Lies and Deception in the Ads

With the deceptive ads going on both sides of all propositional and presidential campaigns, it’s hard to decipher what is true and untrue. So, when the ad campaign concerning California Proposition 8, it was confusing as a viewer to know what the actual facts were. Personally, I have never listened to commercials, but there are many people who do. That is exactly who supporters of Prop 8 target. They target people who don’t bother to find the facts. The advertisers targeted the ignorant and biased individuals to vote in favor to eliminate same sex marriages. And, it worked. The proposition was passed by a 52.5% in favor and 47.5% to oppose.

Proposition 22 and Proposition 8

The Proposition 8 ballot was created in opposition to amend the constitution and overturn the 2000 Proposition 22. Prop 22 was an initiative to prevent same-sex marriages from being recognized by the State of California. The measure was defeated by a wide margin of 61.4% to 38.6%. Oppositionists tried to fight this decision in the California Supreme Court and the decision was upheld in May 15, 2008 and same-sex marriages were finally allowed in California.

Church Donations Affect the Outcome of the Champaign

In the November 4^th, 2008 election, we were faced with the same issue, but with a twist and a different number. This time the church was not separated from the state, it actually had an influential hand in this year’s ballot. This time they raised millions of dollars to get their point across. According to the Mercury News, over $73 million dollars was spent on the ballot. Much of this money was donated from the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” out of Utah. Church organizers encouraged donations from fellow Mormon’s to support in favor of proposition 8. This campaign was seen across all local channels. The ads were deceptive and it was many. Most of the focus on these deceptive ads stated that “same-sex marriage” would be taught in California class rooms. “Field trips” would be taken to watch gay marriage ceremonies. Obviously, this is a false statement. If anyone went to or has children in school today in the State of California, marriage isn’t allowed to be taught in classrooms. Granted, it may be mentioned in history text books, but it is not apart of any teachers curriculum.

First Amendment ignored

Some how the First Amendment “the separation of church and state” was completely ignored in this year’s campaign. As a result of this blatant disregard of the law, this very reason alone may be the undoing of this campaign if it goes to the California Supreme Court. Not only does Prop 8 propose to amend the constitution, it is an attempt to force religious beliefs into our legal system. A lawsuit filed to the California Supreme Court will freeze the passing of the new law amendment until a judge makes a decision. For the time being, Proposition 8 will NOT take affect and same-sex marriages can resume until an official court ruling is met. It may be a few years before anyone will know the results will be.