I know, everyone has been talking about it already, but I just have a few things I want to say about Maine. First, the good news. We know that 52% of Maine’s general population voted to overturn the law allowing same-sex marriage. But, if you take a look at this story from The Maine Campus, the University of Maine’s student newspaper, you will see a stark contrast and a glimmer of hope for America’s future. Students voted overwhelmingly in support of marriage equality – a full 81% of students voted no on 1. So even though we’ve lost the battle, the war is still ours for the taking if we have patience. While the hate-mongering and lies of the religious right may convince the Baby Boomers, the younger generations aren’t having any of it, and it’s only a matter of time until we have the majority.

Now for the side of me that isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. This story is also absolutely right. We must demand more of our leaders. Where is our charismatic leader whom we helped to elect? Obama made a lot of promises to us during his campaign, and many of those are yet to be addressed. Obama had a chance to really speak out for equality here, and he didn’t. And yes, I know Obama has said that he does not support gay “marriage,” but rather civil unions. But let’s face it, that’s a bunch of bull, and we all know it. Marriage is first and foremost a CIVIL contract, not a religious one. Remember that little phrase, “by the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you (such and such)...?” A bit telling, don’t you think? So suck it up, politicians. It’s time to address marriage equality for what it is: a civil issue, not a religious one. I specifically remember hearing you, Mr. Obama, take an oath declaring to uphold a constitution that protects me from having yours or anyone else’s religious views forced upon me. And isn’t that what’s happening right now in our country? Otherwise, why would it be that organizations such as Focus on the Family are donating $115,000 to fight equality in Maine and spearheading the fight elsewhere? So, please, Obama, if you can’t keep a promise, at least keep an oath.