Prop Eight

This election has provided some bittersweet results.

Back in 1967, the idea of an African American becoming President was as likely as Jesus walking the earth again.

Back in 1967, in numerous states, it was still illegal for an African American, Asian, or Hispanic to marry a Caucasian.

Back in 1967, it took the Federal Supreme court to declare that such discrimination was unconstitutional and that an African American, Asian, or Hispanic may indeed marry a Caucasian in any state in this Republic.

Here in 2008, an African American is the President Elect.

Here in 2008, the California Supreme Court, with its Republican Majority, declared that gay couples can marry.

Here in 2008, the California electorate overturned that California Supreme Court decision.

I believe that the Supreme Court has an obligation to protect the civil liberties of the minorities, and that the Supreme Court is indeed Supreme over any majority decision that discriminates against minorities. I believe that Prop Eight is an abomination of basic human rights.

If, in 1967, when the Federal Supreme Court declared banning interracial marriages to be a violation of civil rights; if that same decision were given to the electorate, the results would not have been the same.

To the gay community I say this; your time is near. The tide is with you. The religious organizations who financed campaigns to strip you of your civil liberties have crossed a line that may legally relieve them of their tax exempt status. So chin up, it will happen.

What to do next? Here are my suggestions. Whether you deem them sound or not.

First; file a Federal Lawsuit targeting the religious organizations that financed this prop eight campaign as to strip them of their tax exempt status. Funding a political campaign while enjoying tax exempt status provides a financial advantage that compromises equal protection under the law.

Second; organize a grassroots effort to boycott any corporation that supports the agenda of these religious organizations. The Internet is very powerful. Use it. Boycott. Madison avenue has yet to figure out that the gay community is a large demographic and consists of many successful professionals with plenty of disposable income! Make Madison Avenue aware that their allegiances to discriminatory organizations is costing them money.

Third; petition your representatives to fight for tax exempt status to any gay person on the grounds that they have been stripped of civil liberties guaranteed by the constitution. Why should any American citizen pay the same taxes while they are proactively being stripped of basic civil liberties.

In closing. I feel you have freedom and validation close at hand. Trust that many sympathize with your cause and will support you. The religious zealots have had a couple of decades of government intrusion, and I believe this inequity can be easily overcome. I find it ironic that the groups opposing you are invariably Christian. I am an Atheist, yet I appreciate the 'teachings' of Jesus. It seems the Christian zealots have completely forgotten the tenants of Christianity; love your neighbor, act in the common good not for the good of greed, and accept of those who are different.

Fight the fight intelligently and pragmatically, you are almost there, and you have the support of more than you might perceive.

Let this nation rid ourselves of these discriminatory pretexts, so we can realize a society of progress unhindered by fear.