I just returned from voting. This has been a hard election for me. I just really don't feel like any of the candidates for President represent me well. I don't fit well in either the Republican or Democratic parties. Quite frankly, I am just glad to get this day over and have no more calls from Barak and John and all the other local people.
I love politics in theory. I just hate it in practice. It has gotten so dirty and so negative. Good riddance to all this campaigning.
The only race I really care about this year is in not on my ballot -- Prop 8 in California. I hope enough Californians have the strength to stand against the persecution being thrown at them and pass Prop 8. I will be watching to see tonight. It will be a real test of where we stand morally as a nation.
As for the Presidential race, I predict Obama will win by at least 5% in the popular vote. I hope that he will choose to become a President that will work for the betterment of all Americans and not just liberals and Hollywood folk. I think he has the potential to be a great President in many ways. Then again, he also could lead the country to moral corruption in the process. He is a bit of an unknown factor in many ways. Hmmm. It will be interesting to watch at least.
Well whatever your opinions are politically, go make them known at the polls today. And celebrate the end of this campaign season with me. Hallelujah no more political ads or calls!
34 comments:
My feeling exactly. Can't wait to see how it all turns out.
amen to that. I agree. I headed out early to vote. and got it done. now on the night of lots of election news watching.
I haven't commented in awhile but I give a whole hearted amen sista'!
I'm right with you about being tired of all the political calls, etc. With you, I fear the moral corruption of Obama. I personally felt McCain was the safer choice, especially his position on respecting life. That is why America is great - we're free to chose. Happy election day.
I agree with your prediction on Obama taking the win. I also agree neither candidates represent me or will bring about the positive changes everyone is hoping for. I think our founding fathers would be quite frankly disgusted at politics, campaigning, debates.... they would just roll their eyes and say, "You don't get it, do you?!?"
Found your blog via Divine Caroline. Love it. I'm the mom of three little girls, so I'm all about "pink" too! LOL
I agree completely with this post. I voted absentee because for the first time ever, apparently Virginia is a battleground state (who'd a thought?!). Lines are crazy here!
I think your final analysis of Obama over McCain by about 5% is about right. We'll see. I've learned to never count my chickens...LOL
I am with you - glad it is coming to an end. I can't take it much longer! I am a liberal and think Obama is the right choice. I hope he brings the country back on its feet. And I think he is a moral guy. He isn't so far right winged like the other candidates that I think he can easily be a good President. Let's hope he wins!
Amen to that! I'm "over" it--- you're right it will be very interesting to see where my great state of California really stands on Prop 8... hopefully that will put the great debate in my family to rest so we can all move on in peace.
However, on the Presidentials... the pro-life issue alone for me decided my candidate.
Vote by mail doesn't get you such a fabulous sticker. I think I might get a babysitter and go directly to the polls next time so I can have my sticker too! : )
I agree with you 100%!!! I am so tired of this campaigning, it's horrible. I am to the point that I don't care who wins, let's just get this over with. (Well not really because I do care who wins, but it is past getting old!)
I am always astounded when religious people who are living a life of God, and cultivating love and acceptance support acts of hate and exclusion like Prop 8. It seems like a total and complete contradiction and not at all loving or Godly. Is this something that you might want to touch on in your blog?
I woke up today and it felt like Christmas morning with all the anticipation. I am so glad that it is coming to an end and we will know who our next leader is within a matter of hours.
As for Prop. 8, I really don't think its passing or not will give us an idea of our country's morals. This is a California issue and not a national one (yet). Also, as a Christian woman, I have to say that love and acceptance are my top virtues and I will leave it to the Holy Father to make judgments on us.
amen and amen! i dont even answer the phone anymore because i know it is a political call. i too am anxious for prop 8 in cali and 102 in az (where i live) results. i sure hope it passes!
i have a question for you. my friends husband was killed last week. i want to buy, make or do something for her but i just cant figure out the perfect thing. is there a perfect thing? could you recommend something to me? a great book you read or a fabulous quote or church talk i could give her. any advice would be great. thanks! marenurkov@gmail.com
Amen sister Stephanie, preach it! I felt good about getting out to vote, even though I called off sick from work today, (really sick). I was very undecided myself and I agree with you and think he will win by a slight percentage. I will be glad when all the hoopla is over too.
