Saturday, October 25, 2008

How I Spent the Afternoon

To show our support for and to help raise awareness for Prop 8, several people from our ward and stake stood out on the street today. Once again, this was WAY out of my comfort zone so I was very nervous, but all in all, it was rewarding AND educational.
Quick list of things:


* I was given "the finger" more today than I think I have ever been in my life.
* I heard the F-bomb directed at me more times than I ever have in my life.
* I was called a racist (I am not sure where that came from, or where that "lady" went to draw that conclusion).
* The 2 girls making out on the same corner helping to illustrate a point, (I am not sure who's they were hoping to make, but I am pretty sure they made it either way).
These things were all pretty negative, but balanced with the many, many supporters with their honks, waves, thumbs-ups and "thank you's", and also with the knowledge that we were serving a righteous cause made it all worth it. I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that it must be kept sacred. I am not trying to take away the rights of anyone, but I also do not wish to have someone else's morals or lack thereof shoved down my or my children's throats.
VOTE YES ON PROP 8!!!

15 comments:

Amberly said...

Is it cheesy for me to say I am so proud of you? Afternoon well spent.

Danielle said...

I saw you guys...but didn't know it was you! Good for you!!
So, when are you at the gym?

kthom said...

Very Impressed, and oh so proud. Your poor ears and eyes must need a good cleaning. Go watch Parent Trap and give your self a manicure! How is Prop 8 looking anyway? I've seen so much support via blogs but does it have a chance of passing?

Em said...

Way to go Emily!!

libbie said...

You go GIRL! Don't you just love how "Classy" people can be? I bet you were truly impresse, as everyone else probly was by those two girls making out. Nice . . . really nice.

Kim said...

Thanks for taking a stand and putting up with all that filth and sleaze. Amen to what Libbie said.

Ranting of a Frustrated Pregnant Woman said...

Awesome job sister! I understand about that being out of your comfort zone but someone has to do the dirty work and who better than you!!!!

Way to go lady...I'm proud of you (mom would be too!).

My Three Sons said...

Hello - the lady who called you a racist was probably just putting 2 and 2 together and figured you'd be voting for McCain, doesn't that fact alone prove you're a racist :)
I am SO PROUD of you for getting out and picketing! Way to take the heat for the cause girl! I wish I had been there with you :)

Brigitte said...

Way to go! So I have a question for you. Assuming you know more about Prop 8 then me, is it true that if this doesn't pass bishops would be required to marry gays or lesbians and if he doesn't those people could sue the church?

I tried to look on the internet for the answer and I couldn't find a clear answer. Maybe you know of a good website that has an answer.

Emily Kern said...

Brigette-I am not very good at the internet things so I am going to post a very long comment. This is something from my friends blog, I can get you more info, but her name is Emily S on my side bar. Sorry about the length, this was also read to us in SS a few weeks ago. I don't know if you looked up protectmarriage.com, but that is the main website.
Six Consequences if Prop 8 fails
1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.
The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)
Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.

5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.

6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.
And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?

It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties.
Lets work together to protect them!

The Reil Family said...

first of all, i love it when people are active and take an interest in politics! way to get out there and stand up for what you believe in!

i am very sorry that so many people responded with inappropriate gestures and words! how ridiculous!

on the other hand, (and i might make some of your blog followers very angry when i say this) i am for the legalization of gay marriage. i have too many close gay friends to encourage anything that gives them fewer rights than i have.

so many issues at stake in these elections! what a crazy year!

p.s. im jealous... it seems like all of my friends are working for a campaign and you are out there doing your part. i wish i would have gotten more involved!

Tony and Traci said...

Woohoo! I too was in the same boat as you, but Tony turned their negative feedback around in their faces. When ever they gave us the finger he took it as to tell him that he was #1. And just smiled and waved when they said naughty words to us and said thank you. :) They weren't very happy about that. As for the girls... I agree they didn't really do much one way or the other. If anything it gives further proof that people should vote 'Yes!'. In my oppinion the one in guys clothes didn't look very feminine and forced us to play 'name that gender' to figure it out. Not so cute.

Molly said...

Emily, you continue to amaze me! Way to go!!!!! There is no "gray area" in our black and white world. Regardless of whether or not we have friends with "alternative" lifestyles we can love them, but the bottom line: Marriage between a husband and wife is indeed ordained of God. :) I've had this discussion with a few friends and co-workers as of lately. We all need to be more informed about the movement. Thanks for the websites!

SkeenMachine said...

You Go Girl!

Reil family said...

Way to go Emily. We are so proud of you. It is always easy to stand up, but is the right thing to do.