Dona Nobis Pacem
I sit here in my office. I’m struggling with the anger I feel at my fellow Californians for betraying my particular minority. As a Californian, I thought I was worthy of equal protection and equal treatment. I was under the mistaken belief that I should share in all of the rights and freedoms that they were automatically granted just by existing. I mean, I’ve paid my taxes, served my country, mowed my lawn, gone to PTA meetings, and stand during the National Anthem just like them.
And it was all done behind the veil of a religious belief that by the nature of our very principles of freedom, should never have been allowed standing. My community has lost the fight this round and it may be years before change is effected. It’s disheartening, having found passion and purpose for a cause that seems the only just course and to have it all decided by a lot of outside religious money and a mere 52% of California voters. Tomorrow is another day and I will continue the fight. But I do not rise up and take arms. I rise up and use words. And, I am allowed to do so.
I’ll try to focus on is our democratic process. The fact we have reasonably fair and just elections. Where, with only minor shenanigans, all of its registered voters are unhampered in their ability to have their vote count.
Here and in other countries there is an internal war raging – not necessarily an armed conflict – but one of idealogy—one that manifests in far uglier ways than it does here.
§ Countries where homosexuals are arrested, jailed, and sometimes put to death based upon religious beliefs.
§ Countries that offer the one-dictator option election after election and voting is mandatory.
§ Countries where women continue to be property and valued less greatly than the cattle in the field.
§ Countries where the religious are persecuted and those not sharing the right religion are as well. Countries where writers, artists, and free thinkers are stifled, censored, and jailed.
§ Countries where children, who should be learning to read and write so they can someday build a better future for their countrymen are forced into conscription and kill without knowing any reason other than doing it will get their hungry bellies fed at the end of the day.
§ Countries where it’s not a surprise when an elected official is assassinated.
I want peace. Peace there, peace here. Our new president brings me hope. Hope that some of these wrongs will be righted. For them. For me. In a just, democratic way that causes no further harm. My hope is for liberation for them. For me. Where we can all live – equal and free and without worry that someone will steal into the night and take away our rights and allow us all to live the lives we all deserve as human beings on this planet.
Thanks to Mimi Lenox of Mimi Writes for her continuing work on the Blog Blast for Peace. It’s not too late to get your Peace Globe and write your own post.
Well put.
The Buzz
November 6th, 2008
I agree with you 100%
Duck
November 6th, 2008
Lori,
My dreams are now put on hold. I to am not ready to give up let me know what I can do from out of state to help.
Nulaanne
November 6th, 2008
I agree with you too. Therer is a big protest in LA right now going on at 11PM and I heard Gloria Allred has already filed a suit regarding Prop. 8. I don’t think this is over just yet.
Rose
November 6th, 2008
well said. i was shocked and saddened yesterday when i read the results of some of the ballots like prop8, can’t even imagine people would take such a stance.
kim
November 6th, 2008
Terrific job on the globe! Peace to you and your family…
Bud Weiser
November 6th, 2008
You are the measured voice of reason and civilized discussion. Truly a blogger of peace.
I don’t feel quite so generous towards what I perceive to be oppression by religious factions. I want revenge in the form of rightful taxation of politically active organizations. Or, I want them to feel the effects of another religion legally thrust upon them.
For example: We all know that my BIL does not believe that any marriage can be sanctified by GOD unless it is approved by the Catholic Church. Perhaps we should put that into law as well. All you Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, poof!! You are no longer married, at least in the eyes of the government.
Oh, btw, brother-in-law doesn’t even recognize Mormons as any kind of religion, and certainly NOT as Christians!!!
We could just outlaw that one from the gitgo.
I really do appreciate this post. (and also Doreen’s optismism) You two give me hope, when all I feel is a hopeless sense of rage.
Peg
November 6th, 2008
‘You are the measured voice of reason and civilized discussion. Truly a blogger of peace.’ Methinks Peg has ye pegged, Me APPM (pun intended).
Huzzah for ye, Me Fine Hahn. Would that all humans shared th’liberal dose o’Justice, Common Sense, Generosity an’ Wisdom that ye possess.
Capn Dyke
November 6th, 2008
I just got myself all riled up again. It’s ludicrous, unfair and wrong. I will be fighting as well.
April
November 6th, 2008
Thought you might want to see our own little post about the outcome of this race…
http://baileygardnerfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/next-step.html
Stephanie
November 6th, 2008
It’s pretty underhanded to slip a referendum like Prop 8 in under the radar on a high-profile ballot like this one. Catch the voters when only the ones likely to vote for the provision are likely to be paying attention.
They didn’t quite manage to do it though. Even here on the East Coast some of us heard about it through groups like People for the American Way. Unfortunately, we found out too little, too late. And it’s arguable that there was little impact we could have had from outside California anyway. Sign a petition, kick in a few dollars… that’s about it.
But you can take heart in knowing that you’re still far ahead of your counterparts in other parts of the country. I know it’s cold comfort. But speaking as one of the Straight But Not Narrow, maybe it’ll help to know that you’re not alone. Not in California, not in America and not in the world at large. There are those who will stand with you. Because there isn’t one free-thinking person in America who could not find him/herself in your position for some arbitrary reason in an America where whole demographics are vilified.
