That was fast! I was prepared for a few weeks—or even months—of recounts.
I'm stunned. Almost every single race for Governor, Senator, and Representative went to a Dem. I can barely believe it. (Updated 11/9 to say "almost"—thanks, Leah!)
Some huge disappointments, however, with ballot questions. Worst of all were Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin, which all voted to amend their state constitutions to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. For shame! For shame! (Arizona is still too close to call—c'mon people, do something right over there! And Colorado, which already has such a law in place, has gone a step further and refused to legalize domestic partnerships, which would give same-sex couples the same legal protections as married couples.)
More bad news: Florida will amend the state constitution to require notification of the parent or guardian of a minor before an abortion. (California and Oregon voters rejected a similar ballot initiative, and South Dakota rejected a measure that would ban all abortions.)
And good old Arizona felt the need to pass a law to make English the official language of the state. Well, good, I feel better about that now. </heavy sarcasm>
I agree, I agree, I agree again. (Ditto!) Happy, but frustrated with some of the dark age attitudes. I AM happy that South Dakota voters decided to tell their leaders to bite it (by revoking the 99.9% abortion ban). I have a feeling that with this next decade, the same-sex marriage issue won't be such a big deal to voters. It takes a while for narrow-minded people to open their eyes (and realize that THEIR marriages are not threatened).
Posted by: Tonya | November 08, 2006 at 11:55 PM
Of course, California did vote Arnie back in for another round as governor. Although, at this point, I'm not sure the Republicans are still claiming him (except in grand totals of elected Repubs.)
Posted by: leah | November 09, 2006 at 12:25 AM
I will never understand why people are so threatened by this issue. It affects me... not at all. So, what's the big deal?
Posted by: Margaret | November 09, 2006 at 12:34 AM
It's part of the American DNA. We're far more moved by sexual morality and conformity than we are by issues of war or injustice. Maybe it's part of our puritanical roots, or an artifact of our still-very-religious ways. If you think I'm on the wrong track, ask yourself if an open atheist could get elected to any office in America.
Posted by: scott | November 09, 2006 at 01:01 AM
I agree that same-sex marriage won't be a big deal in the future -- but by then it will already be on the various state constitutions and thus a big deal to amend again. :-(
Posted by: Karen | November 09, 2006 at 03:56 PM
Oops, forgot about the Governator.
Posted by: Karen | November 09, 2006 at 03:57 PM
Your blog was featured on Feedster so I thought I would check it out. I disagree on your stance on Homosexual marriage as well as abortion. The part that I found funny is your reference to our puritanical roots as to why we as a country struggle with those two issues. It is because of those roots that you enjoy the freedoms you do. It was their bold belief that people should be able to worship God as they believe the scriptures indicate, that led to the formation of this country. The founding fathers would roll over in their grave at where this country stands today.
It was their bold belief and faith in God that caused them to pledge their lives and fortunes for the cause of independence.
If there is no God, there is no right and wrong. Which means my "rights" are as good as yours and the world would be in chaos. And we are getting closer and closer everyday because folks forget there is a right and there is a wrong and a God who does care. But a God who will allow us the freedom to go down the path we are currently on.
Posted by: C. Duncan | November 10, 2006 at 02:11 PM
I didn't make the comment you're referring to (about puritanical rights) -- that was made by someone else commenting on my blog. However, as I recall it, our country was founded on a belief in religious FREEDOM.
Posted by: Karen | November 12, 2006 at 05:12 PM