November 4, 2008: Lest We Forget

Hey, here's an idea: multiple entries for one month and something about writing that isn't a general update! I really should get back to my school work. Still, I have to post my latest attempt to get people motivated about the future and continuing to "fight the good fight". I think this is written well. Any thoughts?

November 4, 2008 is a day among days; the coming of age for those once enslaved by the United State of America. It is a day that shall live on in all Americans. Barak Obama is a milestone on the path of civil rights, liberties, and equality. It truly is a historic day; sadly, it is also a tragic one. It is tragic as another minority was denied equality and civil liberty: the states of Arizona, California, and Florida approved a constitutional ban on gay marriage. This vote sets a shameful precedent and balks at the notion of “justice for all”. The road to Civil Rights and civil liberties still beckons all travelers, for the journey is far from over. Once more, victory has shown itself to be obtainable. While many rightfully celebrate, let not this triumph mask the battles still ahead.

‘This is the Negro’s hour.’ Such was the sentiment of Frederick Douglass when finally African-Americans acquired the right to vote. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony disagreed. However, when this time had elapsed, Douglass returned to the suffrage of women. Such is the example all supporters of civil liberties must now embrace. While the continual integration of the Negro into Anglo-Saxon America must not be forgotten, it is time the torch of egalitarianism be passed. The remaining racial minorities, non-theists, and many others still need our persistent support. However, if one cause must be chosen as a galvanizing force, then let it be homosexual civil liberties; for its resolution and realization will do best to further stem the hate and bigotry.

“In defense of the right to [...] marry whom we please -- we might quote some of the basic principles of our government [and] suggest that in some things individual rights to tastes should control… [those choices],” declared Stanton regarding the marriage of Douglass to Helen Pitts, a white feminist; but this new goal transcends marriage rights, for it embodied that which defines America. In this new future, let us not forget the lessons learned: “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important,” reminded Dr. King. November’s progress is the foundation of the new endeavor for civil liberties. Still, while we should not tarry long, in this hour let us all rest and rejoice as one!

Vote Early, Vote Often!

Short little non-writing blip about voting for all you Americans out there. VOTE! Even if you think things are rigged, even if you don't like the candidates (there are more than two, ya know!), even if you think the energy elite run the planet, VOTE! Play the game, follow the song and dance; this way, if things don't go your way, then you can raise all holy hell and they got nothing on you. There are a lot of big issues, too, on the ballets like doctor prescribed drugs to hasten death for terminally ill patients (Initiative 1000) in Washington state or the anti-gay marriage bill (Prop 8) in California. Vote for the good of the country, not yourself. Vote based not on the enforcement of your religious beliefs on others but on what will benefit the most Americans. Freedom from and of religion, that is a key part of every election. Human rights and dignity are also in the balance. Show the rest of the world that the "leading" democracy is actually worthy of the title. Remember: vote early, vote often; that is, don't put it off and do it consistently. (Sorry, mayor Daily.)

"The Republican Party has nominated John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona as its nominee; the Democratic Party has nominated Barack Obama, the junior United States Senator from Illinois, as its nominee. The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr, the Constitution Party pastor and radio talk show host Chuck Baldwin, and the Green Party former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Ralph Nader declined to seek the Green Party nomination and is running as an independent candidate." -United States Presidential Election, 2008 - Wikipedia

"Initiative 1000 (I-1000) is a ballot measure dealing with aid in dying that will be on the ballot in the US state of Washington in the November 4, 2008 general election. The effort was started by former Governor Booth Gardner. Supporters of I-1000 submitted about 310,000 petition signatures from registered voters, surpassing the state's requirement of 225,000 valid signatures for ballot status. Secretary of State Sam Reed certified the initiative July 25, 2008 after confirming at least 224,880 signatures to be valid." -Initiative 1000 - Wikipedia

"Proposition 8 is an initiative state constitutional amendment on the 2008 California General Election ballot, titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. If passed, the proposition will "change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California." A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."" -California Proposition 8 (2008) - Wikipedia

Edit: Obama wins! Anti-gay marriage wins... I-1000 wins!