Sunday, November 2, 2008

Opening Another Can Of Worms....Yes On Prop 8

I hesitated to write something political on my blog again. I'm sure I will hear all about how I am teaching my children to discriminate etc. Which I am not! But, this is my blog and I don't care if my mom is the only fan left. Not that I mind all the debating. I love a good debate (Just ask my husband)My skin has gotten a lot thicker (homeschool mom of 5) I hear it all the time! This blog started out just a homeschool blog but has turned into my Family blog. I like to keep it mainly about family and homeschool. But in this case, I just want to express my views about what's happening in California right now with Proposition 8. It's an ugly fight. It's sad that we have to fight about it.

Please hear me out..
Proposition 8 is NOT an attack on gay couples and does not take away the rights that same-sex couples already have under California’s domestic partner law. I respect the rights of others to choose how they live their lives and form their homes, but not to change the definition of marriage for everyone else. Changing the definition of a societal institution is not a right. Being treated with kindness, love and dignity is. I wouldn't treat anyone any other way.

Being that I live in a very political neighborhood where there are city council members, school board members, and a city prop supervisor as my next door neighbor. I have helped with the campaign in our city on prop 8.

I've walked neighborhoods, made phone calls and helped with the rally's for the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign and it saddens me that there are so many assumptions about those who would vote "Yes." I've been told we are bigots, that we don't care about others' rights and freedom, that we shouldn't tell others what to do with their lives, and quite a few other words I can't repeat because this is a G rated blog. I haven't engaged in the arguments. I don't think could change any minds. I just thank them for their opinions and go on.

Let me just say I have friends who are homosexual. I don't treat them any different than anyone else. I have a coupleof hair clients that are lesbians and are very nice ladies. I just have to make that clear because a friend of mine saw a bumper sticker on another mom's car at preschool that said, "8 is Hate Vote No on 8." I don't think that's a fair assumption to make. Everyone I know who is in favor of Proposition 8 has no hatred whatsoever towards people who are gay.

I do believe, however, that if the same-sex couples had the title of marriage for their union (which is the only thing a "No" vote on this proposition would give,they already have all the rights of married couples), there would be A LOT of changes that would impact my family and the rights of me as a parent. I want to protect my rights and freedom. I want to protect my children.

I have done my own research and checked out the No on 8 website to see what it was about and saw that they are claiming the Yes on 8 ads stating that children will be taught about gay marriage in school if this doesn't pass isn't true. I can't see how they can claim that. This is already being done here in California and has been done in Massachussetts since gay marriage became legal. First of all, a first grade class in San Francisco was taken on a field trip to a gay wedding. That sounds like educating the children about gay marriage to me. Secondly, there have already been initiatives on Governor Schwarzenegger's desk to be signed last year, wanting to change the textbooks for school children to reflect the gay lifestyle. Another bill came across his desk recently to declare a day in school for Harvey Milk -- the first gay politician in California -- to teach the children about him and his significance. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed that.

I don't understand how it's seen as okay for the values or morals of one group to be taught at a school when it's universally known now that schools are not the place to teach religion. If I had proposed a day for the school children to learn about Jesus, the life he lived and the influence he's had over time, there would be no question that this wasn't appropriate for school. Some parents would be outraged and many would support that. It's something that parents have the right to teach in their homes. They want to send their children to school, not worrying that the teachings will contradict the beliefs they hold & teach at home. Yet other differing morals like homosexuality is seen as a right for children to be taught at school by many. Just because homosexuality is not a religion doesn't mean it's a value-based teaching that doesn't belong in the schools.

If you don't agree with my stance on this, I hope you don't get angry or think I'm being unfair. We just see things differently and I respect that.

Here's some pictures of the rally. There was about 400 or more people. No one got egged that I know of. My daughter did ask me what the middle finger meant but besides that we got LOTS of thumbs up!


My two older kids clearly understand what they are rallying for. (There smarter than you think haha)





I love this cartoon it explains our family:

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

In all honesty, do gays/lesbians personally and physically hurt you ? I love your blog, and you totally crack me up, but I could never vote in favor for something like that. I think everyone deserves the right to be happy no matter what. i do commend your on explaining it to your children instead of just throwing them out there and forcing it on them. :)

Shannon Hartz said...

