Proposition 8 in California

California voters are voting on Proposition 8--otherwise known as the ban on gay marriage. This struck me as kind of strange based on a VERY early memory of California.

Back in the 1970's, I traveled to California with my mom, dad, grandmother and grandfather (dad's parents) to visit my aunt (dad's sister). While we were there, our airline thought we deserved an extended vacation--they went on strike and stranded us for a few extra days. (Gotta learn how to do that strike through stuff!!!!) When we were finally able to leave, we had to travel from Northern CA to Los Angeles, spend the night and fly home the next day.

While we were in LA, we left the hotel for dinner and started walking around the block looking for a suitable place to eat. My grandfather--who was VERY OLD SCHOOL!!!!--vetoed every place because there were same-sex couples. I distinctly remember the words he used to describe these couples (I can even hear his voice, and he hasn't been with us since 1988.) Was what he said appropriate? No. Was it nice? NO! However, it was kind of acceptable AT THAT TIME. It would NEVER be acceptable in 2008, even though people still say those words.

I believe our country has become more tolerant to the differences that make us up. I have a niece who is a lesbian. After she told the family, did that mean we loved her any less? No. Did it mean we loved her differently? No. It is her life. She may live it any way she chooses. Since I can find happiness with the man of my dreams, why can't she find happiness with the woman of hers? Because she loves someone of the same gender, does that mean she can't be happy? And, who am I to decide this????

And really, do we NEED a constitutional amendment???? Let's work on finding jobs for the unemployed, food for the needy, shelter for the homeless and medical help for those in need--physically and mentally.