. California somehow passed Prop 8 by an insanely narrow margin, but it passed. Bigots and religious fear mongers everywhere are rejoicing and celebrating, most likely by burning the goats and sheep they just had sex with.

I am not giving up hope. It is my hope that someday, one of our political leaders will understand that our country has the separation of church and state. To think it should be any other way is ignorant. There are so many religions and churches - how is any one particular one supposed to be able to claim to be "the one" church in that equation? To have it be their values and preferences that should be imposed upon the nation? The state/nation is supposed to be protecting the rights and equal representation of it's citizens. That means all have the right to marry whom they choose. The churches also have rights. They have the right to refuse a ceremony to individuals who they feel violate their values. Therefore, all citizens should have the right to legal unions - a signed paper from the state decreeing that those two people are joined and are responsible for all state/legal matters that pertain to them and their children. If, after that, these people wish to have a ceremony, then it's up to the people having it to decide upon the venue and religion, if they choose one. The churches can say no to homosexual marriage. They won't have to sanctify it if they choose not to, however, they cannot interfere with the rights bestowed upon them by the federal government.

Why, I ask, does no one else see this? Why do all leaders think it is an all or nothing issue? Marriage is not a point to fight over. Legally, for equality for all citizens, it needs to be a federally recognized action available to every person who wishes to spend their lives with someone. This does not go against any church because it does not force them to 'perform' marriages or anything of the like if they do not want to. It's not like I'd want to beat down their door and force them to hold a ceremony for me when I know that the words coming from the priest would be seething contempt and hatred behind a glassy smile. I'd rather celebrate the happiest moment of my life with family and friends.