Comments on Girl's Gone Child: We (Will) Evolve

I get chills when I think of what is to come. I f...

2008-11-10T03:57:00.000-08:00

I get chills when I think of what is to come. I feel the electric charge of change in the air and it's so exciting. We do have a lot to overcome still, but we'll get there. Look at how far we've come.

My state of Arizona is far from approving gay marraige, which is so stupid. Why so many concern themselves with what others are doing in their bedrooms is beyond me and why do they care if someone wants to legally bind themselves to another human. That's what they're flighting, a legal binding of two people.
We will get there.

Thank you for this beautifully written post.

2008-11-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you for this beautifully written post.

I suggest that the first openly gay President shou...

2008-11-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

I suggest that the first openly gay President should also be the first woman President. May I suggest Rachel Maddow 2016?

That was me, above, by the way. I just accidentall...

2008-11-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

That was me, above, by the way. I just accidentally commented under my mom's sign-in name. She's here visiting, today. :)

Yes Daddy Geek Boy. What you said. And Sarah, you ...

2008-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

Yes Daddy Geek Boy. What you said. And Sarah, you are absolutely right. It's tragic how many people in this country are afraid. We as a nation have more reason to be fearless than any other and yet, we've been so brainwashed by fear... It's unbelievably sad.

Kristen...You say, "I'm not willing to impose m...

2008-11-07T07:57:00.000-08:00
Kristen...You say, "I'm not willing to impose my morals on people until it becomes a legal issue." There have been people who felt the same way as you. They prevented women from voting, they stripped away rights from African Americans. They put Japanese into internment camps. We unfortunately have a history of creating laws around hate. This is a very similar issue.

I'm not asking you to accept homosexuality. But I wish you could realize that just because it goes against your ideologies, that you don't have the right to oppress them. None of us do.

GGC - this was so beautifully written and articula...

2008-11-07T06:05:00.000-08:00
GGC - this was so beautifully written and articulated what i felt but could not make into words. what your mom said really struck me. while we may not get equality across the board right away, we are headed in the right direction. just imagine what we'll see in our lifetime! i only wish everyone who read your words could see what I saw. why people cling to hate and discrimination and call it "right" is beyond me. if jesus was here, he'd be pissed.

It's fear. Fear of the unknown and un-experienced...

2008-11-07T04:34:00.000-08:00
It's fear. Fear of the unknown and un-experienced. I understand that. Some interpretations of religion make it harder to see things for what they are. It's a tradition that makes it almost impossible to see things differently... possibly intended for that very purpose. (Disclaimer: I'm the daughter of a pretty conservative Episcopal priest, and no longer see things the way he does!)

I believe that marriage equality will happen someday in the not-too-distant future. It will happen, because it's the right thing, and we are all evolving, as is evidenced by this election! Looking forward to the future... :)

Daddy Geek Boy - I mentioned the idea that marriag...

2008-11-06T23:16:00.000-08:00
Daddy Geek Boy - I mentioned the idea that marriage is a legal contract because I'm not willing to impose my morals on people until it becomes a legal issue. Marriage, whether gay or straight or anything else, is intrinsically a legal issue. I disagree with homosexuality at its core, but it's not a legal issue in and of itself nor do I think it should be. Marriage, however, is legal and that's where I have to draw the line. Those are my beliefs, and I completely understand that if you don't see anything wrong with homosexuality, you have NO reason to agree with me.

I have to say that gay marriage is an issue that I feel much less conviction about, because it's not something that really damages other people or anything. I think "straight marriage" is riddled with problems, too, but I wouldn't outlaw it completely. I do have some personal issues with gay/lesbian couples raising children, but not any more than I do with men (or women) who leave their children - "deadbeat dads" and such. I think that kids need one male and one female parent to be raised in the best way. However, one parent or two same-sex parents are usually much better than none at all or than abusive or neglecting parents.

I admit that yes, it is discrimination, but "discrimination" has such a bad connotation even when it isn't necessarily bad. If someone has "discriminating" taste, that's a good thing. We have to make distinctions between what we believe is right and wrong, or we're lost in chaos. That distinction is what I mean by "discrimination". And that underlying belief - that we have to distinguish between right and wrong - is a huge part of why I voted for Prop 8. I needed to stand for what I believe, and I do NOT believe homosexuality is right nor do I support it. I believe that voting no on Prop 8 would have been supporting homosexuality, and I can't do that and be true to my beliefs.

And Rebecca - I don't quite believe that Jesus would support equal rights for all, not in terms of this. He'd support justice, and the upholding of what's right, but not everything is right. We need to tolerate one another, for sure, and the church has done a pretty poor job of that most of the time. That doesn't mean we agree with everyone's beliefs, though. Christ's mission statement was that he came to save anyone who would come to him, not that everyone has equal rights to everything.

