Obama Victory Celebration Squashed By Bigotry

Obama Victory Celebration Squashed By Bigotry

Thursday, November 6, 2008

One mom's story about how her celebration was bittersweet.

Momlogic's Annie: We will all remember exactly where we were when we found out that Barack Obama had won the presidential election. Whether or not you voted for him, when he walked up on that stage in Chicago's Grant Park, the American Dream was alive and well. For the first time ever, kids can actually believe it when they're told they have the chance to be President one day. Well -- maybe. What if you are a kid who grows up to be gay? If you can't even get married or be a parent how can you be president?

I was with my 14-month-old daughter when the voting results were announced. I cannot count how many times I kissed her. I told her over and over again how lucky she is to live in a time that this is possible -- that her future looks bright, that maybe now I'll consider making her a sibling. I went to bed proud to be an American, excited to wake up to news about the world's reaction to what our great country had overcome and accomplished. I told my husband that for the first time in eight years, I don't want to move.

Then I woke up. And here in California, Proposition 8, a law that bans gay marriage had passed. In Arkansas a ban on gay adoption passed. So, essentially people outlawed love. It was like being punched in the stomach. How is this possible? How could so many smart and wonderful people be so bigoted and ignorant? Maybe they aren't so smart and wonderful.

I'm furious that because these people are being hateful, I'm now compelled to hate them. I'm furious that my celebration was cut short. When I see people on the news rejoicing about how far we've come, I'm flabbergasted. There is a whole group of people whose CIVIL RIGHTS are being taken away! I get it -- one step at a time -- but still there is something tragic going on and it's called bigotry and no one is saying it out loud.

I do understand that for many people this is their religious issue -- I think it's absurd, but I'm trying. Isn't there slavery in the Bible too? Or is that just how I'm interpreting it. "Interpretation" -- what a concept. And besides, isn't it stated in our Constitution that we practice a separation of church and state?

I have faith that people will wake up. I am hoping for my daughter's sake and for all of our children's sake that we will have cause to celebrate again soon WITHOUT being interrupted.

57 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

In God We Trust should tell you God wasn’t meant to be excluded from the government. Seperation of church and state was to make the government leave churches alone. Not for churches to leave the government alone. Gay marriage goes against nature. That’s why many don’t want it. Can a gay couple have a baby without the intervention of modern man? No.

- anonymous

Posted 11/07/08 07:39 AM

homosexuality is not a race. it’s a life choice. you may have been born that way (or not) but it is still a choice. not a race.

- anonymous

Posted 11/07/08 07:45 AM

What the…? Jeremy, I’m curious as to how the Mormon church became the default villain?

- Seriously?

Posted 11/07/08 07:48 AM

The way we live effects everyone. Don’t say it doesn’t effect us.

- anonymous

Posted 11/07/08 07:48 AM

Prop 8 does not take any rights away from same sex couples, they still have a union, which is funny, when people keep making the comments about not getting married is taking our rights away. A marriage is a man and woman, only a man and woman can make babies. They can do whatever they want in their household and in their bedroom, but Don’t force your beliefs on others and our family’s. May God Bless you.

- sandy

Posted 11/07/08 09:41 AM

I find your reaction to be extreme, irresponsible, and offensive. I do not live in California, but I have had many debates on this issue with others. In my mind, it’s a very tough call to make. I very firmly and fundamentally believe that marriage is an institution ordained by God to be between a man and a woman. It is sacred and is part of the essential fabric of our society. On the other hand, Proposition 8 does infringe on the civil rights of those who do not practice a heterosexual way of life. We should all have the right to equality in this matter, right? The question of Proposition 8 isn’t about love, as you very irresponsibly and falsely put it when you said that Californians “essentially…outlawed love.” And I’ll go even further to say that those who support Proposition 8 do not do so because they hate homosexuals. It’s a question of innate and firmly held principles that marriage, as mandated by Him who created us all, is only to be between a man and a woman. I have a difficult time reconciling that fundamental and important belief I hold with the fact that I want my homosexual friends to enjoy the same equality I have under the law. If I were living and voting in California and had to make a decision on Proposition 8, it would have been difficult, and I would have felt like either way, I was making a wrong decision and doing somebody or myself injustice. And in the meantime, I will gladly debate and discuss this issue with those who respect the opinions of others, and do not feel “compelled to hate” those who share a different opinion than your own, even considering what a difficult and controversial issue this is. I find it extremely offensive and irresponsible that you hate me, even though you’ve never met me because I hold opinions that are different from you own. To all, let’s cut the inane and pedantic rhetoric and actually talk about the issue to exchange ideas in a respectful and responsible way. There is no reason nor room for hate.

