History was made last night when Barack Obama was elected to be the 44th president of the United States.  I, as well as my whole apartment complex knows this of course, because  my neighbors across the way, who just so happen to be black, announced it at the top of their lungs to everyone in earshot when it was final.  I smiled. 

That’s an accomplishment that just very few years ago would have been unthinkable.  A black man becoming president?  Somewhere Martin Luther King and Malcom X are grinning ear to ear.  I think it’s awesome, and it’s a huge step forward for this country. 

However, there’s some sad news as well.  News that I’m very unhappy about, and although I’m proud that my country can finally move ahead in the matter of racism, it’s taken a huge leap backward in equal rights. 

Of course, I’m talking about Proposition 8 in California.  Or Proposition H8 as it’s commonly known, because it is just that:  Hate.  Pure and simple. 

Proposition 8 is all about defining the act of marriage as one between a man and a woman.  This simplistic definition is based on outdated religious beliefs and pointless tradition, and is in no way applicable to modern times.  Furthermore, this amendment to the constitution of the state of California is in itself unconstitutional.  It’s nothing more than absolute discrimination, and that’s not a point for debate.  I don’t care what your religion, tradition, or personal beliefs are.  Discrimination is WRONG.  People who voted yes on this should be ashamed of themselves, and really need to take stock of their values.  This isn’t about religion.  This isn’t about politics.  This is about the freedoms our constitution guarantees us.  This is about right vs. wrong.  You let your country down tonight.  You made the wrong decision.

So although we’ve taken an important step forward, we’ve also taken a big step back.  It’s frustrating to me that we keep getting closer and closer to being an equal people, yet when we finally have that opportunity, we spit in its face and shoot it down, all because of some outdated beliefs and total ignorance. 

I take solace in this though, and read my words carefully.  The day is coming.  A couple of decades ago, if you’d have asked anyone if there would ever be a black president, they’d have laughed in your face.  What happened tonight was proof that ideals and traditions and values can and will change.  I look forward to the day when it happens again, and everyone can have the rights they deserve, not only as Americans, but as human beings.  Apparently that day isn’t today, but it’s coming.  That day is coming.

Congratulations to Barack Obama.  You’ve moved our country forward.  I have two words for you:  Thank you.

To all the bigots and haters in California, people who can’t move past the last century, people who can’t seem to grasp the idea of equal rights, I have two words for you too.  Care to guess what they are?

So today California overturned previous legislation on the matter of same-sex marriage. I think this is a wonderful thing, and I fully support it. I support any progressive thinking that does away with outdated, traditional thought and moves our civilization forward. Outdated beliefs are what cripples society in my opinion, and we’ll never advance as a people or a race unless we do away with it.

Of course, there are the opposing views. Let me share a couple from an internet forum:

“Once again the Bible’s teachings have been thrown under the bus. We will all be held accountable one day for all we have done.”

Fine. Everyone can have their say. That’s what makes us unique as individuals, but this guy is damning the whole race because of something he doesn’t agree with. Kinda harsh.

“It is unconscionable that the CA Supreme Court could ignore the overwhelmng will of the people when they passed Prop. 22, specifically designating marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Next it will be legal to marry my dog. California has become an embarrassment.”

Interesting point about Prop. 22, but it’s old news. When he says “the will of the people”, he means people that think the way he does. Kinda presumptuous to lump everybody in that category, when some of the “people” have a different will.

“If there is anyt issue that will revive talk about a secession from the union, this is it. Governor Schwarzenegger and McCain need to rethink there constitutional amendment stances.”

I find it funny when people try to phrase things in an intellectual sense, and then fail to proofread what they just wrote. Maybe it’s passion talking, but if you want to appear intelligent, fix your grammar and spelling. Otherwise, your argument (to me at least) is irrelevant. If you aren’t smart enough to know the difference between “there” and “their”, how can I believe you’re smart enough to back your position?

This whole thing doesn’t necessarily effect me personally, at least on the most basic level. For the record, I’m straight. Guys don’t do it for me, sorry, but I support this whole-heartedly for this reason: I think equal rights are important, and I think this is a step in the right direction. I think it’s time that people stop living in the past or letting their personal thoughts be dictated by a religion or a tradition. Open your minds, good things will come of it.

I promise.