05
2008
A Bitter-Sweet Night for the US
Last night, Barack Obama was elected President with more than double the electoral votes than rival John McCain. Personally, I am thrilled because I think Obama’s policies, attitude, and ethics are exactly what this country needs right now. I consider it simply a (significant) bonus that he is also the first African-American elected President, breaking barriers that many thought would take much longer to overcome.
But it was also a sad night for the United States.
Arizona banned gay marriage with 56% in favor.
Arkansas banned gay couples (and any other unwed couple) from adopting children with 57% in favor.
California banned gay marriage with 52% in favor.
Florida banned gay marriage with 62% in favor.
There were no other states with similar issues on the ballot.
This is a significant step back for the country; how can we call ourselves civilized when we’re still not upholding equal rights for all. There is no logical reason to ban homosexual marriages. None.
The reasons cited by the strongest advocates stem from religious beliefs and beliefs from conservative upbringing. Many think that allowing homosexual marriages would change what a traditional marriage is – that between a man and a woman.
They’re right; marriage has been traditionally between a man and a woman. But so what?
Until 1865, slaves were traditionally commonplace in the US. Until 1870, voting was traditionally done by just white people. Until 1920, voting was traditionally done by just men. And until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, schools, businesses, and a large amount of other public places were traditionally segregated.
I could go on.
Just because something is done for a while does not mean it is right. All of the above-mentioned traditions were only traditions until the United States matured enough to realize how ridiculous they were.
Homosexuals are simply another minority group in the United States, with differences from heterosexuals no more significant than the differences between whites and African-Americans. How long does this drag out before people realize this? (They will realize it, I assure you.)
I’d really appreciate it if the highly-religious and conservative Americans who see some ridiculous problem with homosexual marriage would stop trying to make policy out of (ignorant) belief. What business is it of theirs anyway?
So while I celebrate Obama’s entrance to the White House in 75 days, I can’t help but feel sick knowing that there is still so much wrong with this country. I cringe when I think about the children of those who were responsible for the passing of the new laws; they’ll be brought up thinking that everyone different from them is wrong.
I just hope alternative fuels aren’t banned since automobiles have traditionally used internal combustion engines…
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