PROTECTING MARRIAGE
On Saturday my husband and I went walking door to door in support of Proposition 8.
OK we took Karalyn with us - I kinda hoped people maybe wouldn't be as argumentative with a baby right there. . .
I will say though on the outside I seemed all gung-ho about going but inside I was a nervous wreck. I hate confrontation and here I was putting myself out there on an issue that on both sides portrays really strong feelings. Many silent prayers were offered as we approached each door. This was our second time walking neighborhoods. I guess the thing that surprised me most was that people didn't even know what Prop 8 was?
"We're here in the neighborhood with information regarding Prop 8 - are you familiar with what Prop 8 is?"
Most times people looked confused. . .
"Proposition 8 places into the California Constitution the same language that voters already passed by 61% percent of the vote in 2000, which says, 'only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California.'"
Then people would nod. . .
Is this an I AGREE with that nod -
Or an NOW I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT AND I'M NOT VOTING FOR THAT nod?
"Do you know where you stand on this issue?"
Yes
"Can we ask how you would vote on this issue?"
(that's the scary question)
I was surprised that most people answered either yes or no. There were no in betweens. We were ready with the response (not argument) that in the far scope of things this isn't just an issue about Gay Marriage or Protecting Marriage - but in reality this would send the message not only to California but to other states as well that even though 4 million people voiced their opinion on a particular matter that 4 extreme judges took that voice away and put in their own policy agenda. THAT'S SCARY!!!!!
Or what about the story right here in our own county - where a couple was recently married and on the marriage license where it now reads PARTY A and PARTY B - they wrote next to PARTY A BRIDE and next to PARTY B GROOM and the county came back and declared their marriage invalid - they had tampered with the license.
I don't know about you but when my kids get married I want them to be known as a BRIDE or GROOM not PARTY A or PARTY B!
The conversation ended with us thanking them for their time and handing them a flyer.
We didn't have any doors slammed in our face and no one was intentionally rude to us, but I'm not going to lie - I was very glad when we finished with all the houses on our list - It put me out there and I felt really out of my element - but I'm so thankful that I played a small part in educating people on the issue.
I'm not done either - I plan on continuing efforts right up until November 4th - and you better believe I will be one of the first ones in line to cast my vote on that day as well. . .
And so I ask for your help as well!
Please get the word out - I'm not asking everyone to go door to door - I know it's scary - but talk to people - wear a button and answer questions if people ask about what it is. And at the very least please make sure you are registered to vote and go vote on November 4th!
It's a humbling and empowering feeling knowing that we do have a voice.
Let's make it be heard.
thanks for listening
