The Day After
It's late as I write this, but it looks like Proposition 8 may, finally, be headed for a narrow victory in California. I hope and pray it does pass, for the good of society here and everywhere. A lot of money and time was spilled on this proposition, and I'm personally looking very forward to taking a break from it however it turns out.
Before signing off on the particular topic of proposition 8, however, I think it is important for me to go on record as having voted for
City Councilman, Todd Gloria (who appears to have won). Todd is clearly an openly gay man--the first as such to run successfully for a seat on City Council--who will be representing my district, especially on the clear and present issues of crime and funding for some of the more infamous portions of North Park (El Cajon Blvd...'nuff said). Todd started out with an uphill battle against Stephen Whitburn, but prevailed, I think, with a truly genuine effort to reach out to his constituency.
Todd may or may not perform in his new role as hoped. He's young. Many politicians end up disappointing. We'll wait and see. I know our neighborhood watch group will be holding him to his promises. However, I was impressed with his endorsements, his understanding of the fundamental issues facing this community, and his genuine ability to listen.
Anyway, as editor of this web site, I say all this by way of an olive branch to those out there who visited the site these past few weeks and left comments (all of which I published without edits) opposing Proposition 8. It's important they know this election wasn't, for me anyway, about being fearful or hateful toward gay and lesbian members of our society. In short, there's a big difference for me between electing a gay candidate and the gay marriage issue. I put my ballot where my mouth is. I truly hope select readers out there can understand and appreciate that.
Anyway, take it for what it's worth. Thanks all for respectfully engaging the conversation about this vitally important issue. I'm sure we'll get the chance to do it again soon.
God bless.
