Right vs. Privilege

I have to think that those who oppose Prop 8 are scared. They are afraid that their cause is not just. That's why they resort to name calling, stealing signs, and intimidating Prop 8 supporters. In a fair fight, they are afraid they will lose, so they want to slant the playing field to their advantage.

What an interesting irony. Those who scream for tolerance, diversity and equality are unable to extend the same courtesy to anyone with conservative views. The message is that tolerance, diversity and equality are just other terms for liberal. Forcing the country to all be liberal would eliminate diversity and equality, and tolerance would be a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, in our country of entitlement, those who feel they have to protect their rights often do so by limiting the rights of others. What about the right to my own opinion? What about the right to a peaceful neighborhood? What about the right to raise and teach my children as I see best? No, these are not rights specified in the constitution, but if the claim is that marriage between any two adults is a right, then those ought to be considered rights too.

And while we're on the subject, I'm not so sure marriage is a right at all. I believe it is a privilege extended to those who are able to make a unique contribution to society. A heterosexual couple is able to bring children into their union, thus establishing a family, the base of society. Extending the marriage privilege to include homosexual couples makes allowance for personal gratification, but does nothing to actually strengthen society. (I know, there are heterosexual couples with fertility problems who are not able to conceive. And I know that with modern science, it is possible to conceive in vitro. I also know about adoption. But the truth of the matter is that there is a reason that it takes the cells of both a man and a woman to conceive a child. And the chances of conception are much greater in a heterosexual couple than in a homosexual one.)

But expressing those opinions will get me labeled as an intolerant bigot, so I ought to just keep them to myself. Because, what if someone recognizes truth, and changes their vote because of it? That would make the "no" campaign more scared than ever.