My inbox if full of ecstatic well-wishes from my extended family in France, not to mention "I could have dance all night" missives of joy from Sheria and friends. I am a happy man,
However Prop 8, the possible ban on gay marriage in California, is too close to call. Three million absentee ballots have yet to be counted. At present, our side is losing. (My fears on high Obama turnout leading to a equally high turnout of black social coservatives turns out to have been dead on.)
Still, in crisis, I see opportunity. I have sent the following email to Lorri Jean, the head of the Gay and Lesbian Center and one of the leaders of the No on 8 campaign. (She has already responded to previous emails)
Lorri:
I know the results are still pending, but we know it doesn't look good.
I want to be the first to suggest that we consider a new strategy if we lose. My idea would be to push for civil unions/domestic partnerships to be come highly flexible instruments, renewable contracts that require a recommitment on the part of couples on a schedule they determine. This would mean, for example, if the couple chose a 7 year union, they would renew their vows at that time, or shift into unmarried status (It could be at 3 or 5 or 10 years--whatever they decide). This would eliminate the need for divorce, recognizing that, gay or straight, most marriages aren't meant to be for life. This would eliminate the trauma and stigma of divorce on children.
I contend that many a heterosexual couple would find this kind of union far more attractive then the present situation, and begin to choose it over traditional marriage. I also think it would be an extremely savvy strategic move, representing our willingness to be on the leading edge of change. Why should we keep trying to sign on to an institution that has a terrible rate of success? Does anyone really believe the gay divorce rate would be any less than the gay marriage rate?
I think we have lost something that was very precious, a willingness to be different, a celebration of Joni Mitchell's "we don't need a piece of paper from the City Hall keeping us tried and true." We do need some pieces of papers, it turns out, but can't they be lavender?
I believe this could be a terrific opportunity. In 10 years, we could very well be reading the headline: "Civil Unions outpace marriages among all couples."
Marc Olmsted
Meanwhile, Sheria reminded me this is National Novel Writing Month. I need to get cracking.
MCO 2008
my, how very vibrant your hy-arts have been recently.
rock on vivid!
I just want to comment on yesterday. This was my first time voting. I couldn't help but shiver when I looked at "John McCain and Sarah Palin" on the ballot. I couldn't stop smiling last night though. Finally after 8 long years there will be a President that I can look up to and be proud of. All because of that I am feeling a new kind of happiness. And the fact that it took a black man to do that. Eat your heart out conservative whitey! lol jk
When I voted for the very first time I felt very empowered by this action. I felt a part of the process. The outcome wasn't hasn't always been the one I wanted but nevertheless I felt that I was a part of the process.
And again Marc, I say to you and all of your American countrymen; thankyou. The world thanks you.