a.e.s photography

Reflections on the Election

I woke up this morning and realized that last night was not a dream when I turned on the T.V. We really have brought change to this country, through not only the first black president but through a completely democratic government. Watching Obama last night making his victory speech I started to cry, not because I was happy that he was different, but because he recognizes that we have a long road ahead, and that he is sure that if we can come together that we can start down the road to recovery. I was so proud that I was a part of helping our country appoint this man, and so so proud to be a part of change and the renewal of hope.

With that said, I then was brought down by the performance of my state. I was scrolling through the props list this morning rejoicing at yes on 1 and 2, and then no on 4 and 7, only to be almost brought to tears once more when I saw yes on 8. I cannot believe that a nation that can support a black president and a female presidential candidate, cannot support letting people be happy and equal when it comes to sexuality. The fact that our state has voted through prop 8 shows that our state is biggotted and afraid, afraid of letting everyone be on the same level.

I don’t understand why people think that marriage is so sacred these days between a man and women with divorce rates so high and so many straight couples being adulterous. If the majority of men and women don’t think of their marriage as sacred, why should we deny same sex couples what they think of as a blessing?

And as far as the religious arguments go: I am a devout Catholic and I voted no on 8, not because my church did or did not want me to, but because I believe that the separation of church and state is vital. This country was founded on getting away from religious persecution, and now we are using religion to decide other peoples lives for them. It’s small minded, backwards, and goes against everything that our country stands for.

So today I step outside with a bittersweet smile on my face; so proud of my country, but so disappointed in my state, and hoping that someday I can be proud of both.