- Anon

Posted 11/07/08 09:52 AM

I’m so sick of hearing “Now I’m proud to be an American” I’m proud to be an American every single day of my life. And for those of you who disagree with me…………You’re welcome, I served my country with pride in the United States Navy. My father and brother served this country with pride in the USN, my daughter’s fathter served with pride in the USN. Both of my grandfathers as well as several great-uncles served with pride. I could go on, but suffice it to say, in every generation of my family all the way back to the American Revolution my family has served. So yes, I can say you’re welcome to any who think to stop and say thanks for the freedom—yes even those of you shallow folks who think “Now I can be proud to be an American.”

- Jennifer

Posted 11/07/08 10:21 AM

Just like you said there should be a “Separation of Church and State”. I say we all meet in the middle and have the government issue Civil Unions to ALL people (instead of having civil unions to heterosexuals and domestic partnerships for homosexuals) and leave marriage up to the church. Marriage is a spiritual thing anyways, everything else is just technicalities. You shouldn’t have to have a paper to feel devoted to someone… And, for those of you who think marriage is a benefit when it comes to “taxes” Hah! I would pay less taxes being a single mother then I do w/my husband.

- Liza

Posted 11/07/08 11:24 AM

There is going to be hatered in all things, people are full of hate. I think people are turning more a blind eye to things that are ok for other people.I do not believe it is Gods will for same sex marriage. But who you bed or live you will be judged. Not by me, We who believe in Gods word however should speak Gods word. Or we will be punished in the end too. I have very close gay friends, I love them and I pray for them. My little sister is gay, she knows the bible does not condone it, she knows it is wrong. I think life is getting to out of hand, people, all people just want more and more, “their piece of the pie.” Look at our kids today, look at how we have to live today, afraid of everything. Not like it used to be when you could go to sleep with your doors unlocked or your car doors unlocked?? These times are not getting better? Are you kidding me? Obama was history and I have 2 grandchildren who are half black. Blacks are people and it was a great day that God would recognize. For us to close our eyes to all else that he stands for is wrong. I am a democrat that voted for McCain, because I felt and do feel Obama is not ready to be our Chief and Commander. I am afraid of his relationships and who he will get into bed with. But it was an historic day and I am happy. I don’t believe in some of the polices people were pushing for and we have to stand up and say something before it is too late. Love who you want, I choose God.

- Jackie Cross

Posted 11/07/08 11:38 AM

The Declaration of Independence says our unalienable rights are ENDOWED by OUR CREATOR. If you don’t believe in God you don’t believe you have rights in this country so how can it be a right for gay people to marry if it’s not what God wants. The people who founded this country were Christians and all Christian religions that existed during the time of this countries founding believed that marriage is between a man and a woman.

- anonymous

Posted 11/07/08 12:47 PM

The people spoke it is time to move on.

