Histories will of course be written as to how the Obama Presidency was culturally possible. I look to my own feelings for answers.  He won my vote early, but when did he capture my heart? I've voted for plenty of politicians and I really liked some of them - but this is different.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel something close to love for Obama and his family.  It's more than slightly irrational. Symbolism is already threatening to swamp the man and I'm aware of this - but I just can't quit loving the guy, the moment and the hope he represents.  And so, as I blog my way out the door here at KPBS it's time for some soul searching...

Preparing for an appearance on KPBS' "These Days" with Chris McConnell and Chuck Hartley, the topic selection for the program narrowed down to discussing the La Raza conference in San Diego, the gas crisis, and Proposition 2.  Among the producers, the radio program's excellent host Tom Fudge, and the three bloggers, we decided to discuss the Latino vote in general and Proposition 2. 

Although discussing animal cruelty can involve contentious debate, (just check out Chuck's blog and subsequent comments) I started to worry about how the conversation surrounding La Raza would take shape. Would I be asked to defend the organization, which gets a bum rap as being fundamentally divisive? How about my personal reasons for not attending? Would Tom Fudge ask me how a Mexican-American could not attend the conference in good conscience?

I'm a freak. I admit it. For starters, I'm a Republican. I was a virgin when I got married at age 24. I've never touched alcohol or cigarettes in my entire life. I don't swear. I even drive the speed limit (well, most of the time). See, I told you, I'm a freak. At least compared to the world's standards.

I'm also a Christian who had a gay man and a lesbian as two of my bridesmaids at my wedding. No, I didn't make my gay friend wear a bridesmaid's dress. They were two of my dearest friends and I wanted them to be a part of my special day.

I have quite a few gay and lesbian friends who are celebrating California's court ruling allowing them to legally marry. I'm happy for them. I'm thrilled they have found love and that they want to commit themselves and their life to another person. Love is a beautiful thing, BUT. 

Yes, there's a BUT.  At the same time, I also think that legalizing same-sex marriage is going to take us down a slippery slope for several reasons. While California has been celebrating and everyone on this blog has been blissfully applauding homosexual nuptials, I feel like I'm going to rain on everyone's rainbow parade if I say anything but congratulations. There are several concerns I'd like to bring up in order to play Devil's Advocate... or maybe in this case, Heaven's Advocate. 

It is surprisingly difficult to determine what exactly is being protected through opposition to same-sex marriage. Allowing that society, tradition, family values, children and culture are under dire threat if gay marriage is allowed; a fair-minded person might expect a clear rationale as to how the threat manifests itself.

For example, it might be argued that stupid people should not be allowed to marry.

More often than not, they produce stupid children. Stupid people are a drag on the economy, they behave badly in public, they drive poorly when it rains, they are not good listeners, they tell bad jokes, they lead us into stupid wars and they impose their stupid beliefs on others. Society, children and culture suffer when the stupid wed. There is at least a coherent argument against idiot marriages.

Personally, I have no quarrel with imbecilic unions because the pursuit of happiness trumps most other considerations. When the ignoramus meets his match, the bliss doubles by some counts.