Bridget, thank you for having the courage to share your beliefs and the knowledge to back them up. This is an important proposition, and I think we all need to really understand the implications if it doesn't pass. I too am voting Yes on 8 - thank you for sharing:)

Melissa said...

I think all ads should be fact checked before being televised or put on the radio. I have been enraged over the blatant lies that are out there (on both sides).

Good for you for doing your homework and not following the celebrities and rest of the herd! Everyone needs to be educated and vote their conscience. We may not all agree but we need to know exactly what we're voting for or against!

Anonymous said...

I agree :) My mom & sister asked what I was going to vote on this & when I told them yes, they both got fired up. But I told them, I am not judging, it is what I believe. They can vote how they want. So Bridgette, you go girl :)

Heather said...

Amen Bridget! It's amazing and sad that people would treat you that way. It's not about hating gay people. Marriage was created by God for a man and a woman. If homosexuals want to have a forever partner then they need to come up with another name for it cuz marriage ain't it!

Alessandra said...

I have been reading your blog for some time now, and thoroughly enjoy all of your stories about your kids and homeschooling. You have even opened my eyes to the possibility of homeschooling my own kids!! (they are 2 and almost 1) I will say that I do not agree with you on the whole prop8, and that's okay. At the end of the day, you and I are 2 women whose sole goal in life is to raise happy, healthy children. I think that too many women bash one another, and judge with such a critical force. While I don't agree, I can appreciate you and what you are doing to protect your kids and your home. You seem like a fabulous mom and I think if we all stick together as women and appreciate each others differences, we'll get a lot farther in life. Thank you for sharing your perspective and no, your mom is not your only fan!! :)

Anonymous said...

As for me and my family, we will follow the Lord! Yes on Prop 8. God created marriage to be between a man and a women. If same sex couples want to make a public committment of their love, what's wrong with allowing them to have a "civil union"? I don't see this as a discrimination issue. Let's face it, there is a difference between and man/woman relationship and a man/man or woman/woman relationship. My best friend just got "married" to his lifelong partner. I love this man very much and would physically protect him from any harm if someone would try to harm him because of his sexual orientation.

Anonymous said...

people are looking at this issue as gays/lesbians being prevented to express their love. government has never been interested in who loves or has sex with who. they are interested in marriage because it is the foundation of society.

it's the foundation of society because of children.

children have a right to a mom and a dad. this is what gives them the best chance at long-term life happiness.

thank you for your courage. i wish more people would realize that as a society we need to cherish our kids. and sacrifice for them.
i think prop 8 is a good start to showing children that we're doing the best we can.

there is a good discussion here:
thanks for this post.

i'm voting yes because kids have a right to a mom and a dad. and i want to live in a society that recognizes and encourages this right.

there is an interesting discussion going on here:

http://prop8discussion.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/gender-matters-children-have-a-right-to-a-mom-and-a-dad-day-7/

Anonymous said...

um sorry about my awkward comment...didn't mean for it to get too crazy.

but now you have the links twice.

Anonymous said...

I'm so proud of u for being all political~
Prop 8 is NOT about bashing gays, or their lifestyle.
It is about defending marriage!! (which God created Genesis 1)
Plus, we need to protect our kids and what they are taught. all i know is if the no vote passes I'm home-schooling-- and u know i was totally not about home-schooling!
You're already my hero for all u do with your kids, I'll just have you be my tutor too-- We can do landen and Isaac together lol

Heather said...

Just wanyed to remind you that I AM YOUR NUMBER ONE FAN!!! Just ask my mom how many times she tells me (and Nina I might add), "honey you can't be Bridget". I love you and you are doing an amazing job!

Carolee said...

Thanks for voicing your opinion, I am with you 100%.

Anonymous said...

That was a great, well-stated post Bridget. I totally respect your views on this, though I don't agree with them.

I'm a lawyer, so this is mainly coming from that point-of-view...I think the major problem a lot of people have with Prop 8 (myself included) is that not allowing a same-sex couple to call their "civil union" a "marriage" is on its face a discriminatory law. Being gay is NOT a "lifestyle choice", it is a trait like having blonde hair or green eyes. For example, we would never come up with another name to describe an interracial marriage. The word "marriage" carries with it innate legal rights & such a unique meaning all over the world--a meaning that the term "civil union" just doesn't carry with it.

