Something I want to say...

I come from an extremely conservative, southern, mormon background. And for most of my life, I've been ok with that. Chris and I are both pretty laid back people. We don't tend to get very involved in most political debates or anything like that. We are your classic fence sitters. And yes,  I do understand the evils of sitting on the fence and not rushing to eagerly defend the "right." Regardless, it's often hard for me to take a side. I'm easily swayed, yes. But more than anything else, I just believe in moderation and tolerance. It's difficult for me to "join a cause," because I'm always putting myself in the other person's shoes, imagining what the other side to the story is like. And it's hard to be very passionate about one idea, when I make so many allowances for an opposing view. And before you judge me, remember this is a trait that makes me a caring and empathetic person. This is a characteristic that makes me a good friend, easy to get along with, and non-judgemental. So before you rush to tell me that I'm too liberal minded, remember: this part of my personality is probably something that makes me likeable.  

NOW, with THAT being said, I'd like to pick a bone with the conservatives of America: Stop being such brats! I am so sick and tired of hearing about how gay people are sick and wrong, and how if they are allowed to get married it will be the end of the good and moral world as we know it. This is not me saying what is right or wrong regarding gay marriage. This is me saying that it is wrong to be so mean about it. Just because you believe acting on homosexual tendencies is a sin, like I do, that doesn't mean you parade around that gay people are sinning. Show some compassion! Be human! These people are still human, and this is their cross to bear. I truly believe that these couples do love each other and that they have the same needs and desires to share their lives with the person that they love as much as any heterosexual couple. And sure, it makes me feel nervous to think about my children being so exposed to a lifestyle I don't believe is right, but at the same time, I hope my children DO learn tolerance and love no matter if the difference between people is white and black or homo and hetero. My children will know how we believe the right way to live is because we will teach them in our home- NOT because I'll have a bumper sticker or a facebook status that harshly parades a political view. Just love people for who they are. You don't have to agree, in fact, in this situation specifically, I don't think you SHOULD agree, but you don't have to tear people down either. And the door here swings both ways. If you are super pro-gay, that doesn't mean you need to call everyone who doesn't agree with you, bad people (hmmmhmm, that means you Mr. Sean Penn!).  It doesn't mean we're ignorant or inhumane because we believe marriage is between a man and woman. We are entitled to our beliefs, the same as homosexual people are entitled to theirs. I guess what I'm saying is live and let live. Try to spread your beliefs in a positive way- serve people, be kind and patient, be tolerant, love your neighbor. But don't bring other people down. There is enough negative in the world, YOU don't need to add to it with your facebooks and your myspace.