Veering off of the fairytale path my posts usually take, I feel I need to make a stand. Watching the democratic process in action the last few months has been absolutely amazing. As a first time voter in this recent election I was proud to cast my votes for the things I truly believe in. As I filled in those bubbles, I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude, liberty, confidence, and hope. Growing up in a household with very opinionated and politically passionate parents
(wow-- that's a mouthful) who never missed an opportunity to vote, I've always felt proud to be an American and grateful that my parents cared enough about me to teach me the importance of being Patriotic and loving my ancestry. Unfortunately, since the election I have felt very sad that people who stood up for what they believe in are being targeted by those who claim we are taking away their civil rights.

I was ecstatic when proposition 8 was passed here in California. I felt like all the hard work we'd done had paid off and that I wouldn't have to worry as much about what my future children will be taught and our religious freedoms that seemed to be diminishing. I couldn't have been more wrong. I am so disappointed that too many of my fellow Californians and fellow Americans are not willing to accept the fact that the passage of prop 8 was the will of the people. Doesn't a popular vote count for anything in America anymore? I am sad that individuals who supported prop 8 (including Scott Eckern) were targets of discrimination for donating in causes that they feel morally inclined to donate to. I fear that our constitutional rights are hangging by an ever thinning thread. Targeting a man who has always worked hard at something he loves because he doesn't share your beliefs is completely unethical. I am so disappointed that in the greatest country in the world we still can not respect others beliefs.

I donated money to the YES Prop. 8 and I am proud to say that I feel good about what I did. I have LGBT friends and family members and I respect their oppinions, but I do not agree with their lifestyle choice. I feel badly for Eckern that he was singled out because few in his profession share our beliefs. To Eckern: there are many who stand by you in this difficult time and are grateful for what you have done for our community and country.