My Problem with Proposition 8:
Civil marriage is man-made. Civil unions are man-made. Both are government creations made to organize us into tax/insurance/social brackets. Most importantly, civil marriages and civil unions end at "'till death do us part." We've been asked not to support same-sex marriage, however we've been told that we do support same-sex unions. What is the difference? The only difference is the word, "marriage." But, both marriage and unions provide the exact same rights to same-sex, different-sex, no-sex couples (okay, I added the last one in there). But, if a union and a marriage provide the exact same rights, then what is the difference? The word is the only difference. But words are man-made!! "Marriage" is a man-made word and the word is different in every language around the world. Isn't "union" just another way to say "marriage"? Is this an issue of semantics? Are we arguing over a word here?
Enough.
My Final Solution: Remember Your Pluralist Values
Dr. McFarland, who stands exactly where I do on this issue, talked me through this yesterday. He told me that you can support the other side, even if you don't understand or agree. You can support their dedication and passion to an issue, just as you support your own. You don't have to work against their efforts or find ways to prove them wrong. We can live peacefully with varying view points.
Why can't we all just be pluralists? We can agree to disagree and enjoy our peaceful coexistence. I support "yes" voters and their desire for this proposition to pass. But, I don't have to agree with them. I don't understand why my church is for this proposition, but I will support the church's efforts to pass this proposition (even if I don't agree). Isn't the beauty of a democracy the fact that we all come from diverse backgrounds and still have a voice? My fear is becoming a dogmatic monist. I never want to make anyone feel that life is "my way or the highway" because surely the tables will turn and that motto will be used against me one day.
I'm starting to love this country again. Democracy is a wonderful thing (but, not for everyone though...remember pluralist values) and I have been enjoying the political dialogue and banter during this election period. So, to McCain voters, Obama voters and even those wacky libertarians...best of luck to you in this election and may we all live in peace!
10.13.2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
I resent being called wacky just because I'm a Libertarian.
Haha. But that's why I like you Jules - because you're wacky.
And I'm a gay-loving, baby-killing hippy of a Democrat.
Wow...Lindsay.
Putting all of this on a blog that a dozen or so people - made up of mostly your friends who agree with you or at least respect your opinion - that's really brave of you.
You're amazing.
Serious/non-sarcastic note:
Lindsay, I totally agree with your post. We can support without agreeing, and we can have a differing opinion without being disagreeable.
I'm not really offended. Hell, I'm not even really a libertarian. I may have libertarian leanings though.
Just for the record:
1st Presidency > Rob McFarland
I had to write this because, like Dogberry, I am an ass.
Tony you really are a tool!
The funny thing is that I've probably heard more hours of preaching from study abroad and 10 McFarland classes than I have in all of the combined general conferences.
You'll hear no such preaching from me. You know I love Rob.
Prop 8 has been a difficult swallow for me. Oddly enough, your opening argument (about marriage as a man-made institution--as far as its not a temple marriage) is what I feel. And as one of those crazy libertarians (well... more a minarchist), I've felt there shouldn't be any laws on this whatsoever; just let people do what doesn't harm anyone else.
I've heard that the big legal issue is the tax-exempt status for the church. Which leads me to my original libertarian argument with what's wrong with the world: it's not the gays, it's the f***ing TAXES!!!!
However, the 1st Presidency has urged us to support it. And that's one that I fail to be able to argue against.
Post a Comment