I wanted to jot down some thoughts on Sean Penn's Oscar acceptance speech a few days ago, but had not had the chance to do so.  It would have been nice to express my thoughts while they were fresh in my mind, but maybe waiting a couple of days works out for the best.

I should start by saying that although I believe Sean Penn is a good actor, and portrays himself as an "activist" in life, many of his actions bother me.  His meeting with President Hugo Chavez from Venezuela to show his disdain for President Bush was one clear example of how Sean is misguided in his attempts to do his part in the world.  Hugo Chavez is a clear dictator in the making - many people are unaware of the actions he is taking to silence opposition in Venezuela and how he has been slowly taking away freedom of speech in that country.  Of importance is that he has no respect for the Catholic Church, and is very closely following in Fidel Castro's footsteps (in my opinion).  For Sean Penn to openly engage Hugo Chavez is just mind-boggling to me, and an insult to the people that are suffering at the hands of this man.

Ok, that being said, I was watching clips of the Academy Awards last weekend.  In those pieces that I saw, one was was Sean Penn's acceptance speech for his portrayal of Harvey Milk - apparently a movie based on true events about a homosexual activist for gay rights.  I have not seen the movie, so I cannot give an opinion as to whether it is accurate or not, or even if it is a good movie or not, nor is my post about that.   

Toward the end of his speech, Sean said the following [I couldn't find the actual transcript, so I typed his speech from the video]:

" For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that way of support.  We've got to have equal rights for everyone. 

And there, and there are these last two things.  I am very, very proud to live in a country that is willing to elect an elegant man president...." [emphasis mine]

I'm sorry, but it bothers me when this man states on national television that I should be ashamed for believing what I do, and passing that belief on to my child.  Since when is it necessary for all of us to agree or else?  Since when is it shameful to believe in God and pass that on to your children?  And since when is it okay to disrespect one group of people while asking for respect for another? 

I have said it before, entertainers like Sean Penn who constantly spit in the faces of those who believe anything different than they do just bother me.  They take people's money and the openly slap their faces [not literally of course]. 

There is no shame in believing that God intended marriage to be between a man and a woman, in fact it is also natural law.  There is no shame in holding steadfast to your beliefs.  My belief in Christ allows me to hold my head high when I proclaim what I believe - it is not easy, but it is worth holding on to my beliefs. 

To Mr. Penn, I would say, you are not asking for equal rights for everyone - you are asking all of those who voted with their conscience on November 4, 2008 to give up their rights. 

Please do not think for a minute that the battle for traditional marriage is over, unfortunately it is ongoing.