Wednesday, November 5, 2008

post prop 8

Clearly we lost this round. I’m not depressed. Personally my marriage is sound and is just as valuable and sacred to me in all the ways that matter. My marriage is recognized and honored by my friends, my family, my church, my faith. No person I ever talk to ever bats an eye when I refer to my husband, and I will keep using that word, and the word marriage because the law has no power over the way I speak. Someday, inevitably the State of California and the United States of America will recognize what many already do. And with President Obama nominating Supreme Court Justices for the next 8 years we may even have some chance there. In the meantime Domestic Partner laws protect Peleg and I as much as State civil marriage could anyway.

This is the way civil rights battles go. We move forward; we’re pushed back. And when people of conscience see the pushing back some are awakened for the first time to the real pain and injustice of discrimination. This is a conversation that we are slowly winning. Real justice is accomplished not when it is forced upon people who still have oppression in their hearts, but when hearts are changed and justice follows.

8 years ago 61% of Californians voted for Prop 22. Today we’ve shifted 9% of those to our side. We’ve also mobilized an incredible community of first time activists who now know how to do this work and will be waiting for the next call and ready to answer. It’s thrilling to be part of the work. That the struggle is difficult will make the prize sweeter, and that we’ve invested so much, will make the ownership more complete.

6 comments:

Debbie Does Hair said...

Thank you Rev, for such inspiring words. Thank you for reminding us that people who exist in and work from a place of honesty and integrity consider all good causes to be a conversation. A conversation, as opposed to a battle, is a nonthreatening way to share ideas. It is with a broader understanding of core issues by the masses that creates true change. Thank you for not being depressed, and for giving us a perspective that doesn't demand sadness, but more conversation. Love, Debbie Reiner; debbiedoeshair :)

Ophelia Chong said...

Wonderful words Rick.

We still have hope that the 3-4 million absentee votes will close the small 400K gap between yes and no.

http://www.noonprop8.com/

love,
Ophelia

Anonymous said...

Sharp yet sweet words.

Anonymous said...

Measure 2 has passed.

Chickens and eggs has rights...

More important than people ?

I don't think so.


ahuva

Anonymous said...

Ricky -- Thanks for your wonderful thoughts here. Congratulations to you, your husband and to the many, many people who moved behind what I see as a civil rights issue. While this vote was not won, there's ample evident that the tide is turning and it's only a matter of time and energy.
Peace and blessings -- Steve

Luis said...

My marriage is still sound and important to all the people who matter, but I am still thoroughly depressed.

I will continue the fight, and I know our time will come, but I can't pretend that this proposition passing isn't ripping a freshly created scab off an old wound.