This is in response to ElsieElsie's diary regarding the evolution of people's thought process on Gay Marriage. My feeling is that this issue needs as much exposure as possible, being an election year where many States will be deciding something as simple as the ability to marry the person you love.
Some of you may remember me from my previous diary and comments regarding the trials and tribulations I face with my 87 year old Fox-loving, Obama-hating Mother (whom I love dearly.) I'm new at this diary thing so hopefully I've done my "linking" correctly. More on why I believe attitudes are changing and can be changed below the fold.
Last week I spent time trying to help Mom with financial and health problems. I never bring up politics with her but she has no problems spewing her venomous "views" at me. I say "views" because she is really only repeating what she sees and hears from Fox teevee, radio, newspapers and word-of-mouth; her only sources of information.
One morning the first thing I hear is "Obama supports Gay Marriage? What the hell is next?" I say matter-of-factly "Mom Cousin "Dirk" is gay, your nephew, does his being gay affect you? You and Dad were married for more than 50 years, did "Dirks" being gay affect your happiness? "well.... I guess not" she stammered. "Dirk" and "Sam" have for all intent and purposes been "married", together for nearly 35 years, more than many other couples. Now say, "Dirk" is dying in the hospital. "Sam" is not recognized as his next of kin and would not be allowed to be by his side comforting him. Would you want "Dirk", your nephew, to die alone?" "Well.... I guess I never thought of it that way" she muttered as she dropped it and walked away.
My point being that if you can keep it personal, leaving all politics aside, I gave her something to think about regarding someone she loves. She'll always hate "those damn democrats" (her beloved grandfather was a Democratic State Senator ;o) She will never vote for President Obama, she will always try to pick a political fight with me, those are givens, but maybe, just maybe, She'll think twice the next time Gay Marriage is spoken of. And maybe one day I'll be able to tell her that her grandson, my son, is gay.