SOUNDING OFF:

As a volunteer who promoted Proposition 8, I spent many nights on street corners with other neighbors and volunteers waving to motorists while proudly displaying our “Yes on 8” signs. I saw the reaction and voices of the public through hand gestures and shouted comments as they drove by.

Proposition 8 supporters honked, waved and gave the thumbs up. Many even stopped to thank us. Those who opposed Proposition 8 also honked while giving a frowned thumbs down.

Then there were many against Proposition 8 who were aggressive and shouted out profanity while flipping us a middle finger.

Those in this group were shouting accusations that we were promoting hate, promoting discrimination, and that we were taking away rights from homosexuals. All the while, we smiled back, waved and even shouted, “Thank you,” when being falsely accused and judged.

The irony was that it was the anti-Proposition 8 people and organizers who generated hate, discrimination and the threat of taking away rights.

Nobody in the Yes on 8 group demonstrated hate against the proposition’s opponents, nor was there any demonstration of hate toward those protesting us. The anti-Proposition 8 organizers attempted to convince the public that Proposition 8 equaled hate, but failed by the attitudes and actions of their demonstrators.

At the heart of No on 8 organizers lies the Human Rights Campaign’s goal to create a “super class” for homosexuals that gives them special rights to promote their agenda. Anyone who speaks against them or holds other views on homosexuality could be accused of discrimination and hate.

Proposition 8 does not threaten to take away homosexual rights. The same civil rights remain in place. Nor is the heterosexual majority asking the gay community to abandon its chosen lifestyle. It is the Human Rights Campaign and pro-homosexual community that is threatening to take away the rights of Americans.

In countless lawsuits across America, those who do not support the homosexual agenda are being sued. It is the God-fearing and heterosexual majority who are being shown hate, discrimination, and their rights slowly being taken away because they do not embrace the concept of the Human Rights Campaign’s super class for a 2% minority.

California has spoken. Not once, but now twice. Californians do not support homosexual marriage. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California courts must take a stand against all lawsuits being threatened against the validity of Proposition 8.

Even President-elect Barack Obama said same-sex marriage should be decided by each state.

The Human Rights Campaign and homosexual community admonishes and embraces Obama, now they must embrace his stance on marriage and accept the freedom of speech and rights that they already have.

RUSS NIEWIAROWSKI lives in Santa Ana Heights.