Sunday, November 09, 2008

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

1. I kind of feel cheated out of experiencing the full scope of what Tuesday meant for our country. I just want to say again how excited and happy I am to see some of the barriers be broken down for racial minorities and to have a president who gives me hope for what's to come.

2. For our families specifically, the president elect has said he'd work to repeal DOMA, and allow our gay men and women in uniform to serve openly. But on top of that, for a great part, this election was about the future of the judicial branch, especially the Supreme Court, and the future of our rights will be in their hands. Obama makes more likely the appointment of justices who will actually take the equal protection assurances in the US Constitution seriously. I know... I can hear the anti-gay activists now... Doesn't it suck when activist judges uphold some of our most basic and sacred rights delineated in our most supreme law? How dare they?

3. Equal rights won in Connecticut. Okay, most of us here on the west coast will probably never live there, but we can be married in Ct and voters defeated a call to constitutional convention which was aimed at banning our marriages, 60% to 40%. That's substantial.

4. California could really be seen as good news too. The hard part was losing rights we had, having our marriages put in legal limbo, and that we were so far ahead in the polls until those demonstratively deceptive ads began. Yes, that'll sting for a long time. Nevertheless, the vote was only 52% to 48%, when in 2000 the Ca voters passed a marriage ban 61% to 39%. We are moving along with the help of many straight friends and allies, and so is public opinion. This was nearly our opponents' last chance--if the trends hold we will be past 50/50 public aprooval of our marriages by the next presidential election. They won, but that was not nearly our last chance.

5. We're hurt but look at what we have built in each other now. The gay community in Utah has come together so strongly and there's such a sense of camaraderie; it's heartening to me. As a 15-year-old kid coming out I never got to see a role model of what it meant to be a gay man. It's not that they weren't out there, but they weren't visible in Utah. Most of the gay people I eventually came to know kept quite; many hated themselves anyway and believed their church when they were taught their attraction and propensity for love was more of a weakness and an addiction than a strength and a blessing. An impromptu march of thousands in down town SLC would have been unimaginable.

When I think of myself, in my despair as a teenager, thinking I was the only one in my state, and then I think of a boy in a similar state reading the paper yesterday... Well, the hard work of many in the gay community from several generations has brought about a sea change here, despite ardent opposition; it's a sea change which I'm sure is saving lives. There is, simply, a lot to be thankful for, even here in Utah. Maybe especially here in Utah.

6. Finally and of course, there is a new Bond movie coming out :-)... I'm inexplicably compelled by the new Bond, James Bond...

Anyway, Always look on the bright side of life, right?

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

(Do the kids nowaday still watch Monty Python? :-))

15 comments:

C. L. Hanson said...

Re: (Do the kids nowaday still watch Monty Python? :-))

My kids are hugely into astronomy these days, so I introduced them to the "Galaxy Song" the other day -- one of my favorites!

I also heard that Monty Python scored big on a site about "what atheists like" (copying the "what white people like" site). ;^)

Naturally, Monty Python even figuerd in my novel, Exmormon, here. ;^)

B.G. Christensen said...

I can't say I'm a huge Bond fan anyway, but the title of this new one really turns me off. Quantum of Solace? WTF? Did someone get that from a Japanese t-shirt or what?

B.G. Christensen said...

(Remembering to check the box this time.)

John Gustav-Wrathall said...

My grandma (whom I still idolize and consider one of my great role models) LOVED the hymn "Count Your Blessings."

Thanks for counting...

Craig said...

I think that depends on what you mean by "kids". Growing up, I certainly was very familiar with Monty Python as well as the related shows, though I am Canadian, so we have more exposure to British television and movies.

I really, really hope Obama goes through with his promise to repeal DOMA.

Queers United said...

There is a protest tonight
Ogden, Utah
Protest President Boyd K. Packer speaking at 6:30 at the Weber State University LDS Institute of Religion, in Ogden, Utah

Beck said...

Thanks for pointing out the "bright side". There is a bright side to all situations - the trick is in finding it.

As for number counting, I think this was the last big push - as time moves forward into the near future, the majority will shift.

Thanks for your optimism and example.

Guy said...

Did you see Equality Utah's email today? It's a brilliant response to the church, frankly, far better than a protest or boycott.
You can also read about it here:
www.lathefamily.org

Kevin Jackson said...

I am so excited for the new Bond film. I didn't get to see the last one in the theaters (I was on a mission) so this will be my first big-screen bond since Die Another Day (Brosnan's worst, by far) ergo it goes without saying that I can't wait until Friday!

I am, however, very disappointed that WB postponed the Harry Potter film until May, as it was supposed to be released during thanksgiving, but WB pushed it back so that Twilight (gag me) could take its spot, and so that they would make more money from it as a summer release. This was my favorite book in the series, so it's postponement makes me sad...

Anyways, thanks for the Life of Brian reference...

Anonymous said...

Scot, in case you or anyone reading this is up late again, unable to sleep, pondering the state of our marriages and families...you must watch this wonderfully moving plea from Keith Olbermann on MSNBC tonight (and I think you'll sleep better :)--

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HpTBF6EfxY

Scot said...

clh:
"My kids are hugely into astronomy these days, so I introduced them to the "Galaxy Song" the other day -- one of my favorites!"

Hey, there's another look on the bright side sort of song... sort of?

MrFob
"Did someone get that from a Japanese t-shirt or what?"

I wonder what else these Japanese t-shirts you've been reading say. "Bushel of indifference" and "Dollop of thirsty"?

jgw
"Thanks for counting..."
Hey, I need to for my own good :-).

"I think that depends on what you mean by "kids"."

I don't know; do you call me "old man" behind my back?

"I really, really hope Obama goes through with his promise to repeal DOMA."

I fear he won't dare unless he wins again. But there I go fearing again.


Thanks q.u. We were in Vegas though, seeing Madonna. That's kind of like a protest...

Beck "As for number counting, I think this was the last big push - as time moves forward into the near future, the majority will shift."

That's how it seems by the polling. I just hope the trend holds.

"Did you see Equality Utah's email today? "

Yes, I was supposed to be at the pre-press conference meeting for this but was out of town and I'm still kicking myself.

kevin
"I am so excited for the new Bond film. I didn't get to see the last one in the theaters (I was on a mission) so this will be my first big-screen bond since Die Another Day (Brosnan's worst, by far) ergo it goes without saying that I can't wait until Friday!"

I'll just say it. The Bond films were going down hill fast. No offense Brosnan but...

I think Casino Royal revived the brand and I'm very glad. Since I was a kid I've seen every one with my dad and it's become a tradition. I'm just glad it's more of a welcome tradition now.

Guy, thank you. There's a bit of dust or something now in my eye.

Kevin Jackson said...

My wife said she will let me name our first-born son Daniel Craig Jackson...

I'm so freaking excited! If only I could afford a baby...

Scott said...

I'm so freaking excited! If only I could afford a baby...

What are babies going for these days, anyway?

Craig said...

I don't know; do you call me "old man" behind my back?

Yes, yes I do.

playasinmar said...

The kids are likely to if the production is only a few years old.