So, Maine got it wrong. I'm embarrassed and angry that Maine chose ignorance and intolerance over...well...over people. For me, it's not about rights or equality, it's about people. Real people are affected by this. Real people who love each other. It's sad that Maine said, "No," to love.
And for that they cheered...
To me, that looks like a cheer for hatred.
Now that I'm a parent I have a different perspective on this. Would these people feel the same way if their son, daughter or grandchild was gay? My daughter is only 4 weeks old, and I have no idea what she is going to become. All I know is that I'm going to love her no matter what. I hope I can teach her the same. I hope she can grow up in world with more love.
I know I don't normally touch on such serious topics here, but this has been troubling me all day. Let's move on.
I meant to mention this the other day, but I sincerely hope everyone had a chance to watch the New York City Marathon on Sunday. Meb's performance was amazing and inspiring. Hopefully, Universal Sports will have a replay. One of the most exciting races I've ever watched. It's even more amazing when you read this terrific recap from LetsRun.com. All this crap about him no being American is ridiculous. I've already been serious enough in this post, so I'll just say this: Meb is more American than many of us born into our citizenship who, myself included, take it for granted all too often.
With all this on my mind, I did a run along the powerlines today—the three-mile out and back. It was a milestone run in that it was the first time since the Little Lady arrived that I've run three days in a row. It was a cool, but beautiful, afternoon, and I just took it easy. Aside from some tightness in my right calf, which I iced afterward, I'd say it went pretty well: 24:57. I'll take it. And, those winter berries sure are pretty.
5 comments:
I have always been proud of my home state of Maine. But yesterday I was embarrassed to call myself a Mainer.
I hear you when you ask if these people would feel the same way if a loved one was gay. I've seen people change their entire view on this sort of thing as soon as a son or daughter comes out to them. It's easy to be hateful and narrow minded in a broad sense, but when it becomes personal we tend to listen to our hearts instead of listening to TV ads, churches, and our ultra-conservative friends.
As far as the running-with-baby-at-home...I ran some of my fastest 5Ks ever when all I could do for training was sprint 3 miles every night when my husband was getting the babies ready for bed. I think I was only putting in about 15 to 20 miles a week back then, but boy did I love that little break every evening! Hope your wife is getting out for a little break now and then, too!
These people haven't quite figured out the separation of church and state yet. Very embarassing.
And Jamie, as for burning in hell being a surprise...have you ever read The Divine Comedy? The first book (The Inferno) basically is a list of all the religious people stuck in hell. Granted, it's not as bad as having to go to limbo.
As for Meb - I don't understand how somebody could say he isn't American. Even if he'd only become a citizen the week before the race he's still an American, and that obviously isn't the case. Stupid racists.
I've hesitated a couple of days about whether I should comment on this topic. I tend to stick to running issues and keep my opinions on hot topics to my self. But these comments really bothered me. Frankly, the hate and intolerance that you talk about seems to be coming from your supporters. How come if people don't agree with your position it must be because of hate and intolerance? You don't exactly seem very tolerant of my position.
I have a moral issue with homosexuality (sorry, they are not 'gay', that is a term they hijacked). I don't approve of their lifestyle but I don't hate anyone because of it. How they want to live their lives is not my business. The problem is, homosexuals made it my business by forcing their lifestyle choice into my life. They want acceptance of their choice, and that's the key: it's a choice (not some sort of civil right).Choices come with consequences.
Marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. You cannot come along and decide to change the definition of something that has been defined and established over thousands of years to suit your particular needs. All people have exactly the same rights to marriage. Nobody is excluded. We all have to adhere to the same requirements (rules) to getting married. These include being of a certain age,prohibiting marriage between siblings, or marrying multiple partners. Should we change those rules as well? They are people too.
Now, I can state my opinion and my beliefs without making any reference to my religious beliefs or my political preferences or without grouping those who disagree with me into one big bucket. Hopefully I did not come across as hateful. Now, back to running.
Steve,
I also tend to keep my opinions on hot topics to myself, but I obviously stray from time to time. And, thank you for your comments.
My main point of disagreement with you is when you say it's a lifestyle choice. I don't believe it's a choice. Just like I was born to love bacon. That wasn't a choice. Seriously, though, I think this is where we will agree to disagree.
Finally, you did not come across as hateful. You came across as someone who has a well thought out opinion. My reaction was more to the image of people cheering, that seems hateful to me. Your articulation of your opinion did not.
We definitely agree on one thing: let's get back to running. Thanks for stopping by.
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