Hello Friends and Family...
As many of you are aware, California is in the middle of a crisis and it has nothing to do with the price of gas! Our family has been given the unique opportunity to participate in a grass roots effort to help get Proposition 8 passed.
I'm sure you remember Prop 22 some years ago. That proposition allowed our state to vote that marriage was defined as between a man and a woman. Unfortunately, the State Supreme Court ruled the voters descision unconstitutional and overturned the proposition, making same sex marriage legal. It is again up for a vote in this coming November's election labeled Proposition 8.
Rodney and I have both been blessed to know many same sex couples whom we consider friends. Most, just like most heterosexuals, are kind, lawabiding people who just want to be happy. We feel for the anguish they have suffered in their lives , most at the hands of their own families, and wish them only the best. Unfortunately, some, just like some heterosexuals, feel the need to go to extremes and cause great turmoil for the rest of us. Thus, Proposition 8!
It is no secret that we are a religious, conservative couple trying to raise conservative children who will someday be honest, compassionate, hardworking adults that will greatly contribute to society. We hope that they will never unrighteously judge anybody, feel love for ALL of their neighbors and continue to grow in strength and character. We WANT them to be an example of tolerance while standing firm in their beliefs and bearing testimony of what they, and we, KNOW to be true; that marriage between only a man and a woman is ordained of God and ALL children born have the RIGHT to a mother AND a father.
If those reading this have a different moral stand on this issue, that is your free agency and your RIGHT as given to you by our founding fathers as stated in the Constitution of the United States. I would always encourage you to follow your compass as long as you KNOW it to be true. So, trying to persuade some on an intellectual level, the following is some information to consider should Propostion 8 fail. As adults, we could probably handle the consequences however unpleasant, but think of your children and your children's children. I DO NOT want the state allowed to teach my children moral issues, they have already crept in far too much. I want the private sector and business' protected from those who would go to extremes just to prove a point. I WANT my religious freedoms protected as designed centuries ago by inspired and brave men. DO NOT allow few in power positions to determine what your children should be taught, who your business can serve and what your religon can preach...that is NOT religous freedom nor the "American Dream" that so many long to have!
Six Consequences If Proposition 8 Fails:
1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.
*The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)*Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.
3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.
6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?
Sharing my thoughts and this blog is certainly ok with me as long as those who read it remember that this is a FAMILY blog, children read it. Please be appropriate in your comments. Should you disagree, that is your right, just do so on your OWN blog! Should you post an opinion rated anything other than G, it will be removed immediatly and you will be blocked from our blog. I appreciate you taking the time to read and understand all opinions. Please be mature enough to handle the rise in emotion that politics, and this issue in particular, cause within you. May we all ponder the issue and VOTE our true conscience! Good luck in November to all....
