I know, I know, I have completely fallen off the blogasphere. (it's round I couldn't help it)
Well, I will have to leave for another post my reason for posting the Proclamation on the Family for so long.
In the mean time...
Out here in the Golden State we have had an important ballot issue that you may have heard about. It is called Proposition 8, the Protect Marriage initiative. It limits marriage in California to between a man and a woman.
Attorney General Moonbeam has put the language on the ballot to read: "Eliminates right of same-sex couples to marry."
The Brethren have asked us to stand in the breach on this issue and support Prop 8 with our time and treasure.
Today was a bit of time.
I spent this afternoon/evening with members of my ward waving yes on Prop 8 signs on busy street corners in our town.
I was a bit nervous at first I admit. Any time that you are openly putting yourself out there on an important issue, and showing the public at large where you stand can be intimidating. But it also was invigorating and eye opening.
I live in a small town, about 20,000 population.
Those of us working our intersection estimated that the responses we got from people was about 80% positive versus 20% negative.
Of the negative responses that we got 80% of those took the time to roll down the window and be truly vitriolic. Calling us F#$%^* degenerates, F#$%* that S#%*, F#$%^* homophobes, and giving us the bird. Truly classic opposition in these matters, when all else fails use foul language and name calling to get your side heard.
There is no in between on this one. There is a right and a wrong side to be on.
The gay rights leader in San Francisco is the one who put the importance of this whole election in context though when he said in news article on Prop 8, "The whole Prop 8 thing really doesn't concern me that much. The important issue is electing Obama president, then he will appoint judges who will guarantee that we will have gay marriage nation wide".
I have to agree with him, that is the real issue. Prop 8 in California is just one slice, and they want the whole cake.
Monday, October 27, 2008
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7 comments:
Persecuted for the cause! Good job, and well said...
Eewwhh! The thought of you standing out there brought out some of my own insecurities. That would really scare me! I'm proud you did it. I hope I could do it as well.
I guess the whole standing out there waving signs goes against what I've always thought the political process should be. When I was in high school one of my teachers impressed upon me how great it was that as a voter you can vote any way you like. No one knows - it's your own private matter. It has always stuck with me. I've always been private with how I vote, often not even sharing with Phil. So, to stand outside on a busy public street and wave a sign is just about against most everything I believe in when it comes to voting. Alas, perhaps it's just another sign of the times. Perhaps I will be called upon to do the same in the not so distant future. Meanwhile, thanks!
There are also quotes where Obama - and McCain - have both said that they oppose gay marriage.
Maybe they are just saying it to be "safe" - I've seen it in print, so it could come back to haunt them.
And maybe the gay rights leader just thinks he's doing his candidate a favor.
At any rate, you are to be commended for "standing for truth and righteousness."
I've been holding forth in the lunchroom to any who would listen.
I don't think I have any converts - but they do know more about the church than they did before!
i think also that this is just the beginning. even if prop 8 passes, it will be appealed and put on the ballot again - i think we are in for a verrry looong battle.
good job on the good work!
I think you are very brave to do that. I think I would have a hard time. I hope if I am every called upon to do something similar I will have the courage to say yes! Good job Scott! (And Barbara too!)
Yes I think it is going to be a long battle one way or the other.
There will be no answer political or otherwise outside of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that would frustrate the plan and we all know that will not happen.
Ask Grandma Terrill about not being able to go to the temple today - they are protesting outside in such numbers that they closed the temple!!
We are in for a long ordeal.
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