Democracy at Work

California had a state-wide referendum on Gay Marriage. This is Democracy at work. The public voted not to allow Gay Marriage. Now, I feel the need to say that I do not live in California. Nor do I have any opinion on this issue - not For and not Against. My key point here is that an election on this issue was held, and, the people have spoken.

So, what happens after the vote?

The lobby for Gay Marriage decided to take their arguments to the Federal Government. Their intention being to force the state of California (or it seems any state) to accept Gay Marriage. What does this say about our democracy? What does this say about America? Doesn't the constitution protect State's Rights to make their own laws?

Americans have a well deserved reputation for "not liking being told what to do". It seems to me that the right way to do this is to allow all states to make their own laws for things like Gay Marriage. That way, an American who feels strongly about a particular issue (like Gay Marriage) can move to a state with a similar ideology.

America is a collection of people with different cultures and beliefs. The strength of our country has always been our diversity. A key component of our diversity has been our ability for States to set their own social standards.

Now, on to the concern. If a State has a referendum on an issue, and the issue is defeated, it is simply not right to try to get the Federal Government to overrule the State's Right to pass laws regarding the issue. The people voted against the issue. What happens to Democracy when the Federal Government overrides the State's Rights? It seem to me that the advocates of the issue would throw Democracy out the window just to have their own way. Give me a break! There was a referendum. The people voted. Live with it, or move to a State whose citizens share your points of view. That is the best thing about America: Diversity.

So, there are two aspects of the issue:

• If we have a vote, is it right to overrule the vote when it does not go the way the minority wanted it to go?
• Should the Federal Government be entitled to overrule the State's Rights, when the State has practiced Democracy by having a referendum?