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yes we can: barack obama elected 44th president of the u.s.

By November 5, 2008News, Politics

YES, WE DID! And, no, we didn’t.

This election has turned out to be very bittersweet for me. When I wanted pure sweet victory, it seems that our country still has a long way to go as constitutional amendments filled with hate, intolerance and total ignorance were passed to ban gay marriage in California, Arizona and Florida.

In California, 61% of the people voted for Barack Obama while only 48% voted against Proposition 8. I’m at a loss for what those 13% were thinking. How can you vote for Barack – his kindness, his background, his message, his mission, his vision, his words, his action – and then vote for an amendment that is homophobic, non-inclusive and strips good, loving people of their civil rights.

This country has some healing to do. I know that Barack Obama is going to help us on this journey, and that we’ll have to work hard to do our part. We’ll overturn these amendments in time. Just like goodness overwhelmed and prevailed in Barack’s election, it will eventually overwhelm and prevail in the hearts of all Americans, in all people.

I can only educate people, live as an example for what is right…and hope.

Join the discussion 17 Comments

  • Marilou says:

    I was sad to see Amendment 2 pass in Florida as well. The wording on the Amendment was very misleading, in my opinion. Heck, it was named, “The Amendment to Save Marriage.” It took over 60% of the vote to pass, and it will take 60% of the vote to overturn this amendment… That’s a lot of people who need to change their minds for a change on this. So, today is bittersweet and my thoughts are with my gay friends, married and unmarried. Bummer.

  • I’m sorry for you all in California. We here in Florida approved of Amendment 2 and I’m sorry for us. I was floored. But Obama’s victory has given me strength to continue the fight for justice.

  • Julie Roads says:

    I’m actually in Massachusetts – the pioneer state for Gay Rights. We’ve shut down this horrid amendment twice. The more I think about this, and what it means, the sicker I get.

  • Anne says:

    Here in Connecticut, the social conservatives tried to launch a constitutional convention in an attempt to ban both gay marriage and abortion, in one shot. It failed, so I am sure we will get a “defense of marriage” amendment next year. Hopefully, that too will be shot down. Meanwhile, gay marriage is legal starting next week.

    What irritates me about these amendments is all of the outside special interest groups that flood into a state to try to get them passed. They develop misleading advertisements and messages. This was my first exposure to it and I found the ads offensively misleading.

  • Cin says:

    Julie, I am with you. These months and this election have been so powerful. I kept breaking into tears talking to my kids this morning about history being made and the proof of progress here. All the while knowing that there have also been signs that as hard and fast as some of us are pedaling forward, there is still some prejudice and hatred holding us back. I am stunned about California’s Prop 8. The ban is bad in any region, but for California to turn its back on gay rights makes me realize we haven’t come as far as I thought.

    THAT SAID! we have come far, still! Let’s rejoice in today’s miracle. And get to work on tomorrow’s challenges.

  • Julie-o: There will always be unfinished business, always, and unanswerable questions and plenty of new and continuing challenges to take up at the dawn’s early light. Part of the deal is to not miss an opportunity to rejoice. Celebrating this electoral accomplishment will not diminish your capacity to champion the grand issues dear to your heart & soul; and savoring the joy in the politics will contribute to the politics of joy. Lan

  • Julie Roads says:

    Lanny – you’re right. I’m treading the balance of total, unbridled joy and disappointment & anger.
    I know things will change…they already have.
    Knowing you’re part of my corner of the world, brings me even more hope.

  • Lea says:

    Julie, I loved Lanny’s comment, and I echo his sentiments. I’m also sorry it couldn’t be “pure sweet victory” for all, but I have more hope today than I did yesterday with regard to what is possible. Sending some healing vibes your way, to you and your lovely family. And a hug.

  • daysgoby says:

    Today is a fresh new day. And hopefully we can begin to change people’s minds.

    While I am an American citizen, I live in Canada – where gay marriage has been legal since 2004. Our family structure has not been shaken by this crazy gay stuff. There are no packs of gays wandering the streets, waiting to beat up heterosexual families. This kind of thought is rubbish.

    Our families are healthy and happy, seeing that you can love whomever you choose – and be recognized for it.

    I am still hopefully for America. I think it will take time – although we began a new era yesterday – so perhaps the time when no one feels threatened by a less traditional marriage is coming soon?

  • Julie Roads says:

    Daysgoby…we can only hope. I love the Canadians…haven’t met one that I didn’t like actually. Thank you for your reality based words!

  • Julie Roads says:

    Anne – in CA, I’m told, they had ads running that gay marriage would lead instantly to the teaching of ‘gay’ (what Gay 101?) in the schools. I’m terrified that people believe this. I’m horrified that Gay is still a bad word.

  • Sandra Foyt says:

    Gay Marriage was not an issue on my radar. Frankly, I was amazed to discover these ban propositions. I guess I can still be amazed at how backwards, and un-inclusive, people can be.

    Maybe I’m just an optimist wearing rose-colored glasses, but I expect people to be better than they often are.

    Nevertheless, as President-Elect Obama reminded us, change in America is built brick by brick. I’m going to keep on doing what I can to make a difference, influence opinion, and change the hearts and minds of the next generation.

    And, I’m glad that we can connect online, and demonstrate that we are not alone in thinking this way.

  • Barbara says:

    I attended my friends’ ceremony at a court house on 10/30. It took less than 5 minutes, but meant so much to all of us. They have been together 20 years, as long as me and my husband. So they’ve been married for 5 days and now what does this mean to them? I couldn’t imagine ever going through that.

  • Julie Roads says:

    Hi Sandra…I both love and loathe the fact that you were unaware! I’d rather you assumed that all people were good and not able to hate and lie in this way. I’m also so glad to have this community online…my family has started making fun of me and saying that social media is like my ‘dungeons and dragons’ – but it’s really my support network of bright, creative, connecting people. Thanks for being one of them.

  • caryl kerns says:

    I’m sorry for your disappointment, and I have several friends who share your frustration. At least, we are moving forward with Obama, which I consider an enormous victory. Try living in conservative, right Cincinnati…it is a challenge for those of us who believe in the rights of the individual.

  • Julie Roads says:

    I hear you! I’m so thrilled about Obama…and for Ohio – so great! Thanks, Uncle Carol, for everything you did for this election!!! Your pavement pounding was really important.

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