Amy, I have to say that I'm disappointed in Obama'...

2008-11-06T21:27:00.000-08:00
Amy, I have to say that I'm disappointed in Obama's gay marriage stance as well. But I don't think he is a hypocrite or trying to play both sides of the issue by not supporting gay marriage, while at the same time being against Prop 8. What I take it as is this (from what I have read and heard in his interviews): he isn't going to be in the White House fighting for gay marriage to be legalized, that isn't one of his issues that he is going to work on. However, he also doesn't believe in the government taking people's rights away that is why he was against Prop. 8. You should "read up" on it, so you can better understand. Also, I think that most of us who voted for Obama aren't single issue voters. There are most likely going to be a few things that we disagree with about a politician, but we look at the bigger picture to pick the best person for the job (I can't imagine agreeing 100% with any politician, with any one person for that matter). When looking at the big picture, there are SO many more things I agree on with Obama than things I agree on with McCain (and the things I agree with McCain on are also the things that Obama agrees with).

GGC, I totally agree - my extreme joy over Obama's win has been tempered by the passing of Prop H8. It's hard to understand why people want to take away the rights of others. If people don't agree or condone gay marriage, they don't need to have one, but they shouldn't push their beliefs on other people and their rights. I'm just hoping that ACLU wins the lawsuit and that Prop 8 is overturned.

I felt these same feelings, thought these same tho...

2008-11-06T20:35:00.000-08:00
I felt these same feelings, thought these same thoughts, wrote this same post...only not anywhere near as well as you!

Amy, that is why I did not vote for Obama either. ...

2008-11-06T16:54:00.000-08:00
Amy, that is why I did not vote for Obama either. ;) it was my hot button issue this election. When his answer was no different than McCain in the debate, he lost all credibility to me. For someone who has reaped the ultimate benefit of the civil rights movement, it disappoints me greatly that he himself has not recognized his own opinion as oppressive.

I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that th...

2008-11-06T15:00:00.000-08:00
I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that the same state that voted overwhelmingly for Obama, also voted to write discrimination into our state constitution based on fear and ignorance.

When I awoke yesterday I felt an rush of energy, remembering that history was made the night before. But then I checked on Prop 8 - 52 to 48% and my heart broke.

And now they say we must be graceful and accept "the voters" decision. This is the same thing I hope of everyone who voted for McCain over Obama, but I am not sure if I can.

Very well said. It truly is two steps forward whil...

2008-11-06T14:44:00.000-08:00
Very well said. It truly is two steps forward while still stepping back. Prop 8's passing made me truly sad. Similar laws passed in other states as well, as well as banning same-sex couples from adopting. It breaks my heart.

I will never understand people who in one breath s...

2008-11-06T11:55:00.000-08:00
I will never understand people who in one breath say things like, "I have nothing against gay people" and "I think that everyone should have equal rights" but in the next say, "But I don't want them to get married."

Anonymous...I wish you would explain yourself more. Because marriage is a "legal contract" that causes us to say who can and can't get married? And please, tell me exactly how gays and lesbians getting married will change marriage for everyone else?

There is no other way to say it, it's discrimination. And by the way, it goes against our national constitution, the very ideals on which this country was founded that "All men are created equal".

I'm always confused by the same thing when it come...

2008-11-06T09:37:00.000-08:00
I'm always confused by the same thing when it comes to this NEW kind of Christianity I say "new" because over the years Christianity has strayed from its origins and has somehow gone from preaching love to hate and/or indifference -- To those of you who support prop 8 because of your religious beliefs: Do you honestly believe that Jesus wouldn't have wanted equal rights for all?

That was his MISSION STATEMENT!!!!

It breaks my heart. I am ashamed of my homestate ...

2008-11-06T08:55:00.000-08:00
It breaks my heart. I am ashamed of my homestate Arkansas for banning unmarried couples from adopting children or taking in foster children. I look forward to the day when everyone is truly equal under the laws of the country.

I was so sad to see that THREE states voted to ban...

2008-11-06T07:57:00.000-08:00
I was so sad to see that THREE states voted to ban gay marriages. I just don't understand this. Why does what your neighbour does in their relationship undermine yours somehow? If my neighbour cheats on his wife and I don't cheat and I don't approve, does that somehow make my union less? What if they are swingers or plushies or something and are married? Does that make marriage as an institution weaker? I think it just makes that couple different from me, and I may think plushies are a bit sketch, but it's their thing and doesn't concern me. (And gay couples, I think are odd, so but I say that because I know that some people do.)

But at the same time, I am so very happy and proud of you all down there for voting in Mr. Obama. Congrats for that.

Okay, a couple quick things now (not sayin' to hat...

