Today, I'm ashamed to be called a Missourian.

[dubyaD40web]

Today, I'm ashamed to be called a Missourian.
August 5, 2004

Last Tuesday was a historic day in Missouri. As voters went to the polls, they were approached with a question to ban gay marriage. At the end of the day, voters overwhelmingly approved the ban by 71 percent. This sent a message to the rest of the nation and Massachusetts, who recently decided to allow gay marriage.

As the votes came in, I began to think about growing up in Missouri when I was a kid. I was your typical church-going, farm raised, good 'ol boy, country kid. Oh, the times were so much easier back then. The gay and lesbian community was not as open as it is today. The only talk about gays or lesbians was when someone was telling a joke. I didn't really mind, nor did I care. Then came college. I packed up my things from the farm and moved to Kansas City.

My first night in Kansas City was a very unique experience. I just met my new roommates, learned how to get lost in traffic, and became skeptical of everything and everyone. What did you expect? I came from a farm where my nearest neighbor was 2,000 acres away. Anyway, little did I know one of my new roommates was gay. I couldn't believe it! A gay guy was sleeping only 10 feet away from me! I made sure to be the first one to take the shower in the morning.

As time went on, my roommate became my best friend. We shared ideas, thoughts, point-of-views, and beer. I came to realize the gay and lesbian community was not so bad. Granted, it's not for me, but I no longer cared. At that point in my life, the true meaning of "All men are created equal" rang a bell. If my roommate wants to get married, so be it. It doesn't affect me one bit. He and his partner should enjoy the same benefits that my wife and I enjoy.

So there I was, listening to the news about the gay marriage vote. I was crushed to hear it passed so easily in Missouri. Though I am aware Missouri is located in the "Bible-Belt", I couldn't believe my fellow Missourians voted to take the rights away of certain citizens. We're the "Show-Me" state. Now, it's the "I'll Show You" state. From unemployment, poor health care, and some of the worst roads in the nation, banning gay marriage is the least of our problems in this state. Yet an increased voter turnout of 400,000 Missourians saw fit to make it a top priority.

Since the Bush Administration began the talk of "protecting the sanctity of marriage", I've noticed Missouri's problems are the same as the nations. We are in a war, the economy is bad, the nation is divided, and "We The People" are overlooked for corporations. But one of the most important things for the right-wingers is banning gay marriage. I had the opportunity to research the major supporters of this ban, and to my surprise, they have no room to talk. I can't name them all but supporters like Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich come to mind. They've been married and divorced more times than J Lo. And yet we make fun of her.

My message is clear. To protect the sanctity of marriage, ban divorce. I know it will never happen because divorce is necessary in some relationships. Just ask Clyde! But for people like Rush and Newt to talk about the sanctity of marriage, makes them hypocrites.

So today, for the first time ever, I'm ashamed to be called a Missourian. The people of my state violated the Constitution by taking away a person's rights. If I remember correctly, the Constitution was put in place to protect our rights. What has this nation come to? A gay or lesbian is human. They breathe like us, bleed like us, but won't breed like us. They deserve the right to be recognized as a married couple. They should be allowed to enjoy the benefits of marriage the same way my wife and I do. So if they want to be on their partners health plan, dental plan, 401K, or life insurance, how does that affect you? It shouldn't.

Therefore, I am for gay marriage. Even though I'm a heterosexual male, I will fight for their rights to be happily married, just like me. Today, I call on all Missourians to rethink the message they sent to the nation. Someday, you may be approached with a similar situation. Do you want your rights taken away? I hope not.

Until then, why don't we focus on the real issues that face our state and our nation. Not the marriage of sexual preference.



Dookie The Webmaster

http://www.dubyaD40.com/html/missouri.html

[Yogi]

1. Excellent, nominated for Homepage n/t

[MuseRider]

2. Very nice. n/t

[RodneyCK2]

3. Bravo, my friend!!! Well written and to the heart.

The sad fact of the matter is that due to Missouri's anti-gay marriage success, more states are now reported to follow suit.

What happened to America?

[usg353d]

4. Excellent article!

I nominate it for the homepage also. I felt like I was there with you!

[madrchsod]

5. a friend of mine son moved to

missouri when he was 16 or so. he told his dad that he went out with every girl in school because he was "the new guy" then his first cousin started hitting on him..he got his buddies to drive him to the next town on friday and saturday nights to get away from her..and they are worried about gay marriage?

[wurzel]

6. At least you don't have Rick Santorum for your senator. n/t

[Technowitch]

7. Thanks Dookie

It's good to know there is some sanity yet in MO--

--this from a woman who married her same-sex partner of seven years, this past March in San Francisco.

I have to say though, that it's sad that "my" United States of America keeps adding states where I and my wife are not welcome.

Canada is looking better (and more sane) all the time.

Keep up the good work.

[dubyaD40web]

8. Hey Technowitch~

I hope you and your wife will be as happy as me and mine. In the future, I'm positive we'll all look back on this and laugh. Hey, it happend with past events. :-)

Anyway, thanks for the nice comments and I meant what I said by fighting for your rights!