[Slick61]

I've got to give the YesOn8 folks credit... their campaign was brilliantly conceived & executed. They were well-organized, well-mobilized, and VERY well-funded... mainly by the churches & their congregations. They were EVERYWHERE. The ads effectively preyed on peoples' fear, discomfort, and/or hatred of the ghey population. And it worked like a charm. The obvious inclusion of their children, when demonstrating on street corners, played into that fear beautifully... creating the illusion that this campaign was all about protecting the children.

The local newspaper ran an article stating that the schools do not, and would not teach marriage, sexuality, and relationships no matter which way the vote went. A co-worker of mine had his 8 year old son ask him how he was going to vote on the "ghey thing". When he asked his son where he had heard about that, he replied... "on tv" ...from the YesOn8 commercial. I found that ad completely tasteless, though it was highly effective. The YesOn8 folks also sent out mailers (I got one) stating that all the presidential and vice-presidential candidates supported Prop 8, which was false. Obama and Biden both stated that, while they personally did not believe in ghey marriage, they also did not support a constitutional ban of it. They GOT IT... they were able to remain true to their personal beliefs, yet still recognize that it was wrong to discriminate against those who believe differently.

I didn't realize the rights and freedoms of a minority could be put to a majority vote. I guess I need a remedial civics course...

I believe in the "idea" of separation of church and state, though I no longer believe it exists. I read blogs all over the web where people cited their religious beliefs as reason for voting yes on 8. I believe in their right to hold those beliefs, but I draw the line when those beliefs are forced upon others who believe differently. The argument that NoOn8 was trying to force ghey marriage on everyone else holds no water with me... they were just looking to be treated with the same dignity & respect as any other decent, tax-paying Californians. The ghey couples that I know are probably the most caring, compassionate, and non-judgemental people I've ever met- and would put most "good" Christians and Mormons to shame. The pain I've seen in their eyes from this legislated bigotry is a terrible thing to witness.

But I guess I'm naive as to how the world works. 28 states (maybe more... I've lost track) have now banned ghey marriage, so I guess I need to be re-calibrated. Someone help me understand this...