2008-11-06T07:42:00.000-08:00
Okay, a couple quick things now (not sayin' to hate, just to educate):

1) Thank you, Anon, for pointing out that the media, et. al. has labeled Obama the first "black" President. I often wonder if he himself is annoyed by that. If he's half-white too, what dictates the label? I don't get it.

2) I consider myself a liberal democrat, but I didn't vote for Obama for a number of reasons. (I didn't vote for anyone for President, in fact, because I just didn't lurve any of 'em.) But anyway, I shudder reading anything from anyone celebrating his appointment, but decrying the results of Prop 8. Do you know where he stands on gay marriage? Just a little hint:

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.samesexmarriage.html

He's kind of all over the place. Correct me if I'm wrong, but right next to his name there, it says "Opposes same-sex marriage." Yet he also opposed Prop 8. Does it really make a difference though?

And do you people who are talking about this issue as if it's a result of the religious "right" at least recognize that he, himself, is in fact a Christian?

http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm

Quoted in the Chicago Daily Tribune: "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

Again, not hatin', just sayin'. READ UP, PEOPLE! If you feel so strongly about this issue, why don't you question his stance?

The whole thing is so ridiculous. There's practica...

2008-11-06T07:34:00.000-08:00
The whole thing is so ridiculous. There's practically a genre of movies/tv episodes where characters find themselves "unintentionally" married after a night of drinking in Vegas or whatever, and yet when it comes to gay marriage, people are suddenly "outraged" that the "sanctity" of marriage is being questioned. Straight people don't do it all that well--why are we the only ones with dibs? It's insane.

The issue is far from settled.

I agree. I am ashamed that Arizona passed a simil...

2008-11-06T07:30:00.000-08:00
I agree. I am ashamed that Arizona passed a similar amendment. But, I do have hope.

I am so happy right now because of Obama and so sa...

2008-11-06T06:21:00.000-08:00
I am so happy right now because of Obama and so sad at the same time for my Californian friends. Unfortunately I live in a conservative state which may never allow equal rights. I was proud of my state (Indiana) because with this election we became a blue state for the first time since 1964. It made me feel like real progress has been made and that my vote actually counted. Sadly all I have to do is look a little deeper to see that it is not yet quite enough.

Hopefully it won't take us much longer to reach a point of true change and progression. I think it will happen soon though. I feel hopeful because there is a wonderful man here to guide us through the next 4 (hopefully 8) years. I deeply believe in him and his vision and I can't wait for the change to start.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3002847123_0c2f872da5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/3004055688_aa0c8b0f17.jpg

I was glued to my TV Tuesday night, watching the r...

2008-11-06T05:43:00.000-08:00
I was glued to my TV Tuesday night, watching the results unfold and rejoicing over the hope and progress I was witnessing that historic night.

But I was also paying attention to Prop 8 out there in California, hoping that your good state would do the right thing. I was very dismayed to learn of the ban. It was a day of mixed emotions, to be sure.

I agree with Heathery. Smaller government, period....

2008-11-06T05:11:00.000-08:00
I agree with Heathery. Smaller government, period. Steph, Jesus did come to love all...yet he hated sin and preached about turning away from it. Hating sin and not the person, loving the person but praying for repentance. This is how all Biblical sin is to be approached. I have family members and friends who are gay. I love each and every one of them yet do not agree with their lifestyle. Just as I do not agree with my brother being a raging alcoholic and crystal meth addict. Yet I love him and treat him as I do any other person: with kindness and respect. I don't have to support it. If you don't believe in God, support what you may. I'm accountable for myself only.

I am excited to witness a minority win the presidency in my lifetime. However, whether he's black or yellow with purple polka dots he represents principles that go against mine, and many others, core beliefs.

It's time for me to graciously step away as a reader of this blog. And believe me when I say change is going to come to this great nation- only it is not the type of change you'll want your family alive to experience.

May the Lord bless your precious family, Becky. Your beautiful children are most definitely a gift from God.

“You have said harsh things against me” says the Lord. Yet you ask ‘what have we said against you?’ You have said ‘it is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.”
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. “They will be mine”, says the Lord Almighty, in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just in comparison a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
Malachi 3:13-18

As someone from MA, I feel the pain of everyone in...

2008-11-06T04:49:00.000-08:00
As someone from MA, I feel the pain of everyone in CA who wanted Prop 8 to fail. Gay marriage has done NOTHING to our state except let two people who love each other marry. It hasn't screwed up property values, caused riots in the streets, ruined my children's minds. I dread the day we have a vote like yours b/c I'm not sure my little state will do the right thing.

I'm even more sickened by the ban in Arkansas against gay couples adopting, b/c I can think of some children who would never have known the love of a family if that ban came here.