So.. how and why did you vote?

So. My recent volunteer experiences at Fair Wisconsin and encouragement from a gentleman over at the Journal Sentinel have inspired me to start a blog. That said, welcome to my very first entry. :)

Election Day 2006 has come and gone. A couple days after the election, dealing with the surprising and seemingly illogical outcome, I started making a list. It was one way for me to deal with the outcome. Perhaps I'm a sore loser. If that's the case then I'll take it as a compliment for simply wanting gay couples to have the same rights as other couples.

When for whatever reason people deem it necessary to use a document such as a state Constitution to stick up for one's feelings about any particular institution, devise a ban, and in effect turn an entire group of people into second class citizens..

well..

what can one say.

Oh and btw: Mexico City has passed legislation to essentially recognize civil unions for unmarried straight and gay couples. A leading gay activist is quoted as saying the law represents "Mexico's entrance into the first world of democracy, along with other countries that recognize this type of union."

Gee. Wonder what that says about the United States. At any rate, here goes.. my brainstorm from the morning of November 9:

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If you voted yes to the amendment because the Vote Yes side told you so, then question your decision making process.

If you voted no to the amendment because the Vote No side told you so, then question your decision making process - but at least it was a vote for fairness.

If you voted yes to the amendment because the Vote Yes side told you so and you carefully considered their reasons, then you only did some of your homework.

If you voted no to the amendment because the Vote No side told you so and you carefully considered their reasons, then you only did some of your homework.

If you voted yes to the amendment because the Vote Yes side told you so, you carefully considered their reasons, and objectively researched what straight marriage vs. gay marriage is about, then good for you.

If you voted no to the amendment because the Vote No side told you so, you carefully considered their reasons, and objectively researched what straight marriage vs. gay marriage is about, then good for you.

If you voted yes to the amendment because you were confused about the wording, then I don't know what to say to that.

If you voted no to the amendment because you were confused about the wording, then good for you.

If you voted yes to the amendment because you thought you were voting yes to gay marriage, then you did not do your homework.

If you voted no to the amendment because you thought there would be no change, then you only did some of your homework.

If you voted yes to the amendment because you thought that it clearly defined marriage, then look at a dictionary for a refresher on how definitions work.

If you voted no to the amendment because you thought it vaguely stated what shall be valid or recognized in this state, then good for you.

If you voted yes to the amendment because you thought that it clearly solidifies the institution of marriage, then question your separation of church and state.

If you voted no to the amendment because you were not sure how it solidifies the institution of marriage, then question your separation of church and state - but at least it was a vote for fairness.

If you voted yes to the amendment because your church told you so, then question your separation of church and state.

If you voted no to the amendment because your church told you so, then question your separation of church and state - but at least your church understands the separation.

If you voted yes to the amendment because "marriage is a package deal," then question your separation of church and state.

If you voted no to the amendment because "civil marriage and religious marriage are independent," then good for you.

If you voted yes to the amendment because "gay people are (insert slang with negative connotation here)," then.. well, then I guess I don't know what to say to that.

If you voted no to the amendment because your beliefs tell you "a constitution should not invalidate something for an entire group and therefore stay out of individual lives" (in other words, no place for bans) then good for you.

If you voted yes to the amendment because you believe gay people do not deserve the same rights as other people, then thank you for imposing your beliefs on others.

If you voted no to the amendment because you believe gay people deserve the same rights as other people, then thank you for imposing your beliefs on others AND voting for fairness.