- Dean

Posted 11/07/08 02:36 PM

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” So the seperation of curch and state is within the first amendment of your constution. As for one nation under god—you might actually recall the actual motto of the U.S. —E pluribus unum—out of many —one. God this and god that…it makes me sick to my stomach. Perhjaps you might consider these additional quotes as to the foundation of your country by the founders… “The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” George Washington “I have examined all the known superstitions of the world, and I do not find in our particular superstition of Christianity one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology.” Thomas Jefferson “The Government of the United States is in no sense founded on the Christian religion.” John Adams, 2nd president of the united states “It is always to be taken for granted, that those who oppose an equality of rights never mean the exclusion should take place on themselves.” Thomas Paine It strikes me often—that you folk don’t deserve the incredible language and ideals your nation was founded on. Instead you trade them for fear and the lies of a bully pulpit. However you want to vote at least have the decency to learn your own history.

- An observer

Posted 11/07/08 03:30 PM

adam and eve, not adam and steve

- busy

Posted 11/07/08 03:30 PM

- An observer

Posted 11/07/08 03:33 PM

Thats the problem with free speech and democracy….people tell you what they really think. And surprise, surprise, they don’t always agree with you. The only place you get it all your own way is inside your own head, and we all know what a mess that can turn out to be. Something to be said for the wisdom of others

- reynard foxe

Posted 11/07/08 04:06 PM

God (our creator that needs no name) is not based on belief, its based in knowing. if you have the peace of knowing God within you know that words, descriptions, bible quotes, opinions, thoughts, convictions, and beliefs are NOT indicative of God, do not represent God, and they are traps to getting stuck in the human ego, which KEEPS you from knowing God. If you know God there are no words, no limits, and certainly no guesses as to what God accepts or doesn’t accept. God accepts all, is all, and will be all whether we keep arguing about this topic or not. So be, let others be, or don’t. But fear and hate are definitely ways to keep your distance from God.

- Anonymous

Posted 11/07/08 09:11 PM

I don’t understand why anyone is throwing temper tantrums anyway!! You wanted it left up to the people and NOW that the PEOPLE have “spoken”, and it’s not what YOU wanted to hear, or the way you feel they should have, they’re wrong? Either you wanted to know how others felt or you didn’t. You can’t have it both ways!! Get over it, move on.

- Bean

Posted 11/07/08 09:53 PM

No rights have been taken away. Gay people have been given all the same rights including taxes, hospital, inheritence etc in CA. The only rights taken away were the millions that already voted on this in 2000 and had it overturned by 4 (appointed not elected) judges. The definition of marriage is between a man and a woman which clearly does not remove rights. Please check out CA law first.

- Carol

Posted 11/08/08 01:00 PM

Its so sad and disappointing to read so much hate in response to this article. I guess America has a lot of room for improvement in the area of eliminating discrimination. Yes, those of you who say “adam and steve” and all those ridiculous comments..you have some growing to do. And this is coming from a Christian woman…in which I believe God has told us NOT TO CAST THE FIRST STONE…in other words who are you all to judge???? What harm would it do to you to give gays rights? There are greater things out there to worry about than the so-called harm of legalizing gay marriage. There are greater sinners out there to act on…murderers, child molesters..etc. Just so sad how this prop has revealed many of the haters that are often in the closet…cmon people open your minds, judge less and think about the feelings of others.

- Disappointed American

Posted 11/08/08 01:35 PM

www.mormonsstoleourrights.com if you want to read more about what the mormon church did, and the consequences they should face. Also someone talked about only a man and a woman can make babies, so only they can get married. Washington State took this same stance, and I want to know when the marriage lisences between people who cannot conceive children are going to be revoked…because if they can’t have children then they can’t be married…right? and Civil Unions are NOT the same as marriage, and if they are, then everyone should have to get civil unions and marriage should be abolished. I swear, it disgusts me that people think this has nothing to do with equal rights. HELLO! that’s exactly what it is about. The California Supreme Court gave homosexual people the same protections as any minority group, therefore this is the same as saying hispanics can’t get married, people with disabilities can’t get married, hell in California it would mean white people can’t get married. So get off of your damn bibles, and think outside of what your cult has taught you to believe. and don’t tell me organized religion is not a cult, “followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices”…hmmm, is that about Christians, or cult members…I Don’t know…..

- Charli

Posted 11/08/08 11:05 PM