Righting the Wrong

You know, I'm not the type of person to be passionate about politics. In fact, Government and Economics were my least favorite courses throughout high school and college. I respect the amount of effort that the founders of this country put forward, and even though I hardly can fathom the current conditions as what they had in mind, it is what it is – and that is what its people have made it.

Even more aggravating to me than politicians arguing amongst themselves, is when I see the public taking the issues so personally that they become just downright spiteful and mean to each other! I have been so tired of the personal attacks between people that normally would get along perfectly. I even dropped blog subscriptions yesterday because of it. Freely speak all you want, but I'm not reading that garbage. I can't stand political issues because of things like this!

This morning however, I had a change of mind…. And heart.

The first time I heard an advertisement for Proposition 8 in California, my husband and I were driving to the park with our two daughters. At first I thought it really was a joke. The commercial itself was about our children potentially being taught about same sex marriage in public schools if the proposition was not allowed to pass.

Yes, that's right. THE SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA WOULD BE EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN!

This couldn't be allowed to happen! We must protect our children!

*BIG sarcasm here folks*

What if our schools taught our children that two men who loved each other could marry each other – and that two women who loved each other could marry as well? What if children were taught that in the eyes of the legal system in the great state of California, same sex married couples were viewed as equal to married couples of opposing gender?! What if the children who were being taught these LAWS had parents that didn't agree with the fact that same sex marriage was legal?

What if…..

Schools do not educate our children on moral principle. Schools do not teach what is right and what is wrong outside of the law books – they are required to follow strict ethical behavior. It is the responsibility of parents to educate their children in that department. Remember? Raising and rearing their kids into what they believe to be self-sufficient, intelligent, and responsible individuals that contribute to society – that's what parents are supposed to do.

The idea that this proposition passed to ban the marriage of two people of the same gender based on religious groups attempting to protect its sanctity is ridiculous in my opinion. What happened to the division of church and state? How does any other person marrying any other person in the name of love or any other reason have any impact at all on how I practice and view MY marriage?

It doesn't.

I thought to myself, "There's no way that the people of California will let that pass! It's ridiculous!"

But, I was wrong. It really did pass.

When I first heard that from a co-worker, I had to see for myself. I couldn't believe it. I can still hardly believe it.

I.AM.APPALLED.

For the first time ever, I actually care about the political state of things – and it's all regarding this proposition. Passing it though is only fuel for fire – I can feel it. I really think that it's just another step towards what I feel in my heart is right. In spite of the outcome, I still see a glimmer of hope for same sex marriage to be made legal in California – permanently. More attention is going to come to this now. More people are going to talk. More minds are going to open. People will progress. It might not be today, but it will be sooner than you think.

I came across this today, the author wrote this in words that I cannot relay any better, and I have a feeling quite a few others will feel the same….

"….You can ban gay marriage all you want, metaphorically duct tape teachers' mouths and take away their copies of "And Tango Makes Three", outlaw any mention of two dads or mama and mommy or refuse to attend Uncle Ted's commitment ceremony, but your kid is going to learn about -- and learn to love -- legal partnerships and weddings between all sorts of couples. How?

My daughter will teach them.

See, my daughter -- and many, many other kids (who can't vote -- yet!) -- says "who cares who you love?!" when I take too long to explain political signs around town. My daughter isn't an off-putting sledgehammer like her angry mother, rather a sweet, sensible kid who hates wasting time on all this talking and just expects people to be fair and nice and hug a lot.

And ohhhhhhh your kid likes my kid. Your kid likes what she has to say. She makes so much sense! She's talking about love! And happy families! Who doesn't love happy families?! And pretty soon, if not already, your kid will shut you up with "who cares who you love," too. You, supporter of the ban, can prattle off a bunch of "our family's values" and "our traditions" but your kid ain't buying it. Oh, she may nod her head. He may say, "that's right mom." But kids these days! Kids! They get it. It's the parents (and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) who don't.

So while it kills me that we have to wait even a day longer to see the laws of this country aligned with its mission of equality and justice for all -- especially if waiting means more gay teens thinking they're weird and/or committing suicide -- we're going to see it. My kid will fix it. Our kids will fix it. For everyone. No, really -- everyone!" - Madeline Holler

Just one more reason I am proud to be a Momma. Not just because of who my babies are, but who they will be and the voices that I will teach them to have, long after I am gone.