An Open Letter to Traditional Values Voters

[furrbear]

From the Wonderful Rev. Susan Russell's An Inch At a Time:

Dear Traditional Values Voter,

As the upcoming election draws closer, it becomes more and more clear that lines are being drawn between those who support traditional family values and those who are attacking the foundational values of truth, justice the American Way -- the very essence of all that makes this nation great.

If you're confused by the polarizing rhetoric and attack ads flooding the airwaves, here is a quick refresher course on what traditional values are -- and aren't.

LYING is not a Traditional Value

The proponents of Proposition 8 -- the initiative that would eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry in California -- have three key messages for the people of California: if their proposition doesn't pass clergy will be forced against their conscience to marry same-sex couples and will risk losing their tax exempt status if they don't; children will be "taught gay marriage" in school and parents will lose their ability to opt their children out of those classes; and that "four activist judges" overturned the will of the people and imposed gay marriage on California.

None of these are true. They are lies. The First Amendment protects the free practice of religion, the Superintendent of Schools has said that Proposition 8 has NO impact on what is or is not taught in schools and the Supreme Court ruling came after the California State Legislature -- the elected representatives of the people -- had twice voted for marriage equality.

EXTORTION is not a Traditional Value

In a letter dated October 20, 2008, ProtectMarriage.com wrote to contributors to the No on 8 campaign, asking the donor to "withdraw its support for Equality California" and "make a donation of like amount to ProtectMarriage.com" -- adding:

"Were you to elect not to donate comparably, it would be a clear indication to us that you are in opposition to traditional marriage. You would leave us no other reasonable assumption. The names of any companies and organizations that choose not to donate in like manner to ProtectMarriage ... will be published. It is only fair for Proposition 8 supporters to know which companies and organization oppose traditional marriage."

EXPLOITING CHILDREN is not a Traditional Value

Among the Yes on 8 commercials airing is one featuring children attending their lesbian teacher's wedding (WITH their parents permission) being run over-and-over-and-OVER again WITHOUT the parents permission! In a recent press conference, the parents gathered to "demand that the Prop 8 campaign stop the lies and stop the exploitation of our children." Meanwhile, the Yes on 8 campaign continues to laud this new, abusive ad using unauthorized images of children without their parents' knowledge or consent. And they're proud of it. From their website: "Our new ad gives us great hope."

DISCRIMINATION is not a Traditional Value.

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Here's what Senator Dianne Feinstein has to say about Proposition 8:

"In my lifetime, I've seen discrimination and I see it again in Proposition 8. It would be a terrible mistake for California. It changes our constitution, eliminates fundamental rights and treats people differently under the law. Proposition 8 is not about schools or kids -- it's about discrimination. And we should always say no to that."

Let's review:

Lying
Extortion
Exploiting Children
Discrimination

None of these are on the list of traditional values that made this country great.

Fairness is. Equality is. Freedom of Religion is. Equal protection is. Liberty and justice for ALL (not just "some") is.

Protect Traditional Values

Vote No on Proposition 8 on November 4th.

Comments

[tonydabear.livejournal.com]

I am so confused with all of this... if you vote no it means you are for it? Or is it the other way around? WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT OR I SO STUPID...

[furrbear.livejournal.com]

it's not for or against Gay Marriage. It's for or against BANNING Gay Marriage.

So... YES means Ban ie Against Marriage Equality.

[tonydabear.livejournal.com]

I looked it up and figured it out already, but thanks for confirmation.

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

How soon will the results of the Vote be known?

And once this is done, is this the FINAL stage of all the arguments? Will it then remain as law, and Gays & Lesbians can finally celebrate victory on equality?

*hugs*

[furrbear.livejournal.com]

Polling in Calif. won't close until early Wed (Oz time), so maybe by Wed afternoon. Late Tues-early Wed for us in the States.

Hopefully if all goes well, it'll be over. The other side is still free to try again. It would be a step, but too early to finally celebrate.

California is the most populace state and usually leads in these sort of things, as they did in interracial marriage, but from Calif's case until it became the law of the land took another 14 years. Slowly the Domestic Partner and Civil Union states are be converted over to full marriage equality, but even then, that's only 1/4 of the states. We won't be able to celebrate on this one issue until there is marriage equality in all states, and that will most definitely require an US Supreme Court ruling as just under half of the states have amended their state constitutions to preclude any marriage equality law.