This blog post is political in nature.
Two pieces that appeared online today have spurred me into taking a strong, public political stance. If you feel you do not wish to know where my political inclinations lie, then please do not read further. Instead, as you close this window, give a prayer of gratitude for the First Amendment and Godspeed.
Also, please know I respect the right of my congregants, clients, and students to make decisions for themselves as I help them understand the spiritual and mental aspects of their decisions and actions. In any counseling with an individual, I stress the primacy of personal responsibility and mindfulness as achieved through prayer and spiritual practice.
Here goes ... Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a huge supporter of Apple Computers. I have been an avid MacHead for years and support the products and the company. Today, I am even more proud to be a Apple user. Here's what was posted on their website today:
No on Prop 8
Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.
Although, it wasn't $100k, I have put my money where my mouth is for this campaign. Somehow, civil rights issues get me more riled up than just basic candidate elections.
This is clearly a heated topic and the 'heat' seems to be fueled by enormous fear. I am trying to be open-minded and realize that people think differently for different reasons, but I cannot cotton to the flat-out lies and political posturing around this proposition. I continue to respect the boundaries of my pulpit, and therefore, will not make a stand in public nor try to convince anyone of voting a certain way. Even though I hope that people will take this election seriously enough to vote.
An election and the privilege of voting is so important.
By the way, have y'all picked up the newsletter available at Starbucks these days? GOOD news. . The current issue is:
"Does Your Vote Matter?" (Um, yes....)
And you can check it out online, too:
www.GOOD.is/join
At least I can share a video link that some other folks have created which does endorse their specific candidate:
See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die
These gentlemen are not the typical Hollywood-types using their money and power to strut their political prowess. These are creative and caring folks who use their art to share their beliefs about what is necessary to really transform our nation. In fact, Ron Howard and Henry Winkler are a-typical when it comes to using their fame like this. I am impressed by their willingness to take such a strong stand about what they believe and use their creative clout to make it happen.
Guess that this lil 'ol blog is the closest I can come to public action... that is until election day when I have the privilege to cast my vote.
God, through me, as me, blesses America.
5 comments:
what a great video and comments. As things heat up in SD re Prop H8, it's hard not to get drawn in. I am thankful to know that I am doing my part. Even so, the most important things will remain regardless of how it all turns out - love of my spouse, my kids, my friends, my spirtual family. No one can take that away. I have made a conscious choice to not see this as "war". I seek not so much to change people's minds, as their hearts. LW
This is a comment from a dear friend who chooses to remain anonymous:
I LOVED THAT VIDEO...ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE RON HOWARD...HE LOVES BASEBALL..
I USED TO PLAY IN AN ENTERTAINERS LEAGUE.ONE OF THE TEAMS WAS HAPPY DAYS.
RON PLAYED SHORTSTOP. HE IS THE MOST UNASSUMING, HUMBLE, CELEBS I EVER MET.
JUST A PLAIN NICE GUY. I FELT COMPELLED TO SHARE THAT WITH YOU, TO SUBSTANTIATE
AND ADD TO THE FEELINGS YOU ALREADY HAVE FOR HIM.
LOVE YOU
GO BOSOX...BAH HUMBUG
All very well said my dear. Everyone, please vote. And vote with your heart as well as your head on Prop 8.
D.C.
Great video!! It made me realize that for the first time in over 3 decades I'm actually getting to vote FOR someone instead of against another candidate I didn't want in office. Does that make sense?
Considering marriage to be a legal (state)contract between two consenting adults - in effect a civil rights issue - separates church and state. Proponents of Prop.8 are open about their opinion being based on their religious beliefs . I wonder if all of the churches that profess to be Christian are ready to make public their positions on who may marry. We might be surprised. Its been so easy for them to have the state mandate who may marry. Is that the real fear about this proposition? Jesus said absolutely nothing about homosexuality and God is Love.
:-)
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