I wish I had more to offer you than that.
Mojo
November 6th, 2008
Your peace globe is very powerful. I was sorry to hear about prop 8 and other ballot initiatives in other states which try to deny people of all orientations the right to marry. It is a shame that we can’t do any better but I hope in the future we will. Dona Nobis Pacem
Carver
November 6th, 2008
Even though we have come a long way, we have a long way to go.
Like a tide changes the landscape of a beach, there are surges and remissions, but still the change takes place.
Peace.
JoeyJo
November 6th, 2008
Hello Hahn,
)
I had to go back to your previous post on Prop 8, because I live a long long way from Cali ( even if I was born there, but that’s a different story
I’m sorry to hear that Prop 8 was defeated.
Don’t stop fighting …
Wishing you Peace on this special day and beyond.
barbara
November 6th, 2008
Very powerful post! I am sorry about Prop 8.
Sending *Peace*Love*Light* to All!
~*~ Patty
November 6th, 2008
Wow, that was a powerful, impassioned post. There’s still a lot of bigotry, violence, and hatred there and all over the world. But changes for the better are surely taking place gradually. Kudos to you for using words, not arms, to express yourself!
Peace to you and yours.
Lizza
November 6th, 2008
Your peace globe is very powerful. I hope that you have a peace filled day.
jennifer
November 6th, 2008
maybe next time will get those Christians!
>:0
Dog Dude
November 6th, 2008
We’ll get there, I have to believe that. When Obama speaks of peace and equality, I have to believe that we are now headed in that direction.
citizen of the world
November 6th, 2008
Lori, after looking at your Peace Globe for a long time, I had to steady myself to do the actual reading.
JoeyJo’s right. Water wears away at stone.
It’s gonna happen.
Margo Moon
November 6th, 2008
Dog Dude – I thought you ran off to Utah where man and dog could be free?
Lori
November 6th, 2008
Why was “outside religious meddling money” legal?
Jillie
November 6th, 2008
You know this is a sad situation…unfair. I think it’s economic – I don’t think the majority of Americans care if gay people get married. But I think in really bad economic times they don’t want to provide health care to queer spouses or for the tax structure to change.
It’s economics adversely affecting civil liberties and equality but people are voting with their hands on their wallets.
Give Americans universal health care — improve this economic situation and you will see an improvement in civil liberties, a reduction in hate crimes.
It’s all related — this situation will not last — things will improve.
-janet
janet
November 6th, 2008
Peace to you.
Akelamalu
November 6th, 2008
I knew your post would be powerful. You always write with such eloquent honesty. Thank you for all you do to bring awareness and opportunities for activism in our world. I see your blog as a shining light of hope.
I am proud to call you my friend.
Peace to you and yours,
Mimi
Mimi Lenox
November 6th, 2008
You did a great job on the globe. Thanks for commenting on my Blog Blast for Peace post.
Blessings,
Mary
Mary
November 7th, 2008
Your Peace Globe reminds us of what we SHOULD be seeing on the nightly news, but don’t … and the quote reminds me that if wars were fought by middle aged men rather than teenagers , perhaps we wouldn’t have so many. As a Californian who believes in equal rights for all and who voted against Proposition 8, I’m disappointed with my fellow citizens and saddened for all those affected. I’m tired of people voting out of fear … misunderstanding … misinformation … and just plain ignorance. I’m heartened by the election of Obama and my prayers for the safety of him and his family have been (and will remain) unceasing. I’m glad you’re going to continue to use your words … and one day these wrongs against you and others will be righted. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that ‘Peace is in every step’ … a choice in every instant no matter what’s happening around or within us. As each of us blogs for peace today, we join our minds and hearts together to create this reality in our world.
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller
November 7th, 2008
I hope that new president will give us peace.
FickleMinded
November 7th, 2008
You created a powerful Peace Globe and wrote a powerful post. Thank you for sharing. Happy Peace Day.
Lee
November 7th, 2008
I oppose oppression of all kinds by anyone. I live outside of Seattle, and friends of mine are specifically interested in this proposition in California. We need real peace and tolerance in this country and I am prepared to work for it.
Peace to you and yours.
Travis
November 7th, 2008
Much obliged for visiting Sojourner’s Place on this BlogBlast for Peace Day! Let us all pray for peace because War is NOT a card game!
SjP
November 7th, 2008
How sickening that so many took bigotry and ignorance and wrapped it in a flag and voted for Prop 8.
Many I’m sure are the same who pay little attention to the coffins coming back wrapped in flags.
Prop 8 took a lot of my Obama joy away.
Peace and may the real fight – in courts, with words wage on
Dianne
November 7th, 2008
We should try to fight Proposition 8 which takes away rights already granted.
Please consider a boycott of Sundance, Utah and Mormons
http://www.americablog.com/2008/11/why-is-sundance-film-festival-taking.html
or donating money to the Northern California ACLU
http://www.aclunc.org/ .
