Opinions, Unity, And For The Greater Good

It started with a text message, or so I thought.  I realized that it has been something on my mind for sometime now.

I completely hold strong and true in believing that people have a right to their opinion.  Furthermore, I think it is completely erroneous when we as people try to shut down or cease another person's opinion.  After all, that is what we are all here for as bloggers - expressing our opinions. 

With all of that being said, opinions can and often do carry a lot of weight.  Opinions can even compel people to do destructive or constructive things.

I as an individual person am rather inconsequential in the whole realm of things. Yes, I can and do possibly have an impact on a small amount of people in my life, but in the grand scheme of things there have been billions before me and there will be billions after me.  Whether you are in denial or not, you are in the same situation.  You may not be easily replaced in your immediate family and close friends, but in the greater whole of society you are replaceable and rather insignificant.  However, when we ban together and unite as a whole with significant numbers, we do have an impact and the power to change things.

When we are united as a whole, we must not let the power get to our heads.  We should evaluate things clearly and fairly.  Indeed the beauty of democracy is when we use our united power appropriately and for constructive reasons.  Often the most difficult of obstacles in our democratic society is the ability to allow all sides to speak clearly and openly.  We must permit this to occur.  Then we should evaluate the opinions and determine the validity and wholesomeness within.  And lastly, form our opinion.  

Who are we as individuals to tell another person or group of people what happiness they may pursue, when it contains no harm and does not contain negative ramifications on our society.  Why must we hold others back from the possibility of happiness and their constitutional right to their pursuit of happiness.  Are the reasons due to selfishness, phobias, fears, or perhaps maybe even a religious dictation.  Is their pursuit of happiness getting in the way or altering your personal pursuit of happiness? 

I like to consider myself as a reasonable and fair person.  I really benefit from looking at both sides of the story and I openly encourage both sides of aisle to express their side and opinion.  So please honestly and truly help me understand.  Please demonstrate to me the harm and negativity that will come from letting two people of the same sex get married and share the same rights as everyone else in society.  Please explain the opposing side of the argument. 

I must admit years ago I thought in the way of the opposing argument.  I am attracted to women, but I thought same sex marriage was not right because it was foreign to me and it was not the norm.  Then I started thinking about it for myself.  What if I found this amazing girl perfect for me in most every way.  She was smart, funny, attractive, liked stand-up comedians, etc.  Then what if I wanted to take that relationship to the next step and get married, possibly start a family, and maybe even spend the rest our lives together.  We would sit in our rocking chairs when we are 80 years old, look into each other's eyes and remark on what a great journey we had together.  Then my dear wife, the one that I have spent 50 plus years with, is hospitalized.  It stops me cold in my tracks.  This is the same thing that happens to many same sex couples.  I can't make any important decisions regarding her and there is a possibility I can't even see her.  There have been times like this before in the past 50 years when I was not allowed to be there and felt rather powerless.  This was the beginning of my change of thinking. 

Hopefully you get something out of this and possibly see a little more clearly of how people who are attracted to the same sex feel.  It is not up to you to tell another person what type of food they allowed to like.  Furthermore, it is not about whom you personally deem is appropriate for another person to be attracted to.   It’s about allowing the same rights and privileges for all members of our human society.  I believe there is a good majority of us as individuals that constantly strive to be kinder, more caring, and all around better people.