The Vote

My Dearest Darlings, In the UK the media have decided to focus a lot of their energy on a portly television personality prematurely leaving a show called ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. American celebrities have been engaging the media with something altogether different; the Proposition 8 debacle. Many of you will know nothing of this as it has barely been covered by the British press so allow me to enlighten you: Proposition 8 overrode a decision of the California Supreme Court made earlier in the year that recognised same-sex marriages. The intention of Proposition 8 was to eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry. The campaigns for and against Proposition 8 raised $35.8 million and $37.6 million, respectively, becoming the highest-funded campaign in the country except for the presidential campaigns. The proponents argued for exclusively heterosexual marriage, claiming that failure to change the constitution would require changes to the school curriculum and threaten church tax benefits. The opponents argued that eliminating the rights of any Californian and mandating that one group of people be treated differently from everyone else was unfair and wrong. The voting for ‘Prop 8’ as it became known took place around the same time as the presidential election and as a consequence main stream media appeared to overlook its importance, immediately after the voting there was much controversy regarding the legality of the vote irrespective of this the ballot was passed and same sex marriages are now no longer legally recognised in California which calls into question the ceremonies that have taken place since gay marriage was legalised a few months ago.

Support for the ‘No Campaign’ came from various sources, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie donated $100,000, Stars of TV’s Ugly Betty appeared in a campaign video, even the Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supported the gay cause. Despite the celebrity endorsement the motion passed and celebrity big guns have continued their support, Drew Barrymore (above) attended one of the many marches and demonstrations that have occurred across the US. Darling Drew Barrymore is supporting something she believes in and clearly cares about and what a joy it is to see. As ever the occasional starlet has an ability to add some chutzpa to a cause.

American comedian and actor Wanda Sykes (above) has been encouraged by the debate to speak publicly about her own sexuality for the first time.

One of the many videos on the subject flying around the internet is Keith Olbermann’s (Above), a fascinating and passionate argument chastising the American people for allowing such injustice to occur. Though his delivery is a tad schmaltzy and dramatic I agree wholeheartedly! It seems that the election of a black president may have led Americans to believe that they once again have a modicum of influence on how their country is run.

In Britain the only vote you are concerned with is the vote for your favourite ‘X-Factor’ contestant or ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ celebrity or ‘I’m a celebrity…’ has-been. Whilst precious air time is donated to the rotund John Sergeant leaving a reality show that only the mind numbingly dull have any interest in, stories such as the one unfolding in America are ignored as it seems that you’re just not that interested. Perhaps this collection of videos has spurred you to pay more attention, though I doubt it. If it doesn’t concern you directly you’re probably not that bothered. If your own rights are threatened you may turn your slovenly head to pay slightly more attention to the TV, though it’s unlikely you’ll attend a march or write a letter or even discuss it with a treasured friend. As you’re all dead. Perhaps the few shining examples above have been created by years of leadership by the despicable President Bush. Much was the case with the heinous Thatcher her views so abhorred the intellgencia that political activism became the norm. Now your leader is OK, he’s alright! He’s not doing too badly.

My poor loves, do try and pay attention! today the rights of others are being eroded tomorrow it may be your own.

Much Love As Always Ms Coco LaVerne