Thankful Number 14

Thankful Number 14 is all about freedom. We went out to eat last night. In West Hollywood. At an LDS-owned restaurant. Let me explain.

As many of you know, Prop 8 in California has been a tension-bearing issue (even now, after the people have spoken in favor of traditional marriage -twice actually (we already voted on this issue in 1998 and passed it, only to be overturned by 4 Supreme court judges)).

West Hollywood is the home to many people in the gay/lesbian community here in LA. This restaurant has been singled out and had people protesting in front of it, trying to discourage others from eating there because the owner, who is LDS, supported Yes on Prop 8.

Okay, back to why I am thankful. I am thankful that we have the right to vote. I am thankful that we passed Prop 8 to keep traditional marriage the way it has been for decades. I am thankful that we stand up for truth and righteousness, regardless of what may be happening in the world.

I wonder, if Prop 8 had not passed (legalizing same sex marriage), if there would have been a whole bunch of Christians boycotting gay/lesbian owned stores/restaurants. I highly doubt it. I wonder why this issue is so heated, when the "domestic partnership" law allows people (no matter their sexual orientation) rights, such as being able to file jointly on tax returns, medical/will authority, etc.

Is it just the principle of the thing? Is it like two children who are mad because one's ice cream cone seems bigger, even though they both have ice cream...that's not fair!? Is it a tantrum on fairness? And I wonder, if the gay/lesbian community would have acted as they are acting now (violent, fanatical, childish) prior to the election, if California would have seen that side, would the margin be dramatically different in favor of Prop 8? I don't know.

What I do know is that I love our dear Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, for encouraging us to stand for what we believe in (not telling us how to vote, mind you. And if you are interested or curious on what our church has told us here is the link to the LDS Newsroom.) I love those people in my ward and wards across California, Arizona and Florida who followed their conscience and not their fear and stood up for what they believed in. And, in truth, I love our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. I wish that they would open their hearts and minds in understanding that we ALL have the right to vote as our conscience dictates and we should not be persecuted for that. Because, that is freedom.