My Governor is a backwards idiot

If you've been reading my blog for a while, or if you're new, you may have noticed I don't talk about politics much. This doesn't mean I'm not interested in it, that I don't pay attention. I just don't usually want to get into any debates about it on my blog.

But this past week, Governor Butch Otter has made several mistakes, one of which has made Idaho a laughing stock. Not that we weren't already teased a little by other states, but this time he went too far. I'm sure you've at least seen something on Idaho's most recent gubernatorial debate as the primaries get started in Idaho. You can find some commentary on it here. I feel he only did it to humiliate the two fringe candidates and make himself look better, a feeling shared by several Idahoans.

Then there was the stay he put on the marriage equality ruling that was made earlier in the month. He's struggling against the tide here but he wants the appeals court to help uphold his desire to prevent same sex marriages in Idaho. Here is an article talking about the situation.

I am so angry at him right now. I have no idea how he keeps getting reelected. No, actually, I do know. This state is so full of backwards thinking people that it's not even funny. The Republican party dominates Idaho with an ultra conservative bend to their thoughts that it makes those of us who want a more open minded and less conservative way of doing things look small and insignificant.

If I could vote (I can't register due to some logistical issues), I'd be one of those who want a fairer and more liberal Idaho voting him out. I want him gone. I want Idaho to break free of the Republican choke hold and stop being the butt of jokes throughout the rest of the United States. I want to be something more than the “potato state”.

Is it ever going to happen? Probably not. But it's a nice dream.

Monday Maundering - Marriage Equality

Image courtesy of George Takei, Facebook

Today I'm getting my soapbox out because of the landmark decision the SCOTUS is having to deal with. That is the ruling on marriage equality.

I'm for it. 100%. I believe that everyone who is over the age of consent should be allowed to marry the partner of their choice, assuming that partner is also over the age of consent, regardless of gender. I believe that every person over the age of consent who wants to be a parent should be allowed that opportunity whether it's through natural child birth, IVF, surrogacy, or adoption. Everyone should have the right to be a family as they define it.

Not everyone defines love, marriage, and family the same way. The government needs to stay out of our definitions and allow those of us over the age of consent to choose the way we live our lives. If a child is under the age of consent, but knows that he/she is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender we need to support them in that too. It's not a phase they'll grow out of. It's who they are.

Children should be brought up recognizing that it doesn't matter if who they love is black, white, purple with green polka dots, or the same gender as they are. They have the right and the privilege of loving that person and hopefully being loved back. A boy who wants to wear a dress to prom should be allowed, just as a girl wanting to wear a tux should be allowed. A woman who believes she should have been born a man should be given the same rights and protections as a real man would be. The same goes for a man who thinks he should have been born a woman.

Relationships need to be open and honest, and how can they be if you're forcing one person to deny a part of who they are? Society's fear and hatred of those who follow the LGBT path needs to end. All those who follow the LGBT path are not sinners, not freaks, and sure as hell are not evil. They have the basic human right to love who they wish and they should be encouraged and welcomed. We need to open our eyes and our hearts and bring about equality for all.