November 2, 2008

Alicia Gets Political

Those who know me know that I'm not very politically motivated. Opinionated, yes, political no. This post is not about expressing my opinion on how you should vote Tuesday, but there is something related to voting that I want to comment on.

I took the picture below at my front doorstep. A few days ago this sign appeared in the patch of grass in front of our home. As you can see I live at the end of a dead end street, and I guess someone decided this spot is pretty visible for a political statement. In this case "Vote Yes for Prop 8". If you don't live in California, I guess this sign doesn't mean much to you. (Here it's all we hear about!!)




Prop 8 is the ban on same sex marriage. Voting yes means you define marriage between a man and woman. Voting no means you want marriage to include same sex partners. And because we live in a democracy we get to vote on Tuesday to decide what the majority of Californians want. Whatever that is will be the law in California. That's how it works which is why I'm bothered about these 2 things:

1) A California judge already threw out a ban back in March, which is why several famous people got married this year. I'm confused by the fact that a judge basically instituted law before we all get to vote on Tuesday. Really confused.

2) Last Monday, the San Diego City Council convened to vote on this issue. Click here to read about that. I rarely listen to local news, but just happened to that night and was pretty disappointed to hear our city council voting on something when their vote doesn't determine the outcome. That will be decided by the state's general population on November 4.

But to be encouraged about our democratic process...the same issue was brought before the La Mesa City Council (a suburb of San Diego) on Tuesday. They voted 5 to zero to "take no action at all when it comes to Proposition 8". Thank you, city of La Mesa, for placing the power back in my hands, the American voter. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that, and I will show that appreciation by being at the polls on Tuesday!

1 comment:

Stephanie Kay said...

I'm guessing you approve of the sign? If you didn't would you have left it up just outside your door? I'm a little surprised that political signs are allowed at all in your housing complex since it's military housing?