Voting

Once upon a time, I was pretty apolitical. I voted, but without much thought, did not much like the games politicians played and did not really think my vote mattered much.

Then I began to get involved, became an activist. I still don't like the games politicians play, and I really can't see my vote mattering all that much, but I know that if I don't vote, I validate the many others who don't and the larger that group grows the less real impact the people have on what happens. AND if I want a say in what happens in the world, I have to at least try to impact things through the normal routes (mostly voting).

This November we will vote on a referendum that speaks to the ugliness in the hearts of the religious right, and how hatred has slipped in through the cracks of reality thanks to these folks. they want to amend our state constitution for "the protection of the institution of marriage". What they want to do is to institutionalize hatred of anything that is not a reflection of who they are. But who are they...perfect? Marriage in this country has a 1 for 2 failure rate. Religious leaders (and politicians) are using their power positions to abuse. But these are the people who stand up for something that will deny our families the right to health care, the right to be treated with respect

Marriage is a civil contract that mandates both rights and responsibilities. Str8 people can marry with or without the church, why not the rest of us? Back to where I started this thought is the election coming up in a month. I do not know what the results will be. I won't pontificate or guess. I am terrified that too many people are apathetic, and that will skew the vote.

Either way, the work will continue.