I'm not thrilled with our new president. I don't agree with almost all of his views on the issues facing our country. However, the voice of the people has spoken. I will respect Mr. Obama as my president and pray for him as he takes over this nation's highest position. I have hopes that he can accomplish good things for this country --as he listens to the voice of the people he serves.
With that said, this Proposition 8 thing.... First, let me be clear. I would have been with the 52% of California state voting for it to pass. I'm not going to go into my reasons why. If you want to ask me sometime, we can talk. I'd be happy to.
Now, the people of California have spoken --twice, mind you. They have stood up for what they believe amid some serious persecution; which is what brings me to what I really want to say. I've followed some message boards in the last couple weeks regarding Proposition 8. I can not for the life of me understand people who SCREAM at you to be tolerant and to be Christian, love everyone for who they are, allow them to have the same rights as everyone else, etc., and then they call you bigot, a religious zealot, a moron, unintelligent, brainwashed....it goes on and on. How does that fit? Can you really tell someone they are a hypocrite as a Christian and then say these hateful things as you explain how tolerant you are? What. a. crock. Tolerant as long as it fits your way of thinking, I guess.
The people have spoken. Accept it. If you are for gay marriage and you would like to promote that for the future, well this amazing country allows you the freedom to do so. Maybe you will change minds along the way and you will live to see your cause fulfilled. It's possible. But please don't act like we on the other side don't have a good reason to see it our way as well.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been attacked for their stance on this moral issue. What I don't understand about this is the attack that came from WITHIN. Seriously, people? Did you NOT know what we believe on this issue? Are you aware of the Proclamation to the Family? It states it in plain words right on it what we believe about the sanctity of marriage. Where have you been? I feel bad that people may have left the Church over this matter, but, honestly, did they have a testimony in it to begin with? You can't pick and choose what fits your personal agenda. Sorry. It's been obvious what we believe from the beginning. You also didn't have to put money towards the cause or call people up about the proposition if you chose not to, but don't act all surprised at the position the Church took on it.
I read on a comment somewhere that the Church was "forcing" their beliefs on people. Seriously?! I have never been forced to believe anything I don't want to believe or acted on anything I didn't CHOOSE to act on. Freedom. to. choose. I'm sorry Mr. Comment Man that we didn't choose with you, which must be the only correct choice anyone could have made?
I have appreciated the few intelligent comments I've come across, where people explain their stance in an intelligible and respectful manner. Thank you for your logic. The rest of you, and yes even a few pro prop 8 comments I've come across --I'm soooooo very glad that you are not a diplomat of some sort. Your powers of coercion or of getting someone to see your side --uhhh, lacking to say the least.
So for future reference --don't call me names and then expect me to see your side of things. It doesn't work. The walls go up as soon as I'm branded "hateful" for my decision. Don't tell me that a vote for proposition 8 is like killing Matthew Shepard all over again. It's not. The comparison is beyond ridiculous. I have my reasons for believing the way I believe (the way I believe, not what anyone has "brainwashed" me into thinking), as do 52% of voting Californians. Don't discount our feelings or beliefs and we won't discount yours. We may not agree, but we'll at least listen politely--as long as venom doesn't become part of your argument.
