Miss USA Pageant

I tend to get myself worked up over political issues and most times get myself in trouble for speaking my mind or not being "politically correct!" I thought about posting this on Facebook, but then thought better of it and decided that I would blog about it since it's my blog and I can write what I want!

So Sunday night Miss California was given what I feel was a loaded political question asked by openly gay internet blogger, Perez Hilton. She was asked what her stance on gay marriage was. She explained that for her she felt that it was to be between a man and a woman and apologized if that offended anyone. She was promptly booed by the audience. Miss California went on to be first runner up leaving many to wonder if her politically charged question was the reason she lost the crown.

Since that night, Miss California has been all over talk shows trying to defend the answer she gave that night. She has been dragged through the mud by the Miss California Director, who only nights before was touting her as the best woman to win. She is being called ignorant, stupid, multiple expletives and is now in jeopardy of losing her Miss California title because she is such an "embarrassement" to the organization.

I don't care what your stance is on this issue, or whether or not you think what she said was right, but how she is being treated now is sickening. I understand that times have changed and the Conservative Right is now the minority and it is not popular to have religious convictions or views, but to be harassed and condemned for your opinion is horrible. Since when is there only one right answer, and one right way to think...come on!

My stomach turns just thinking about where our country is going in this regard. I am proud that we have moved forward as a country in regards to gay and lesbian rights and racism, but at what end? Are the people who have religious beliefs and values no longer relevant and all the sudden ignorant? I am ashamed that we have moved so far forward only to take a HUGE step back in not allowing all Americans to have a right to belief how they want to. We talk about tolerance, respect and equal rights for gays and lesbians, but where is the tolerance and respect for those who oppose those same issues?