Now I in NO WAY believe that all supporters of the Prop hate gay people or anything like that. And while I completely understand that gay marriage goes against some people's religious beliefs, it's hard for me to understand justifying a law based on that.

kristina16marie said...

Kudos to Bridget for a well worded blog. Politics is always going to get people fired up, but as long as we can agree to disagree on some things, we should be able to have an open debate. I'm curious as to why the most aggressive comment left was from someone who remained anonymous. At least Bridget has the courage to show her face and say "This is what I believe in! Take it or leave it." It's sad that people think protecting marriage means you are a hate monger. I would be right there with you getting egged if I still lived in California. It is somewhat comforting to know that Texas is probably the last state that would allow a court to overturn the will of the people.

Not too shabby said...

Here in Florida, we will be voting Yes to Admendment 2 tomorrow....marriage being only between one man and one woman, just as God designed it. I'll be praying for Prop 8 tomorrow as I cast my vote for Ad. 2 in FL! Thanks for speaking the truth in love!

Reamworks said...

Christians! Don't be fooled by a Mormon LDS Trick! Vote NO on Proposition 8.

The future of Christianity depends on it! See http://www.Baytzim.com/ and vote NO on 8.

The "Mormons" have instructed their followers to vandalize their own signs and property and claim discrimination. Don't be fooled!

Bridget said...

I'm teaching so only have 2 min wish I had more time to debate:
Courtney, no gay's/ les don't personally hurt me but either does abortion it saddens me deeply.

heather: you wouldn't want to be me lol.

reamworks: I as a Christian could not vote no on this..Just as I cannot vote for someone who is for abortion over and over... When I stand before my maker I will have clean hands and was not apart of things that are so against God's will.

kristina: Gotta Love Texas! My family is from there:)

Anonymous said...

Just out of curiosity, for those in favor of Prop 8, is it ONLY because of your religious beliefs? I ask this quite respectfully, I really am curious. I am moderately religious (I'm Jewish), and I do believe in God, yet I do not believe that my faith precludes my belief in allowing same-sex marriage.

Jessikah said...

Bridget,
You dont know me, but we have alot of the same friends :)
I just wanted to give you props for this blog, its so hard to stand up for what we believe in anymore!! you worded this great! I was homeschooled 6-12th grade and hated it.... I swore I would NEVER homeschool my kids (who are 3 & 1)unless God broke me big time. but if this prop passes tomarrow, I think it is the start of God breaking me... I cant stand for someone else teaching my kids things like this. Thanks agian for sharing this blog!!

shalay said...

I just wanted to say that I respect your opinion, even though I disagree with it. That's the beauty of America, right? Thanks for taking the time to not only proclaim your stance on a proposition, but to intelligently explain why you feel that way. Most people rant and rave, which really gets them nowhere in their argument. And good for you for explaining laws and politics to your children and letting them decide for themselves. I hate when parents teach their children to believe in one thing without educating them about both sides. So like I said, you haven't changed my opinion on prop 8, but it's good to know that not all supporters of it are close-minded.

Anonymous said...

Bridget do you remember the Darwin Theory? When they taught us that in school the first thing i did was ask my mom and she said "NO God is not a monkey and we do not come from monkeys".I never once questioned that. why do i say that? Because if 8 passes No then its our responsibility to teach our kids what we believe. I respect your view. I just dont think we are the ones to Judge!

Bridget said...

Of course I remember the Darwin Theory. Which reminds me if anyone wants to debate that take it up with my 9 year old. (future creationist)lol.. Also, I do know it is our responsibility to teach our kids what we believe. This is why I homeschool mine.

Anonymous said...

I don't believe in abortion either. In the end we are all allowed to have our own opinion. Hope my comments didn't make you mad at me?!?! :)

Courtney said...

I think I honked at you guys driving down Euclid!!!

Mom on a Coulee said...

Bridget, great name by the way. I think it is great you are teaching your children Christian family values and doing it now, it isn't discriminating to believe God's plan for the world isn't what so much of society chooses. He gives us free will, but when we choose to sin against Him we aren't following Him and your kids won't be discriminating against others if they are choosing to follow Him. If you teach them to not judge the person, to love all, and hate the sin not the person you are raising beautiful wonderful children, and thanks for posting controversial blogs, if more Christians speak up and stand up this world will become better. I don't live in CA but I'm glad it passed.