Why do voters get to vote on issues relating to Human Rights?

[FrenchieCat]

I don't get it. What am I missing?

So when did the majority get the right to vote on the rights of the minority? That seems to be so against what this country stands for.

Back in the days, when the courts ruled, that was the end of it, regardless as to whether the general population "approved" or not. When the schools were desegregated, people didn't get to vote on whether that would continue or not. But I do know that the country didn't all of the sudden become tolerant, just because the courts had put out a ruling. But still the law stood, regardless. Folks against School desegregation criticized the ruling and many even protested. Others remained steeped in their racism. It took generations to get to where we are today (still not total tolerance, but certainly a large majority) on the issue of race.....but the courts led the way.

As far as I'm concerned, that is what is wrong with all that is happening around the issue of Gay Rights. It seems to me to be a constitutional matter; the right of two adult citizens to pursuit their Happiness. Any issue around Human Rights, including Gay Rights should be restricted as a matter for the courts to rule on, and shouldn't hang on the people's approval or disapproval.

I don't believe that propositions asking citizens to vote on the rights of others should be lawful.

[musette_sf]

1. so if this is how you really feel about human rights

WHY do you support the choice of Warren to act in a ministerial capacity at the inauguration?

Rick Warren led a charge to... get citizens to vote on the rights of others.

[FrenchieCat]

4. Because I believe that examplify tolerance may work in changing hearts and minds......

I understand that people don't just "change" and start believing what you want them to believe, just because you want them to. Sometimes it takes generations to get it done. But I believe that once walls are erected, it takes much longer.

There is a reason that Obama got less votes in states where segregation and conflict between the races is the highest. It is because in those states, although people of both Black and White races live in relative close proximity, but many don't really "know" each other.

Perhaps because I was raised in a different country, and like Obama, I have a White Mother and a Black Father (I'm older than Barack Obama, so yes, my parent's union was illegal in the U.S. at the time that I was born). I also was the only kid in school, apart from my brother, who had brown skin. I know what it is like to be "different" from everyone around you, and not being able to change it. Not being able to blend into the crowd, no matter what.

Unfortunately for others here, I happen to have faith that Obama will end up doing what will overide his choice of Warren, and it will be something that is far more beneficial to all Americans, including the Gay Community....then what Rick Warren has ever said or even done to slow down the progress of Gay Rights.

and so, until I see the inauguration and how it goes down, I'm not as certain as you as to what is going to be told to the nation....but I don't believe that it will end up being what you might suspect. I believe that the entire nation who chooses to tune in will be left with something to think about. In otherwords, I do believe that Obama has a plan that will be more valuable than 100 Rick Warrens.

[Uzybone]

2. Rights should never be voted upon

The only way to get rid of or grant rights is by constitutional amendment. Thats why I'm hoping the Courts strike down Prop 8. Its unconstitutional.

[ddeclue]

3. Hey they are STILL doing this sort of thing over racial discrimination today..

don't think that it's in the past.

The way they do it now is to create "at large" voting districts to add to boards (county commissions, city councils, school boards) to weaken minority representation.

It happened in Osceola County Florida and it required a lawsuit to reverse it.

It happened again THIS election on the Orange County (Orlando) Florida school board initiative to create a DOUBLE voting AT-LARGE school board chair position that raised the number of members from an odd number (7) to even (8) and with two votes, the new school board chair will single handedly decide just about every issue because it will require a 5-2 split among the single member district elected board members to override him (or her).

Ultimately this school board chair position will require 300,000 to 500,000 dollars to win (as opposed to 20 to 40k for a SMD position) and will inevitably go to a rich connected white man (or perhaps a rich connected white woman).

So it's not just the gay community that is being screwed by a "tyranny of the majority", it's other groups too.

The only way to deal with it will be in court.

Doug D.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Agreed that this seems the way that it is being done these days.....

But when did this start? And why is it accepted practice?

[ddeclue]

6. With the VRA and CRA... when these passed Jim Crow had to become more sophisticated

and engage in these sorts of games to get around the laws.

Prior to the Bush administration though, the Justice Dept used to be much more active in stepping on the game players. These days such things are ignored. Hopefully that will change in the Obama Justice Dept.

Doug D.