Not only did the majority of voters in America choose Bush, a majority of voters in my own state voted to take away my rights by approving an amendment to the Michigan Constitution which bans gay marriage, civil unions or anything even approximating them.
Below the fold is my LTE of the Detroit Free Press. I knew when I sent it that it was too long for them to print, but dammit, I was in a venting mood. It was at least heartening to see the many similar letters that appeared this morning.
This is not America...is it?
My unprinted letter to the Free Press:
I've always voted in ways that strengthen community and families. I've voted in support of every single school and library millage, in spite of not having kids, but because it was for the greater good. I've donated to churches that help homeless families in Detroit not because I believe in a god, but because I believe in the work they are doing.
But yesterday's voting showed that I was wrong to think of Michigan in terms of "community". Because with 58.6% of voters supporting Proposal 2, I am legally barred from having equal standing in that community. The Michigan State Constitution now says gay couples have absolutely no relationship rights. None. The legal ability to visit a spouse in the hospital, to pass on property, to have legal protections for our children...gone. Gay families have absolutely no standing under the law. In fact, it is now forbidden to afford any recognition or protection.
If Michigan voters can't support my family, why should I continue to support institutions which benefit only theirs? Yesterday's vote won't make a single marriage in Michigan any stronger or stop a single couple from divorcing. It will, however, serve as a constant reminder of how unwelcome I really am in the state I've called home for 17 years.