It has been quite an enlightening experience. There are so many that are confused on this issue. So many who think that we are "against homosexuals" or who think of "homosexuals" as our enemies, and that individuals who have entered into "gay marriages" pose a direct personal threat to us. This is NOT the case. Proposition 8 doesn't take away any rights or benefits from gay or lesbian domestic partners. Under CA law, they "shall have the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses. It just wouldn't be called marriage.
In my participation I have been told repeatedly I am not tolerant. I stop to question what tolerance really means. Recently Orson Scott Card wrote an article and stated it perfectly, "Only when a gay friend demanded that I agree with his or her point of view or cease to be friends has the friendship ended. What is odd is that in every case they called me intolerant. They misunderstood the meaning of tolerance. 'Tolerance implies disagreement -- it means that even though we don't agree with or approve of each others beliefs or actions, we can still live together amicably. When we agree, we aren't being tolerant, we're being uniform. It's uniformity or submission these former friends wanted, not tolerance at all.'"
I have not heard such vulgarity yelled at me since I was in high school. I have not seen so many explicit gestures in my life. On Saturday one young girl decided that 'mooning' us would be the way to get us to agree with her. It didn't work. I was called a "Christian Zealot" and I was told I would 'burn in hell". Interesting! Tonight as Stacey and I stood on a corner holding a large banner I felt the wind move right between us. It startled me. A car in the far left-hand turning lane threw a salt shaker at us. Gratefully, it didn't hit either of us. Now, I ask, is this really tolerant? Apparently I don't have the freedom to express my views since they don't align with theirs! It is so hypocritical! Wow! We are living through prophetic times! I am grateful to have the knowledge of the Book of Mormon! Talk about the 'large and spacious building' and the people who are mocking, scorning, and pointing fingers! Well, I will continue to 'hold to the rod' and press forward! I want the prize in the end!
PS For those who know me well know that when I get overwhelmed or feel stressed, I usually get cold sores. Well, you may notice a 'nice' cold sore on my lip! I am calling this one "prop 8"!
4 comments:
Alisa, I stalked your blog from Steve & Kori's! So fun to see who I have been talking to on the phone!
My prayers are with you and my family members who are working so hard on Prop 8!!!
Thank you for all your hard work to protect marriage. I am so sorry to hear of all the dirt you have had to listen to and see. Interesting that they want us to accept them how they are but they won't accept us how we are.... how does that make sense... it doesn't. I was thinking... my age group and younger often jump on a cause, simply to have a cause... I don't think many really think through the possible outcomes of these 'causes' they jump to be a part of. It is too bad and quite sad.
Alisa-that was a great post and great points you brought up. I wish I could be there to help with the fight. It does remind me of the Book of Mormon days. It is a real fight you are fighting. Thanks for all you are doing and SO sorry about the cold sores.
I read this while I was in Utah with Grandma. Such an education this issue has brought before people and caused people to stand up and speak up. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
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