Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Why this Election Matters

I know lots of people have written about this, but think about it. There will surely be some Supreme Court nominations in the next presidential term. If McCain gets elected, that is a scary thought for those of us battling for gay rights. He has already declared he will appoint people just like Bush's choices, if not more conservative.

And you know what? If something happens to McCain - which is not at all out of the question given his age and health - I am even more frightened of Palin making appointments to the Court. Every answer I have seen her give to any question (which granted is not many since she has not really given interviews) shows about a knee deep understanding of the issues. And htat is generous. That combined with her strong religious beliefs suggest that her appointees will be even more conservative than those of McCain - which I didn't even think was possible.

We just can't let this happen. We can't go back. This great country is declining so rapidly - we have to take a chance on change. We really do.

More thoughts on Prop 8

I just spent some time on the ProtectMarriage site, and it is just so hard for me to stomach. One of their main concerns is that if the Supreme Court ruling is upheld, kindergarteners may have to learn about gay marriage alongside marriage between heterosexual couples. I just don't know how to break through this kind of thinking. Of course, it is easy for me to think "well duh, we WANT kindergarteners to learn about love wherever it happens," but I do recognize that this is a real and true leap for many people.

Maybe what we need is not only mandatory community service, but mandatory "mind opening" service. Maybe everyone who opposes gay marriage should have to spend a week with a loving, grounded, solid gay couple. A week in which they are not allowed to verbally judge, but just have to be around the caring couple the whole time. Get to know them. Get to like them. Get to see that they aren't so different. I have to believe this would help.

Even Brad Pitt Thinks So

Welcome to my blog about equal rights for gay people. Living in San Francisco, this is an extraordinarily charged issue, particularly as Proposition 8 looms on the November horizon.

Today, Brad Pitt announced a $100,000 donation to help fight Proposition 8, which, if passed would ban gay couples from marrying in the state of California. I swear, if people who oppose gay marriage spent a day at the San Francisco City Hall, and saw all the incredibly happy gay couples emerge from the building married and glowing, I can't imagine they would feel so strongly.

One day, I hope gay couples everywhere can marry. Then Brangelina will finally get married too! No, seriously, I live in shock every day that this is such a huge issue - it just seems ridiculous.

Anyways, I look forward to writing more about this issue as the November elections grow closer!