So while all of our focus has been on the Presidential Election and the consequences of the potential outcome, there are some other important items related to the Culture of Life/Death on ballots around the country.
Proposition 8 in California. This proposition would (re)define the obvious, namely that marriage is between a man and a woman. This ballot is designed to undo the legislation by judicial fiat that occurred on May 15, 2008 when the California Supreme Court, by a vote of 4–3, ruled that the previous ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional and then made up a constitutional right thereof. This proposition would undo all that. Current polls show this to be a very tight, a dead heat even. Keep an eye on this election night.
Initiated Measure 11 in South Dakota. This initiative bans most abortions in South Dakota. This initiative comes on the heels of a 2006 defeat of a similar ban but with no exceptions. This time around they have included exceptions for rape and incest. Current polling shows that SD voters are evenly split right now with split 44-44 with 12% undecided. Planned Parenthood has been pulling out all the stops to defeat this measure. Pray for it and watch it on election night.
Proposal 2 in Michigan. Michigan is one of the only states that prohibits the destruction of embryonic human life for research purposes. Proposal 2 seeks to change that. Proposal 2 would amend the constitution to allow research on leftover IVF babies. The death eaters have been pouring funds into this one as well. Again, polling shows a very tight race on this measure with 46-44 in favor of the measure. Pray, vote, and watch!
Initiative 1000 in Washington State. This initiative would legalize assisted suicide in the state. I am not sure what it is with the Northwest US and suicide, but they are determined. Unfortunately, this initiative looks likely to pass with some recent polls showing 56-38 in favor with 6% too hopeless to care. Other polls however have it closer. This one doesn’t look good, but keep an eye on it election night.
So if things don’t go the right way in the presidential race, there may be some small glimmers of hope left. If things miraculously go our way Tuesday, then some victories here may be the icing on the cake. This being CMR, however, I cannot help but wonder what would happen in the liberal bastion of Washington State if I-1000 passes and Obama loses?. Boy, that could get really ugly, fast.
October 31, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Please pray for SD and the success of Initiated Measure 11. SD Right to Life was not behind the bill- either from not understanding the possibility of incremental measures or because the bill wasn’t their own. The opposition (PP, etc.) is doing a fine job of using conservative arguments on this issue. Prayers through the Holy Family would be great as the patrons of the two diocese are St. Joseph (Sioux Falls) and the Blessed Mother (Rapid City).
October 31, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Please pray for us here in California as well. I fear that if Prop 8 fails, it will be the watershed event that signals the beginning of the end of religious freedom in this country.
November 1, 2008 at 12:43 am
What is it with the Pacific northwest and death? It is the confluence of two powerful forces.
1) If you were to look at a map detailing the concentration of church goers (any religion), the US can be briefly described as, the further you get from Seattle, the more likely it is you attend church. Last I heard, only 1 in 4 respond that they attend religious services. And remember, that includes all of the “pagans” (The real pagans of old I can respect. Neo-pagans remind me of the smurfs religion.)
2) The number one cash crop in the area: marijuana. It’s a bid big BIG deal from northern California to BC. Accepting and being a part of that recreational drug culture addles the already weakened mind.
November 1, 2008 at 1:26 am
Good list! I was going to make one, too.
What about these:
Prop 4 / Sarah’s Law (parental notification) in CA?
Proposition 102 on marriage in AZ?
Personhood amendment in CO? (Not likely to succeed, but still ….)
Might be more I don’t know about.
November 1, 2008 at 3:11 am
Amendment 2 in Florida – marriage as one man & one woman only. Lots of money and scare tactics trying to defeat this as well. 60% is needed to pass it; current numbers have it at 53-56% support.
Keep praying.