No on Prop 8

Okay, I hate to politicize my own Mom's wedding, but such are the times we are in.

We are SO PROUD of my Mom (right) and Irene (left) for finally tying the knot last week -- rushing to the altar after a whirlwind engagement of just 28 years. They are different from most newlywed couples in that they already own a home, have raised four kids of their own, are grandmothers, and have a dog named Annie Bones.

Still, until this summer they did not have the same rights or benefits as other Californian couples. Now, because they are legally married, these rights can't be taken from them. But there are still some people who want to take those rights away from other couples by voting yes on Proposition 8. Does this make sense?

Some say "8 ain't Hate", but when you limit the rights of my family, deny that we are equal, and say we shouldn't have access to the same benefits you have -- then, yes, it sure feels like hate. You can believe what you want, but it's never right to try to legislate inequality.

Of course, this marriage could not change our great love and support for my Mom and Irene. And a government stamp does not make their love and life-long commitment any more legitimate than it was in the first place. But as a son, I'm glad to know that at this point the law is on my parents' side, protecting their rights and benefits just as it does those of other people's parents, no matter what some may think about it.

So if you're a Californian, please vote NO on Prop 8 today and support families like ours.