Postcards From The 8

Dear Neighbor and Supporter of Proposition 8,

I am writing because you are my neighbor and because you gave financial support to Proposition 8. I want to let you know that it has negatively affected some of my colleagues. I also believe it does not support the ideals of this great nation that has given us so much.

Some colleagues at work must now walk down the hallways and wonder whether those they meet and with whom they work have defined them with less dignity and respect than other colleagues. They wonder why their fellow Californians like yourself have defined them as outsiders not worthy of being recognized as full citizens or of being fully accepted by you and others for their efforts to contribute to making America a better place in which to live.

Still other colleagues are experiencing the stress that comes with not knowing what will happen to their marriage when it was legal. Will it be taken away from them? Will they no longer have the full protection of the state? Will they no longer have legitimate family relationships as you undoubtedly do? Proposition 8 hurt them deeply.

America is a nation founded on principles, among them the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There have been many struggles over the years to live up to our principles, to implement them in ways that enhance the opportunity for citizens to be treated with dignity and respect as Americans. Proposition 8 deprives many Californians of the inalienable right to liberty (freedom from arbitrary control & the positive enjoyment of various social and political rights) and the pursuit of happiness (a feeling of well-being and contentment). Marriage is a union sanctioned by the state and recognized by everyone as among the most happy and joyous occasions to celebrate two people coming together to share the burdens and joys of life together. Your support of Proposition 8 has taken that away.

I look forward to another election and it will surely come. Hopefully you will pause to reflect on your past support of Proposition 8 and will come to realize that it takes away from the best that is America. America is a nation of endless diversity. The best of America is working to develop tolerance and acceptance of that diversity based on our founding principles. The ugly side of our country is when we vote to deny some of our law-abiding fellow citizens the human dignity and respect they so well deserve.

Sincerely yours,

Dean S. Dorn