Power for change

[greatbear]

Having been almost a week since the election, the giddiness of the populace (unless you are an incurable far-righter, in that case, stiff biccies) and the unfortunate shock as the passage of Prop. 8 and other anti-gay referendum seems to be morphing into a real force of change. Yeah, I know it's an over-used word by now, but it fits. The shock and anger at the passage of Proposition 8 has motivated people in a way not seen in decades. Protests against religious involvements in public policy sure does my old heart good, and it's about time. Another wonderful sign of change to come is the involvement of young people. The youth of this country finally feel they have a say in how it is run. There is going to be more of "us" in U.S., and I could not be happier.

The recent events also seem to have run their course through LJ land. The shock turned into complaints, which turned into blaming, which resulted in unfriendings and deleted journals and is now turning into focus and determination. I really like what I see. Let's keep channeling that anger into motivation. I have a feeling a lot of good will come of this.

Comments

[danlmarmot.livejournal.com]

Curiously, that 'marriage' did a lot more for me than 'domestic partnering' ever did--I felt recognized and validated and a full part of my community, which isn't just gay but encompasses all of California.

Legally, though, Prop 8 made no difference; I still have all the same rights as I did on November 4th, thanks to Defense of Marriage Act. (Wasn't Bill Clinton great?!)

So things for me and Chris won't happen until there's changes at the federal level, and that's not going to happen anytime soon--and if it did change, you can bet that there'd be a federal Prop 8 action to amend the US constitution, which would be even uglier than Prop 8.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

Well put Phil.

I agree that once the giddiness and the anger wore off, we're now beginning to see the results of it, albeit the beginnings anyway. Let's just hope the momentum continues though.

I don't know if there would be a national version of Prop 8, once Obama and the high courts get a crack at it and it's been determined not to hold up to further scrutiny. Because once Federal Gov't has decided, the will of the people can't just undo like they often can on the state level.

But in the meantime, I think it could all get ugly before it gets better - especially when the right is trying to fight back, lashing and without rational thought.

[fingertrouble.livejournal.com]

I've taken a lot of heart reading up online about the war to end segregation - I'd heard about it but not actually seen pics and interviews with people such as Ruby Bridges.

It's amazing what she and others did; and to all those people who think mass mob might is right (the 'why should we vote again?' crowd) I present this - sending in the national guard and army was the right thing to do and had to be done. For the right thing, sometimes people are just wrong.

As they are over gay men and women. Hopefully you'll have a government who similarly supports such equality.

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

I think you are absolutely right about these events combining to be a catalyst for further change.

Obama's victory made it clear that individuals DO matter, and if we work together, we CAN change things.

And the passage of Prop 8 and the other anti-gay ballot measures got people angry enough to stand up and say, "I'm not gonna take it anymore!"

I'd say that is a powerful combination!

[showmegrizz.livejournal.com]

HEY PHIL:

THERE IS A NATIONWIDE PROTEST AGAINST PROP 8 IN ALL 50 STATES THIS SATURDAY!

TAKE TIME OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

DETAILS:

http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!