Bakersfield.com

(the day after Prop 8 is passed an opponent describes his feelings)

If you're at all like me, you've dragged on throughout the day feeling exhausted, at a loss, furious, disappointed and disillusioned but mostly feeling utterly defeated.  I'm speaking of the news of YES on Prop. 8's victory this morning.  It's been a very long day in my household.  A day of rage, tears, harsh words for the opposition and dread for what the coming months might hold.  NO on Prop. 8's defeat was certainly a slap in the face for millions throughout California but things can and will change.  It will take more than sit ins and candle light vigils but true equality will come.

Although I am assured by family and friends as well as myself that I have every reason to be down right hostile toward the opposition, I hold no true feelings of ill will toward any one person.  Oh don't get me wrong, if you caught me on the street at just the right moment, I might go ballistic on you but in the end, I know that hatred dished out is no reason for hatred to be served in return.  An "Eye for Eye" is an archaic form of justice and does nothing more than leave both parties partially blind.  To me America is supposed to be a land of justice, tolerance and civility and by God, I will not allow anyone that ruin that ideal for me.

Now that being said, I feel it appropriate to add onto the subject in the form of this article.  I've come across a lot of the following information in the past and did so again while discussing the relationship between Christianity and Homosexuality and the idea of religious tolerance with a friend of mine.  Given the nature of the debate of Prop. 8 and the fact that we are in Bakersfield, a predominately conservative Christian city, I felt it relevant.  Although it’s a bit long, I truly think it could provide a much-needed perspective on things.  I'm aware that in doing so, I won't change any minds.  Hell, most of you won't even care enough to read this. To that I say, oh well.