Morality in the US Elections

The November 4, 2008 US election is not just an election to vote for the next president, senator, congressman and others. It is also an election to vote on certain ballot measures to confirm or reject certain legislations that have an impact on people's lives or decisions.

What's notable in this election are the moral issues involved in these ballot measures.

• The state of Washington has voted YES to allow doctor assisted suicide for people diagnosed of having less than 6 months to live.
• Michigan voted YES to allow stem cell research under some guidelines.
• Michigan also voted YES to allow medical use of marijuana.
• Maryland voted YES to allow video lottery.
• The states of Colorado and Nebraska voted YES to end affirmative action (legislations designed to help minorities get help on finding jobs, etc.)
• Colorado voted NO on legislations that define as the beginning of life (mainly from the moment the egg and sperm cells meet and fertilize)
• South Dakota and California voted NO on abortion limits. The vote in California is about whether a doctor should notify the parents of a minor who is seeking abortion. The vote in South Dakota restricts abortion to certain cases only (when the mother's life or health is at risk, in cases of rape and for incest where pregnancy is less than 20 weeks).

These measures may prove that the US is liberal and is in the path towards equality for all. However, this is not the case when it comes to gay rights. The states of Arizona, Florida and California has put a ban on gay marriage. (California, one of the most liberal states has ban gay marriage!). Arkansas, on the other hand, put a ban on unmarried couples (including gay couples) from adopting children or being foster parents to children.

This is contradiction of morality. It's ok to kill unborn babies but not to allow two people the benefits of marriage. It is allowed to have doctor assist patients in killing themselves, but not for couples to adopt and provide for a homeless or parentless child.

The election of an African-American in the White House is an indication that the US is moving towards equality for all. But it's still a path. As far as the LGBT is concerned, the US is not there yet.