Proud To Be American, Ashamed To Be Californian: Prop 8

The title says it all. Inequality, discrimination and prejudice will be written into this great State's Constitution. This is the sad backdrop to the historic event in the Presidency. I cheered, felt an unexplainable sense of warmth and hope. I felt one with everyone on TV, cheering, crying, celebrating.

Then morning came in California.

As I previously posted, I had stated that I wouldn't be affected by CA Prop 8 - no matter what the outcome. I was dead wrong. I am affected. I'm affected in that I'm ashamed to be Californian.

Although I am not by any measure a religious person. I was raised Catholic and studied in Catholic schools. I am ashamed to be part of that church. My journey to a more agnostic or spiritual person, and therefore shedding religious denomination, is now complete.

There are no excuses for this utter contradiction to the only real message one can get from Christ, the simple but powerful message of love. Everything else is a matter of human tradition, practice and preference.

I can and will be a better person without the illogical, inexcusable contradictions, and bigotry hiding behind religion.