I was reading your comments and I agree with anonymous that I would like to hear more about why you feel so strongly about Prop 8. I am a religious person myself and was raised with strong morals. However I do not understand how loving God and being loved by God gives me the right to tell others what they should do with their lives? I hope you do not take offense to this comment, it is not meant to be offensive at all. I am just trying to understand a different way of thinking. I choose to live a life that I think God would approve of and I teach my children to live their lives according to God. But I also accept everyone's individuality and their freedom to live without my judgment. I don't feel that the meaning behind my marriage is compromised by the law in California.
My whole point in posting this comment is just to say that I would like to hear more about why you feel the way you do. I am not challenging your views in any way I would just like to have a better understanding.
Hallelujah indeed! My sentiments exactly!
Hey Stephanie:
I just finished reading all the comments to your post and I think there is a post in the future for you. The anonymous with the questions regarding why you feel so strongly about Question 8. I think you probably could explain it perfectly. I'll look forward to reading it.
robin
I recently heard just a bit of a talk that discussed the marriage issue. (BYU Devotional last Tuesday Oct. 28, I think.) The speaker's view was that by legalizing "gay" marriages religious organizations are forced give up the right to make decisions based on religion. For example, the Catholic church in Massachusetts ran a big adoption agency (not really an agency, but I can't think of the word right now). They were told that it was not legal for them to discriminate against gay couples who wanted to adopt; therefore they must change their standards or close their doors. They closed their doors. This is as much as I heard, but enough to reinforce my own views.
Stating that marriage is between one man and one woman isn't a matter of intolerance or hatred. God, who loves us all, set up the marriage rules as surely as he made the ten commandments. I don't hate people based on gender, race, religion or sexual preference. I would never say that God does either; he loves us no matter what we look like or what we do. But he does want us to do what is right and what is moral. He knows this is what will truly make us happy. Man-made laws cannot change that.
I agree--please pass Proposition 8! And please be a good president, Mr. Obama.
Just an FYI: Cali wasn't the only state voting on the marraige ammendment. Az had prop 102 that we've worked very hard to pass. Last I checked we were ahead but a good 15% BUT all precincts weren't reported yet. this is VERY important and I hope Az and Cali get this passed.
I also didn't feel either candidate represented me well but I voted for the lesser of the two evils and am still bummed at the results. Sort of more scared than bummed but not much we can do now except continue to be involved locally.
Anonymous,
I do not understand how someone terms Prop 8 an act of hate. I abhor acts of hatred against anyone, including homosexuals. Homosexuals should not be looked down upon or thought less of, etc. but should be loved as any other human being. The reason why Prop 8 is so important to us is the legal ramifications of its passage. Does a gay couple in San Francisco expressing their love for each other affect me and my marriage ?? I don’t think so. So why not say no to Prop 8?? I think it comes down to the following potential fallouts from its passage:
1) The teaching and indoctrination of children in schools at a young age and without parental notification that homosexual relationships are an acceptable/normal/natural lifestyle. (But how intolerant you might say! – please don’t confuse tolerance with submission. I am all for teaching my children to love and tolerate homosexuals, just not teaching them that homosexual relationships are good and acceptable. The word tolerance denotes a difference of opinion and a sympathy towards the other side but not a changing of your own opinion.)
2) Forcing churches/religions to perform homosexual marriages, which would likely happen under force of lawsuit.
3) Allowing gay marriage opens up the legal equivalent of pandora’s box: if two consenting adults that are gay can be married, why not a polygamist man and his wives or some other currently illegal/frowned upon relationship?
Now, I understand that some have argued the above wouldn’t happen in California due to how the CA Supreme Court wrote its ruling. Different states can take different tacks on the subject and I understand MA has already broached point #1 and the forced indoctrination (without opt-out) is taking place for some. It’s a slippery slope and these issues might not crop up at first but they are bound to because the door was opened.
I do not want to do a post on Prop 8 because the election is behind us and I don't mean to open an even bigger political can of worms here. But I will comment here to answer what sound like open minded questions in some comments.
First I want to make it clear that I have no ill will toward anyone who is gay. I have dear friends who are gay. I don't love them any less because of this. In fact, if anything I love them more. I also do not judge them as people. Ours is not to judge others.
