13 days and counting …

Commentary by Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig

I tried … I really did.
   I tried to sit down and talk with you about something — anything — besides politics and the impending elections in less than two weeks. But there are too many things at stake in 2008, from the selection of our next president to whether or not people of the same sex can legally marry. S
    o for you undecided people, here are my thoughts on some of the issues on this year’s ballot that are getting the most attention.
Prop 2: Standards for confining farm animals.
    In light of recent discoveries of inhuman treatment of farm animals in California, a “yes” vote on this proposition would ensure that veal calves, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow them to stand up, lie down and move around freely. These are living creatures, and no matter what their purpose, they should not be treated cruelly.
Prop 4: Waiting period and parental notification before termination of minor’s pregnancy.
    A “no” vote would prohibit a mandate of parental notification 48 hours in advance of a minor terminating a pregnancy. Now, many parents have a relatively good relationship with their teenage daughters, but there are many young girls who come from homes and situations where alerting a parent of sexual activity, not to mention a pregnancy, may cause more harm than good to the teen. In most cases, if a girl cannot discuss an unplanned pregnancy with her parent, she has other places to go to help her work through her decision, which could even result in her keeping the baby. A“yes” vote may disrupt what is best, long-term, for the young lady.
Prop 5: Nonviolent drug offenses. Sentencing. Parole and rehabilitation.
    The phrase “Just say no” doesn’t refer to what we should be telling persons convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who want a second chance. The people who should be populating our prison systems are violent criminals and those who cause harm to others. There are too many who don’t fall under this category in California state jails and prisons. A“yes” vote would allocate $460 million annually to improve and expand treatment programs for nonviolent drug users and would considerably shorten parole for lesser drug offenses. Give these people help, not time.
Prop 8: Eliminates right of same-sex couples to marry.
    You may believe that a legal marriage is defined only as being between a man and a woman. You may — as some commercials say — “tolerate” gay and lesbian relationships. But what gives a person the right to define the happiness of another when it does not impact their life in any way? A“yes” vote is nothing but discrimination against a group of people who deserve the same civil rights as any other human being. A “yes” vote will not introduce gay marriage into our schools any more than the long battle to legalize civil unions will, as it already is a part of California history. A “yes” vote will not affect churches or clergy on who they choose to marry any more than it will now. Voting “yes” on this proposition won’t sweep the issue under the rug. Remember the women’s and civil rights movements from last century? Any and all attempts to reverse this State Supreme Court ruling are unfair, unnecessary and just plain wrong.
    If my thoughts don’t make you think a little, or you’re still feeling confused, talk to friends, family members or, better yet, talk to someone who will be impacted by any one of these propositions. The worst thing you can do is “go with the flow” or ignore what may be too uncomfortable for you.
    I heard an interesting gospel at mass today. It basically talked about what belongs to government and what belongs to our higher power. The lines between the two have become more blurred in recent years, and we must remember the real reason we are here.
    No matter what laws are passed, what propositions are accepted or which man will serve as our president for the next four to eight years, we must remember that we are only here to serve one. And no matter what you believe in or don’t believe in, the person next to you has that same right.

Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig is an award-winning, professional journalist who resides in Oakland. If you have an individual, organization, issue or other topic that may be of interest to the Globe’s readers, contact her at  talk2mfc@yahoo.com.