Hope.

"This is the meaning of [America's] liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father, less than 60 years ago, might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath..."

-- Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

Prop 8

Hi, this is Lyanna for a quick second. It is no secret that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While I may be Mormon, I have many family and friends who are not. And I certainly hope that I have been respectful of their beliefs and decision to not be a member of my church.

With the recent passage of Prop 8 in California, many people have made some incorrect assumptions about me and made rude statements simply based on my religion. Now I guess we can put aside the fact that I no longer live in California and was therefore was unable to vote on Prop 8 for a minute, but I feel that I should take a moment to speak out about the backlash of prop 8. It makes me sad that people think just because I am LDS I automatically voted YES (or would have voted yes) on 8. I personally know a lot of LDS people who didn't vote for that proposition. And if I were in California, I would have voted NO. I think that nobody should have the right to deny a group of individuals rights that they already had. The decision about gay marriage in California was already made before it was on the ballot.

However, the recent reports I have read and heard about all over the United States in regards to the backlash against the mormon church makes me sad. It is in everyone's right to protest (thanks to the constitution), however I wish people were able to do it more respectfully. And I wish I could understand their desire to target the LDS Church. I understand that people claim donations from indvidiuals (not the church) largely contributed to the passage of the propisition. However, just because certain people choose to donate money, doesn't mean that you should protest against any organization that those people belong to. It makes me wonder if Prop 8 had been defeated if everyone who voted against it would be converging on gay and lesbian hangouts and vandalising their property.

I would like to encourage everyone to focus their attention and efforts away from the LDS church and instead taking this issue to Congress. Marriage is a national issue - it crosses state lines and we should stand up and have it be treated as one.

Finally, I think that the church put it best in the following press release issued by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:

"Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism. People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America.

The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing.

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.

We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other."

Anyway I hope that everyone has a good day. And if we disagree, lets agree to disagree and still be friends. =)

November 4, 2008

So this is a bit late but on the 4th was Alan's 25th birthday. The Lee family celebrated by voting (obviously) and then allowing Alan to indulge in all sorts of sweets. The first stop was at the local Starbucks where Ly convinced the clerk to give them free tea instead of the free coffee everyone got for voting. Second stop was Krispy Kreme for Alan's free star shaped sugar and paste filled treat. After Alan managed to collect his share of freebies for voting, the Lees met up with Justin and Kristy for some Chinese food. It was then off to the Lees for an evening of watching the polls come in and enjoying some birthday cheesecake.

When the results became apparent and Obama was named President-elect, Ly and Alan were very excited to say the least. No matter how you voted, you must admit that Nov 4, 2008 was a very historic night in our nation's history...and an evening to not be forgotten for quite a long time.

Here's hoping Obama lives up to all the potential and promises!

Happy Voting Day!

So today is THE day. The day where the fate of our country is decided...at least for the next four years. While this election has certainly unleashed its fair share of mudslinging and scandals, we will certainly be glad when it's all finally over. So everyone, do your civic duty and go out and vote.

Here's hoping the right candidate wins today -- and we can have four years of change. =)

Random Musings

Ly and Alan wanted to drop you all a quick note letting you know that they are alive and well out in DC. Life has been hectic so as soon as they have a few moments they'll fill you in on all the dirty details. For now though here are a few random musings:

1. Alan finally got his BYU diploma in the mail...only it doesn't have his major on it. It says "Bachelor of Science" Poor guy. Did all that hard work in Molecular Bio for nothing. Ly could have used photoshop to create a more professional looking diploma and saved us the stress from last semester.

2. We had an unexpected visitor from Boston for an entire week which was lots of fun. It's always good to see your favorite people.

3. We found out that in a month from today some of our family is coming to visit -- so that's way exciting. We can't wait for the rest of you to come out and play in DC too!

4. We finally went to the National Archives (the place where Ly has been dying to go since we first moved here), yet for some reason it wasn't nearly as cool as Ly thought it would be - and we went home highly disappointed. Although on our way home we did stop and get an ice cream from a street vendor and Ly was seriously almost attacked by a bird carrying a piece of a pretzel. It was traumatic.

5. Palin. Seriously?? There are so many things wrong with her and her ideas that we think we shouldn't even waste our time discussing them. Although Tina Fey's SNL appearance was fantastic.