This election, we are asked to vote on Referendum 74, whether or not to allow same-sex marriage in Washington State. I'm a little offended. I'm offended because civil rights shouldn't be subjected to a vote. If voting on rights were required, as many seem to think appropriate, I have no doubt that even today there would be states in our nation that did not allow blacks to vote. When the Supreme Court ruled that separate but equal is inherently unequal, many southern states had to be brought into compliance through federal intervention, complete with National Guard troops protecting children trying to get an education, or voters attempting to cast their ballots.

So when I see that we are being asked to vote to allow what is a civil right - the right to marry the person you love - I am offended. But if we are being asked to vote on this, let's make sure we are on the right side of ethics and history, and show that the majority of this great state are in favor of civil rights for all, and specifically the right to marry the person you love.

Please join me in voting 'Yes!' on Referendum 74.

Dan Pike

Bellingham