Something on my mind.

As many others may have noticed, Carrie Prejean, our current Ms. California, has been under an extraordinary amount of scrutiny in recent events as a result of her statements on gay-marriage. One of the largest opponents on her case has been Perez Hilton. Before I begin my argument as to why I am a proponent of gay-marriage and homosexual relationships (as she has stated otherwise), I would like to first delve into some issues with their frivolous argument.

I am not a fan of Hilton. Period. The fact that we are entitled the right of free-speech and the freedom of the press in the US does not entitle nor obligate others to exploit it; others like TMZ also fall into this category. Of course there are the select few who still enjoy having their lives posted for the world to see, but surely not everyone in the entertainment business wants to have their lives spread across tabloids and newspapers; nor do they enjoy having a hoard of paparazzi scrutinizing their every movement. Now, to why I disagree with what Hilton did rather than what he does as a profession.

By no means should anyone commit such malicious slander against some one's character because of their beliefs. I don't agree with where Prejean stands on the issue either, but she stated her faith and was attacked for it. Hilton, on the other hand, needs to learn how to control his temper and realize that making snarky, rude comments will get him nowhere when debating over a topic that is still controversial to some. His churlish remarks were uncalled for and ultimately put a disrespectful face to a population. He (mistakenly) became the representative for the gay community which now needs to feel the wakes of his boorish remarks and defend not only their position further, but also their character. Onward.

Prejean really did walk away the victor in the midst of this debacle. Her composure and standing up for her beliefs while knowingly being robbed of the title of Ms. USA is above admirable that the younger generation (and older generations for that matter) should take note of. Oddly enough, this event reminds me of Cassie Bernall. The girl from Columbine High School during the massacre that happened on April 20, 1999; while it may be disputed in recent events, it doesn't deny the impact that it had on our community. Purportedly, she was asked if she believed in God during the incident; when she had replied the affirmative, she was consequently shot.

Prejean's life may not have depended on it, but why is it that in the face of religion, Bernall was forgiven, if not praised, for valiently holding steadfast to her beliefs while the other was verbally abused? My point is this: while I do not agree with Prejean's comments, I admire her decision to stand for what she believes in. I hope that we can all learn a lesson from this. While our values may be challenged in the future, it is infinitely more admirable to stand for what you truely believe in than to compromise your beliefs (be it religious or not) for something so ephemeral as a crown. And to Prejean being a follower of Christ, I pray that God is smiling down on her for making the right deicision and allowing Him to use her.