I am not affiliated with either. I am just trying to make a difference. Thanks.
suburban dyke
November 7th, 2008
Just today:
“The California Constitution itself sets out two ways to alter the document that sets the most basic rules about how state government works. Through the initiative process, voters can make relatively small changes to the constitution. But any measure that would change the underlying principles of the constitution must first be approved by the legislature before being submitted to the voters. That didn’t happen with Proposition 8, and that’s why it’s invalid.”
YAY,ACLU!!!
Jillie
November 7th, 2008
That’s a fantastic peace globe. Well thought through. I hope you get your peace as well as every one else.
Thanks for stopping by
LOVE & PEACE
Lifecruiser
November 7th, 2008
Great peace globe and powerful post. I didn’t know about the outcome, but there is always hope. Don’t give up!
Peace.
Mar
November 7th, 2008
Lori this morning we got this comment at LGR….
Anonymous November 7, 2008 5:40 AM
Before Tuesday I did not hate you and I did not want to hurt you…. but today if you came to my house with any more of this religious bigotry, I would shoot you in the face.
This all of you religious fuckers accomplished with all of this… I hate you now and will do anything I can to hurt you… thanks so very much.
I don’t know about shooting people in the face… but I can relate to the feelings that motivated the commenter.
Paula Brooks
November 7th, 2008
Thanks everyone for your comments on Blogblast for Peace.
Paula – Wow! Kind of flies in the face of peace, shooting people in the face. But, I do understand the anger. My neighborhood will never be the same. All the signs are down, but I know who they are. I will not be making friends with the people who lived in places with those yellow signs. The breech is too deep.
I’m not liking what I’m seeing – everyone on our side grasping at anything to try to lash back. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I think we need a plan – but let’s get one pointed message and have a strategy that will have some effect.
Lori
November 7th, 2008
On Wednesday morning, I got a text saying Obama had won and proceeded to run around high-fiving everyone I saw. Then I went to check on Prop 8 (because nobody else knew where to look), and all the Obama joy got sucked right out of me. I sit here in my adopted South Africa, glad in some ways that our population does not get to vote on new laws. If we did, we would probably be in the same situation as you – stifled by the conservatives. I wish you all an enormous amount of good fortune in fighting this one!
P.S. Thanks Lori for mentioning my home country’s election drama in your last point! It’s good to know someone out there is watching with horror.
Bridge
November 7th, 2008
Lori here is a quote I used in one of my articles on this subject of peace…
“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his (or her) freedom.”
~Malcolm X
Malcolm X Speaks, 1965
Paula Brooks
November 7th, 2008
Maunie, I couldn’t agree more with Lori on this. I’m a middle-aged grad student in an allied health care program, whose 20-something straight classmates don’t respect or understand gay people.
Faculty is aware of the issues but feels no responsibility for teaching ethics as part of the curriculum. My class bullies have had a privileged upbringing and weren’t pushed around at home; on the contrary, they’re a bit narcissistic. Imagine how they will treat their future gay/presumed gay clients, and how they might vote on an initiative like Prop 8.
Cyberbullying is a prevailing tactic used by students to intimidate those labeled “different,” to the extent that my school is carefully designing a program to deter it. Despite media portrayals of kids who are better informed and more accepting of diversity, bullying hasn’t changed much since I graduated high school 32 years ago—only the means by which it’s dispatched.
Altho Prop 8 results may have taken the wind from our sails on Nov 4th, Jillie’s news from Nov 6, about the ACLU action, gives us hope.
Great blog, Lori. Your peace-loving activism is inspiring.
diane
November 7th, 2008
I’m slowly making my rounds to as many peace globes as I can. I think your peace globe packs a punch in just the right place.
And your observation here makes me laugh (because I have a very dark sense of humor) -
‘Countries that offer the one-dictator option election after election and voting is mandatory.’
Don’t you wonder why they need the validation of forcing people to vote for them?
julia
November 10th, 2008
I don’t vote in California but I would have voted for Prop8. I think all persuasions should have equal rights but not the right to force their beliefs on someone else. I think there should be a word that is parallel to “marriage” for those who are not of different genders and yet want to commit their lives to each other. I don’t understand same gender intimacy and I’m not sure whether it is a choice or birth characteristic or perhaps that all of us are born loving both genders equally but are conditioned by family and society to seek a different gender for a long term relationship. Other than the ability to bear children I’m not sure why there should be a difference in the kind of commitment between same gender couples. However, the word marriage has had a meaning for a woman-man relationship for thousands of years. Yes, we use the word marriage in situations other than for holy matrimony between a husband and wife. But since you have an atypical relationship, why not call it something else that would clarify how it is different and applaud its unique nature? You already have rights to be domestic partners, just start calling your love connection something that is meaningful to you, but the word “marriage” has already been used for centuries in a certain way. Guys have always had, and still have, strong connections to guys and gals to gals but not in the intimacy sense. The human body is not constructed for same gender intimacy connections the way it is for different gender relationship, so why not name and identify your own relationship in a healthy and positive way that shows both your special connection but in a different way than the connection between those of different genders? Same gender relationships may be even stronger and richer than different gender relationships for all I know, but there is a difference. Why not celebrate that difference rather than climb on a wagon that has its own centuries of problems?
clark
November 16th, 2008