Prop 8...

I always like generating good, honest, wholesome discourse on subjects from all over the world, because at the end of the day they affect us all. Along with the victory of President Elect Barack Obama also comes the loss of those against Proposition 8 in the state of California. There are a few states that recognize same-sex marriages. What Proposition 8 declares is that the state of California no longer recognizes same-sex "marriages". If my memory is correct they still recognize unions, but not marriages. I am no politician and politics is not my schtick, so reply with your comments as you see fit.

As I've matured into a loving, caring, law-abiding citizen I know respect the GLBT community. They are apart of our world. No matter what law or doctrine any government can write up they will always be around. They'll have sex, socialize, work amongst us, etc etc etc. The important thing is that they are "human beings". I will go as far as defending them against individuals who would wish to use violent and discriminatory methods to rid the world of gays. If I were a politician then I would do all that I could do within my power to. Right now I'm just an advocate for their rights. At the end of the day, whatever happens to them pretty much happens to us all. For example, there was a time when African-Americans couldn't vote. It wasn't only African-Americans to fight the vote! Latin-Americans, Asian-Americans, and even White-Americans fought along side those who felt they were being discriminated against. When women didn't have the right to vote it wasn't women fighting alone! Men fought along side them as well!

What needs to happen is separating your religous beliefs from your political beliefs. There is a difference and both should be separate. The church and state (i.e. government) are two separate entities. A friend of mine made a good point when he said that the difference lies in the definition of a union and a marriage. Where as a union is recognized by the government a marriage is recognized by God. In a perfect world, unions of same sex couples and of men and women should be recognized by law, for it is their right. On the other hand, same-sex marriages can be difficult because some religious doctrines--I think it's more on religious individuals--see same-sex relations as blasphemous, evil, et al. At the end of the day if same sex couples are Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, or of any other faith, they need to take this argument up with their given religious leaders. Period.

I will conclude with another point my friend made, which makes sense when you think about it. I am Christian (which is the umbrella term that also includes Catholics, Jesuits, Protestants, and Seventh Day Adventist just to name a few). No one can argue that our relationship with God is a personal experience, so no one can tell you anything about your relationship with God. Our relationships with God are approached many different ways; either through constant prayer, attending church, a combination of the two or anything else...I digress...I am a Christian, and I know that when Jesus walked upon this Earth, was crucified, and rose on the third day "The Old Testament" was pretty much thrown out the window. If you've ever read the New Testament he speaks of faith, hope and love. Love is the greatest though, and Jesus is not one of marginalizing individuals. He hugged lepers, socialized with prostitutes, and pardoned thieves. The point my friend was making is that a majority of the time people quote the Old Testament, when we're really supposed to be following the New Testament; as Christians. I'm pretty sure you understand the logic in that. That sums up my thoughts pretty quickly. I'm curious to hear the opinions of others...

...student eternally


(Added 11/11/2008 @11:26pm...I saw this not too long ago, and felt compelled to share...i'm not a fan but I respect the angle taken on this issue from Olbermann)