I had been thinking about doing this for a couple of days, but since it's out of character for me to get political and share it, I wasn't sure.  Tonight, I saw that someone else put a similar thought out in a bulletin, so it pushed me to also make my voice heard, at least to those who read my blogs.

I have been studying my sample ballot for a little while, trying to educate myself on the lesser-known propositions and office elections.  I want to make sure I give as much attention as I can to these things, outside of fending off smear ads on TV and the radio.  But there are two or three very important points that make this voting day huge for me. 

I'm an Obama fan, if anyone didn't know.  I have to admit that I voted for Hillary in the primaries, but Obama has a smooth delivery and a cool head, as well as great research and resources going into this election.  I agree with his policies, but more than that, I respect his approach.  I can't imagine having McCain in the White House, with his temper and his condescending facial expressions and talk.  And I'm scared to death of the prospect of having Sarah Palin there.  Don't even get me started on her.  This is sure to be a historic election, and I have gotten pretty teary-eyed just thinking about the possibilities.  Man, it's inspiring, if we make the right decision.

I am also pretty serious about voting YES on Proposition 2 in California.  It just seems like common sense to me, and only fair for a creature's short life.

But the California proposition that I am fervent about voting AGAINST is Proposition 8.  I can't imagine depriving another human being of the right to marry someone he/she loves, just because he/she is gay.  How much have we gone through-- women's votes, black votes, interracial marriages...  We can't go backwards in our country's development and allow discrimination to sneak into our laws.  This is not about what we prefer for ourselves.  It's not about any selfish need to make the state of California follow our own personal rules.  This is about human rights.  It's about equality.  And it's about love.  If you don't want your children to learn about love between a man and a man or a woman and a woman, then you are hoping to keep blinders on them about the truth-- something that's very real, and something that's precious.  I am so happy for anyone who has found The One.  Anyone who has the opportunity to spend the rest of her life with the person without whom she cannot breathe, I feel warm inside just knowing that she has this.  I have not found the man for me (and yes, I'm definitely straight), but I would expect that when he finds me, no one will tell me that I cannot marry him, if I so choose.  This is not because I'm straight.  It's because I'm human.

I don't mean to offend anyone by any of the comments I have made in this blog.  But I hope that everyone puts a lot (and I mean a LOT) of thought into their choices when they go to the polls.  This is a very important election, and it's sure to stir emotions for most Americans.  But we can't be selfish when voting about someone's rights.  This is not a vote for Homecoming King and Queen.  This is human rights.  Please choose wisely.

Obama '08

NO on 8

..peace..