I’ve been thinking about a way to address the issue of Prop 8 and Prop 2, but, truth be told, this is one of those rare moments when I haven’t been able to articulate how I feel to my satisfaction.  I pride myself on my empathy, the ability to see “the other side” of things.  I try to approach these issues by understanding the heart of the opposing opinion…  I can’t seem to do that in this context.

My love affair with the United States of America rests in the fact that, although, this nation, like every other, has engaged in oppressive acts, cruelty and unfairness, it’s a nation in which the ideal of fairness has always existed.  Throughout our history, this nation has examined itself and generally moved in the direction of fairness and equality.

That said, I see the passage of the current marriage legislation as a step backwards in our evolution.  I wonder if the people who support this legislation understand that it opposes the very principles that allow them to practice their own beliefs as they see fit.  It opposes the notion of equal rights and the basic notion of “fairness” that lies at the heart of the American spirit.

I don’t think I can say it better than Keith Olbermann says it in this clip from MSNBC.

Olbermann Special Comment on Prop 8

You may have strong convictions about this issue in your personal life.  I can understand that.  But, if you are an American, your ethical and moral responsibilities should be to defend the equality and fairness that lies at the heart of who we are.