That being said, I do judge acts. We all do. The law does. It ought to. Part of government's job is to protect us from people doing bad things that infringe on our rights like stealing and murder. Those acts are bad and we legislate to prevent them from taking place.
Another job of government is to promote a healthy society. We see this in how the government educates the masses. An educated society is less likely to have criminal problems and more likely to be industrious and growing. It is good for all of us if we educate everyone.
In like manner, I believe sexual relations should be exclusive to a husband and wife. I think the bible is pretty clear on adultery and homosexuality and fornication as all being sinful acts. Do people still do them and have the right to choose that... yes. And I can still love them and be their friend and not judge them. I have my own sins to worry about.
So really the issue for me comes down to this. I want my government to promote things that will make a strong society. I believe that the traditional family with a father and mother who love each other and love and care for their children is the best environment in which to raise children. Kids don't get to pick their families. SO I want a government who will make laws that will foster strong families. I think every child ought to have a Father and a Mother. I know this doesn't happen all the time. Lots of times this is not the case and can't be.
But I want a government that encourages the ideal. I feel that allowing gays to marry legally sanctions the acts that I judge to be wrong. It also has legal implications that infringe on my right to believe as I do and teach my children as I would like. Those who are not attorneys may not see this but sexual preference is not a protected class in constitutional law. Or at least it wasn't when I studied for the bar. Legalizing gay marriage takes it one step closer to giving it that status. Being a protected class would give homosexuals all the same legal protections afforded to those protected by race or gender. This kind of protection would infringe on the rights of many religions to worship and preach what they believe is right and wrong. We are already seeing this in Mass.
Okay I know this is long. I really don't want to go much deeper in this tonight. I am tired. But if you want more on why I feel the way I do you can visit http://www.byub.org/devotionals/?selectedMonth=10&selectedYear=2008 for a talk given that my brother told me about. I actually haven't listened to it yet but from what my brother said this guys legal arguments are the same as mine. His name is Robert P. George (J.D., Harvard University; D. Phil., Oxford University).
Or for my religious views on the sacred nature of marriage and our need to protect traditional marriage and strengthen families you can go here: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage
Sorry you will have to cut and paste into your browser. I just wish when we who believe in keeping marriage only between a man and woman expressed our views we didn't have to fear the backlash and assumptions that we hate people and are intolerant etc. We shouldn't have to change our opinions of right and wrong to be able to be friends. We can disagree and not judge each other.
Love to you all no matter what your opinion is on this subject.
Stephanie you are INCREDIBLE!!! This is my first time commenting. You are an amazing woman and have such a gift for explaining things in the most simplest of terms! It will be truly interesting to see where our new president takes us...much closer to the Second Coming or being a remarkable leader for our country. However I fear it will most likely be the first! :/ I hope the prayers of the righteous for the leaders of our country will be heard and that their hearts will be softened and that they will stand up and do the right thing in the face of extreme adversity!
I just want to say something as an anonymous reader, I love this blog, and I have really appreciated all of your posts. But I have read the comments regarding prop 8. I know that the polls are closed and the results are coming to a close, but I want to say, I live in California and I voted yes on prop 8 for a few reasons. I too have friends that are gay and I love them dearly and although I don't necessarily agree with their life choice, I love them regardless, I am sure I have done things in my life that people don't necessarily agree with either.
But I believe in a traditional marriage, one between a man and a wife. I also believe that I should be allowed to teach my children about these important issues and not my child's school. The big reason that I voted yes is because to too long ago we voted on a similar proposition. It passed and things were okay. Then some judges decide to take that and veto it which is why this prop 8 is on the ballot. So I feel that we as a people need to make our voice heard that they can't change our vote. If they can what's the point in ever voting again? It is so important that prop 8 passes for so many reasons!
Jesus loves everyone. I try to do the same. It's hard at times but it's my goal in life. I have a good friend who is gay, I love him like I love any other friend. So please know that when I say I support Prop. 8 it is no act of hate on my part.
I want to protect what I love. My religion; I believe simply put marriage is sacred between man and a woman. If God wanted homosexual relationships, if he wanted gay marriage then why wouldn't he make is possible for them to procreate? It goes against the sanctity of the family unit.
