I was listening to the radio today and the host was talking about how this presidential race was both a) incredibly bitter and 2) the most expensive election of all time.
(I have a sneaking suspicion that the two of these things might be related).
All of that money spent, and what did we get? I guess a bunch of political consultants and some flag lapel pin manufacturers made decent money, but I highly date that most people hit their snooze button on Wednesday, rolled over, and said, “Man, that was a great election. Let’s do it again in four years!”
(Well, except for Nate Silver. That guy probably woke up on Wednesday feeling like a golden god. I know there were quite a few people who were referring to him that way).
Somewhere in the mess of punditry, a story that should make us all feel better got lost in the shuffle. Maine, Maryland and Washington all passed gay marriage laws. Gay marriage had never been enacted by popular vote. And then it happened in three states. In one night. You can also add that the voters of Minnesota chose not to enact a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
(We won’t talk about the fact that gay marriage was already illegal in Minnesota).
Four states with ballot questions relating to gay marriage. Four states where voters did the right thing. Last election cycle, I thought this sort of progress was a long way away. And look how far we’ve come. There’s hope (see what I did there?) for this messed up country of ours yet.
I’m often comforted by reading about the horrors of the past. Jim Crow laws, miscegenation laws, etc. It’s horrible that we could inflict these sorts of things on our fellow humans. But it’s amazing that, in less than 50 years, we could move past them to the point where we re-elect a black president to a second term in office. There are still racists out there. There are still homophobes. But there are fewer of them every day.
Someday, my daughter might turn to me and say, “Mom is it really true that there was a time when gay people couldn’t get married?”
Well said. When I was explaining to Annika what the amendment was about she said “I think they should be able to get married”. So enlightened at such a young age. I live in MN and while yes, it is still illegal for gays to marry, we are one step closer to equality. And I AM SO HAPPY the election is over.
So proud of those four states; still so disappointed in California.
I listened to some of the commentators talk about the changing demography of America. One guy pointed out that the younger generation of voters is growing in number and they’re wondering why gay marriage is even an issue. I think that in the not too distant future, more states will pass laws in favor.
Your daughter is awesome! 😀
There’s a good chance they’ll lose in the courts. So that would be good!
Makes total sense to me!