Here we are in the midst of another election year and here I am wondering if things will ever change…
I’ve never been one to get super-involved in politics. Sure, I was part of an entire generation that jumped on the political bandwagon 4 years ago when Obama promised “Change we can believe in”, but below the surface, most of us really didn’t take a deep look at the issues (and still don’t).
And now here we are – that same generation, a bit older, entering into another election year.
In one corner, we have Obama. In the other, we have a slew of Republican’s vying to be the one to take Obama down. Promising change. Promising bigger and better things.
Anyone will tell you to look at each candidate’s stance on the issues. What will they do to improve foreign policy? How will they promote alternative forms of energy? What’s their plan to create more jobs? How will they pull us out of the current economy?
All valid, but it’s hard for me to take anyone seriously when they stumble over the question like, “How would you react if your son told you he was gay?”
That question was addressed to Rick Santorum in yesterday’s New Hampshire debate and my immediate thought was, “It’s 2012 and we’re still asking a question like this?”
Yes. Apparently we are.
But one thing was said that stuck with me. Something that illustrates what is inherently wrong with politics and (in some cases) religion.
In discussing gay rights, Santorum said (paraphrasing) while he does not agree with gay marriage or adoption for gay couples, he “respects” homosexuals and their choice to be gay.
Respects them, but doesn’t believe they deserve equal rights.
This, sadly, is still the culture we (still) live in. How am I supposed to take you, your take on the economy, your approach to foreign policy, or your views on education seriously if your stance on equality is, essentially, that all are (not) created equal?
There’s too many REAL issues to solve to get hung up on whether two women can legally be “married”. There’s much more important things than worrying if two men can be suitable parents.
From top to bottom, from the President to you and I, in order to move forward, in order to tackle the challenges and obstacles that really matter, we need acceptance. We need embrace. We need resolve. We need equality.
Tolerance? Respect? It’s nowhere near enough.
It’s 2012, and we must, now more than ever, remember and embrace the closing to our Pledge of Allegiance:
“…one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”