I want to protect my children, I choose when and how I will teach my child about homosexuality, not a school teacher.
I want to protect family values. If gay marriage is ok, then (just as Jonathan put it) what is next? Will it be ok in the future for a man to have sex with a miner? I am not saying homosexuality is comparable to that, but as said before what will opening this Pandora’s box unfold? Where will this road lead and where do we draw the line?
This country is less and less "one nation under God" everyday. Even if you don’t believe in the same God I do, religion in a whole is becoming less respected.
Where are the values of this country going?
That’s why I am for Prop. 8. I draw the line here because it has to be drawn somewhere. I have strong beliefs in life and I am as against gay marriage as I am against abortion and anything else that would be offensive to God.
Thanks Jonathon and Stephanie for your explanations. They are clear and to the point. I have worried a lot about how my grandkids are taught and with what standards these principles are measured by.
I appreciate the spirit with which these comments have been shared. Thanks for letting this be a growing experience for all!
I agree Steph with everything you've said--the one thing I cared about was Prop. #1 here in Connecticut--it was the same question as Calif's Prop. #8.
Stephanie,
I will leave the politics aside because I could go on and on. But I wanted to let you know that I have been reading your blog today (I just found it through some people in the ward). I want you to know how much I admire you. I know you've heard this so many times over the last few months, but you are an amazing example of honesty, strength and testimony.
You have endured and are still enduring a pain that I can not even begin to imagine. There are days with my boys that I just want to run away. There are these battles in my life that seem like such a big deal. But I realize how minimal those things are when I read your experiences. It humbles me and I feel ashamed to even feel as overwhelmed as I do.
You are so strong and intelligent and yet you allow yourself to be guided by your testimony and your faith. You seem to have found the balance that so many of us strive for.
Thank you for this blog. Thank you for verbalizing your pain and your faith.
We worked so hard here in Santa Barbara county for the YES on 8 campaign and though the majority of our county voted NO, I am happy that the majority of Californians passed the proposition! :) P.S. Prop 8 is not about hate at all! Yes on 8, No on hate! I'm so "blogged out" on this issue, that's all I have left to say:)
Did my earlier comment offend you? I wasn't trying to offend. Indeed, I thought you'd take it as an opportunity to enlighten me as to your beliefs.
Thanks for your support on Prop 8. I thought the negative feedback would stop after the election, but people are more angry now. We fought for what we were told to fight for and what we believed to be right. The level of hate I'm now experiencing is really disconcerting.
I'm glad it passed and that people everywhere support it. Thank you!
Anonymous,
No your comment did not offend me. But I found it legally unsound and with a tone that was looking more to debate than to understand my view. I have already commented on my view above. I am not in a place where I feel strong enough to defend myself against attacks on what you have judged me to feel. I will not debate with you on the issue. Your mind is obviously set. I don't intend to change your mind.
I understand how people feel who are for gay marriage. I can easily see their side. I do not agree with it but I understand it. My previous comment I only put up because it sounded like some of the earlier anonymous comments just didn't understand and wanted to see the issue through my eyes. I think I explained how I see the issue as much as I want to in my current emotional state. I will not debate the issue and I respect your right to feel the way you do on it. I just wish I felt the same respect was afforded to those of us to do not believe gay marriage is good for our society.
And marie, we are all intolerant of things we do not deem to be good for society. we put murders in jail and drug dealers too. we MAKE people educate their children. this isn't an issue of tolerance.
I will be deleting any more comments on the issue because this blog is not a political blog and I am not up for being called intolerant or for the contentious tone that such comments introduce. In fact, my own comment here is not the kind of tone I want to have. Like I said in today's post. I am having a cranky day. Sorry if I have offended here. I will probably delete my own comment too once I stop getting comments on this post.
You certainly are very clear and I LOVE that. I have a hard time broaching politics in my blog and am very hesitant to be so public with it...although, I know that there are times that what we believe must be defended. You did just that and I commend you....even on a cranky day you handled this with great graciousness. Kudos.
Stephanie, I just wanted to let you know that you can turn off comments on a particular post. Just go into edit posts, choose this one, click on "post options" and choose "don't allow" on reader comments. It might save you some grief, and deleting! Hugs to you.
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