Prop 102/Prop 8

I have felt like I should post something about Prop 102 (or Prop 8 be you in California) but have struggled with what to say. Let me start by saying that I understand the viewpoint of the "no" supporters. It is only by serious reflection that I've decided I am a "yes" supporter.

I'll post some links to some of my favorite articles and videos, but first I'd like to add my own thoughts.


First off, the rights of gays and lesbians should not be diminished by the passing of these propositions. I am just fine with partners having the rights of benefits, etc. We're talking strictly about the definition of "marriage." Partners will be just as much "partners" as they were before but will not be "married" partners.

A failure to pass the propositions could, however, limit the rights of religious organizations in what types of marriages they can perform. It could also limit the rights of parents in what is taught in the educational system. It could also limit the rights of adoption agencies in deciding to whom they will adopt children.

I'm sure people will still argue that homosexuals are being treated differently. I would agree. Being treated differently does NOT necessarily imply inequality. We should have equal rights but we shouldn't all be treated exactly the same.
I do not see this as discrimination. People are not the same. Does a "woman's" restroom discriminate against men? Yes, but I think most people would agree that a man's rights as a human being are not diminished by this concept. Separate bathrooms are there to protect the privacy (an important right) of the women and men.


I'm not a supporter of the ERA for this same reason. I don't think women and men are the SAME, so they should be treated differently. As a woman, I am totally okay with that! I don't feel discriminated against or "oppressed."

Another argument I've heard is that moral views don't have a place in politics. That's a little stupid. Many laws are in place based on morals. Why isn't prostitution legal? Or why can't cousins marry? Or a father marry his daughter? Clearly, we do make moral judgments as a society and expect our government to uphold us in these decisions.

Hopefully I've expressed myself in a manner that makes sense and is not horrifically offensive. Here are some of the sites that explain things a little better than I could explain them:

Video with Elder Bednar

PreservingMarriage.org Videos

My Definition of Family

November 4th

My next couple of posts will be political, so consider yourselves warned. I am very concerned about what will happen to our nation over the next few years. A vote for either candidate doesn't seems like a "great" decision or maybe even a "reasonably good" decision. I have strong complaints against both the republican and democratic candidates but am not a believer in voting third party. So what's a girl to do?

Here are some of my complaints/observations:

As far as McCain goes, I don't think I need to list most of my complaints with him. I think the media's done a fine job of exposing all of his faults and weaknesses.

One thing I would like to defend him on though, is that the state of the economy is not his fault nor his party's. Bush may not have been our finest or most brilliant president, but he did not single-handedly cause this recession. I was under the impression that our founding fathers had built in something to prevent that kind of thing called "checks and balances." In other words, Congress. Which has had a democrat majority, I might point out. No, I don't think the democrats caused it either. My point is, let's figure out who will FIX it the best, not who caused it.

Many things about Obama make me nervous. No, I do not think he is a Muslim terrorist. I would hope my issues with him are based upon more rationality than that. I won't list them all out because they are a little plentiful. My biggest complaint is his stance on abortion. The sanctity of life is a BIG deal-breaker for me. I cannot see myself voting for/supporting any candidate who is pro-partial birth abortion. I think that every woman has a right to decide what happens to her own body. Yes, her OWN body. Not somebody else's. It's not the only issue, but it is a VERY important one to me.

In summary, neither candidate accurately reflects my social, fiscal, or moral views. I admit I'm very discouraged about the future of our nation.

Our Uninvited Guest

Soooo...I knew this day would come, but I was REALLY hoping we'd be the only house in the state that would avoid finding one of these critters in our home. It was one of the most traumatic things that has ever happened to me and probably WOULD'VE been the most traumatic if I had stepped on him. In some ways I'm grateful he was big because he was pretty hard to miss, even though our "pale spice" carpet should've been named "scorpion tan." Yech! Just thinking about it makes me shiver.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry

A few posts ago I mentioned having some steak stir fry. Here is the recipe:

3 cups cooked rice
1 lb round steak
1 tbs paprika
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can tomatoes)
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup onions, chopped
1 green pepper, julienne chopped
2 tbs cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce
sesame seeds

1. Pound steak to 1/4" thickness and cut in strips.
2. Sprinkle meat with paprika and allow to stand for a few minutes.
3. Brown meat in small amount of oil in large skillet.
4. Add garlic and onions and saute for a minute longer.
5. Add broth.
6. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
7. Stir in green peppers.
8. Cover and cook 10-15 minutes longer.
9. Blend cornstarch, water, and soy sauce.
10. Stir into meat mixture.
11. Cook, stirring until thickened (about 2 minutes).
12. Add tomatoes (stirring gently) and cook for a minute or two longer.
13. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.