Calendar For Life 2008 Pro Life Information Abortion Facts

November 5, 2008

Dear Proposition 8 Workers,

Although a few precincts have still not reported all their votes, I am ready to declare victory for Proposition 8. According to the California Secretary of State web site, Yes on 8 has 52.1% of the votes with approximately 95% of the precincts having been counted. The Los Angeles Times has county by county results, which show that in each of the only counties that have not yet fully reported, Proposition 8 leads by a comfortable margin.

I am writing to express my deep gratitude to each of you. I know of the sacrifices you have made. You have worked tirelessly, and faithfully. Some of you have worked through challenging personal circumstances to answer the call to service. Most of you have gone far outside your comfort zones.

What has been accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. When the campaign began, I read an editorial that stated that Proposition 8 was doomed to fail, because its backers were politically inexperienced, and because tolerance for homosexuality had increased since the passage of Proposition 22. The Field Poll, and other polls, showed us consistently trailing, sometimes by as much as 17%. The State Attorney General changed the ballot description of the Proposition, to state that its effect would be to eliminate the right of gay couples to marry. In the early stages of the campaign, before we had gotten our message out, that one change gave the opposition a boost of about 10%.

Our governor, both our U.S. Senators, and many other prominent local, state and national politicians came out in opposition to Proposition 8. The California Teachers Association, PG & E, Google, Yahoo, and other prominent entities made huge donations to the opposition. The editors of the largest newspapers in California opposed Proposition 8.

The opposition carefully framed the issues as being tolerance and denial of basic civil rights, knowing that no one wants be be thought of as intolerant, or opposed to equality. In the face of all this opposition, there were times when victory seemed unlikely, if not impossible. How did Proposition 8 succeed?

First, this was a matter of faith for Proposition 8 supporters. Members of many religions united in their belief that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and they united in prayer seeking Gods blessings upon our efforts.

Second, contrary to that early editorial, we had wise and skillful leadership guiding us in efforts that would be most productive. I was continually amazed at the foresight and responsiveness of the ProtectMarriage coalition leaders.

Third, all of you responded to the invitation to help. The grassroots effort was unprecedented. On Saturdays, when we walked through neighborhoods talking to voters about marriage, I liked to envision the mighty army that was, at that moment, going out all over the State of California. Each of you made vital contributions as part of that army. Be assured that your efforts, and whatever anxiety those efforts may have caused you, are known to God.

Now that the battle has been won, let us reach out in love and friendship to those whose views on this issue differ from our own. Within our congregations are some who have sat quietly, uncomfortable in the knowledge that their personal views on this issue diverge from the position of their church. We need to reach out to them with compassion and understanding, and assure them that we need them, and that they are important to us.

Well done. May God continue to bless you and your families, and may God bless the State of California, and this great nation we love so dearly.

Sincerely, Greg W. Jones [LDS Ventura Stake President]