Politics & Voting

Last Tuesday I went down to my designated spot and turned in my vote. Unlike many people I know, I do not typically have strong opinions on politics. I have strong opinions on many things, but it has been hard for me to even vote in recent elections. Usually I am torn to choose between two options I don't like. And in some ways this election was more of the same. I had to make a decision between two men that I didn't hate, but didn't love either. And it wasn't until the final days that I made the decision. And I made that decision based on whose plans I thought were better for me and for my country. I knew that the man I was voting for would not win, but I also knew that either way- our county is in trouble and I hope that someone will be ready to get their hands dirty and change it. And I hope that the tremendously high taxes I already pay don't get much higher.

In California we were forced to make some even harder decisions. I know how most people around me feel about proposition 8. I know that by voting yes, I may have pissed off a lot of people. But it is their right to vote no, just as much as it is mine to vote yes. I know that the road will not end here. For those of you who don't know- Justin's mom was gay. And we discussed it and he knows first hand what it is like to live in a household that is not considered "Normal". He had a lot to do with my decision. I do not believe that anyone has the "Right" to marry. Marriage is a privilege that was given to us by God. It was a commitment in front of God between a Man and a Woman so that they would raise a family together as one. And I understand that some people may argue that a Gay couple would commit to each other and would love their families as much as anyone else. And I do agree with that statement. But and man & a man or a woman & a woman can never make a baby together. And I have a hard time believing that is what God intended. Just maybe when I get to heaven I will ask him just that.

That being said, I also don't believe that the marriage that the state/laws give us is the same as the commitment before God. So many people marry without committing in front of God. So, I am unsure of what the future holds. Amazingly, I may even have had a different stance on this if the arrogant mayor of San Francisco had not broken the law years ago when California first voted on this issue. The voters spoke, and he disagreed so he broke the law. And I don't have any respect for that. So I voted again, and I am sure he will continue to not care.

But the most important issue I voted on was Prop 4. And it did not pass. I do not believe my teenage daughter has rights before she is 18. She does not have the right to get a tattoo, or get a piercing, or vote. She should not be having sex, but I know that the majority (Unfortunately) of teenagers do. I hope to have the kind of relationship with my daughter that she could tell me if she was pregnant, but you never know. What I don't want is her going to planned parenthood where they do not even explain what they are doing and just get an abortion. I remember being 17 and thinking I was pregnant. I do not think I was capable of making that decision on my own, but I am so thankful that I did not have to go there. Teenagers make stupid decisions every day. But abortion is a decision that will affect their lives forever. And even if Prop 4 had passed, that only meant that the doctor had to send a letter via mail and wait 48 hours. There is no guarantee that I would even get the notice before she had the abortion. It did not mean that the parents have to give permission. And I would like you to show me the teenager that a parent can stop from doing something she/he really wants to do.

I hope that my views have not offended anyone. I usually keep my mouth shut because my views are mine. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. I just expect you to respect my opinions as I have always respected yours. I am proud to live in America. I may be a little nervous about what the future holds, but I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us and our country.